Assignment 1

Week 01:

LESSON OF THE WEEK

This week marked the beginning of the semester and our very first class for this module. Since it was also our first time having class with Dr. Alshaimaa, she began with a short self-introduction and asked us to introduce ourselves as well, so she could remember our names. After this small ice-breaking session, she introduced the overall module and explained the assignments we will be working on throughout the semester. Because the software we will be using is licensed, all assignments and weekly progress tasks can only be completed in class using the university’s facilities.

MISSION OF THE WEEK

As this was only the first week, there were no assignments yet. Instead, we completed the Week 1 weekly task during class. The task was to explore the software Lectra and familiarize ourselves with its tools. Since this was our first time using it, Dr. Alshaimaa also recorded several online sessions on MyTimes to guide us step by step.

Overall, I felt quite excited about this module. It seems interesting, and I think digital pattern-making will be much more convenient than hand-drawn methods. Unlike manual drafting, we won’t need to trace patterns onto mahjong paper or worry about measurement errors and crooked lines. I hope I can learn and master this software well so that I can apply it effectively in my future assignments. 

Week 02:

LESSON OF THE WEEK

To start the class, Ms. briefed us on what we needed to do for this week’s lesson. After that, she allowed us to work on our Week 2 task during the rest of the class. We had to complete this week’s task using MyTimes and by watching the online tutorial videos recorded by Ms.

MISSION OF THE WEEK

This week, we began working on Assignment 1. Since the app we use is licensed, we can only access it in class. Therefore, all of us gave our full focus during class time to complete as much as possible.

The first few tutorial videos we watched were a recap of Week 1’s lesson and an introduction to the tools in the app. Next, we completed a class tutorial task which is to create a T-shirt block exercise by following the presentation slides provided in MyTimes. The process was quite tough, especially during the reshaping part, as it was our first time making a block pattern. There were also no notes to guide us on how curved the lines should be, so we had to estimate everything ourselves.

Lastly, we started Assignment 1 by following a YouTube tutorial provided in MyTimes. This task was more complicated and challenging compared to the class exercise. Since it was our first attempt, I had to slow down the video speed to fully understand the steps. The part I had to redo several times was the curve lines, as they needed to be perfectly smooth, and it required a lot of estimation to get the right pattern.

This week’s work felt quite challenging because the subject focuses more on digital work rather than practical work. It’s important to understand the tools and techniques in the app well to perform better in future assignments. However, I’m glad I managed to complete my tasks on time during class hours, so I won’t have to continue them next week. Finishing early allows me to do final touch-ups or adjustments before submission, which helps avoid a rushed process later on.

Week 03:

LESSON OF THE WEEK

As usual, Ms. gave us a short briefing on what we needed to do this week, which was to complete the tasks provided in MyTimes. Moreover, for Assignment 1, we will continue working on it next week. Lastly, Ms. also reminded us to save all our files not only on the computer but also in our Google Drive. Since none of us saved our work in Google Drive last week, all of our files were lost when the system was renewed. As a result, we had to redo everything. Therefore, Ms. reminded us to always back up our work in Google Drive to avoid having to redo it again next time.

MISSION OF THE WEEK

We had to complete the Week 3 tasks, which required us to follow the skirt exercise and apply new techniques such as seam, cut or marry, and rotate marry. The process of doing this exercise was quite fun for me because I finally got to explore more tools, not just the ones we learned in Week 1 and Week 2. The progress went quite smoothly since the video explained each step clearly. As usual, I personally think that reshaping the curve lines is always the toughest part and takes the most time, as we have to make sure the curves are smooth and at the right angle.

After completing the Week 3 task, I redid the Week 2 task since my previous files were gone. However, I think it was actually a good thing because, last week, when I did the task, I followed the measurements uploaded by Ms. in the group instead of the ones shown in the video. So even if the files were still there, I would still need to redo them. This time, though, it turned out better because I’ve gotten more familiar with the tools in the app and still remember the steps for creating a basic shirt pattern. Hence, I relied less on the tutorial videos and explored more by myself. I believe it’s better to start training ourselves to work independently now, as we may not always have tutorial videos to follow in the future.

Overall, I feel that I’ve improved my skills in using the Lectra app, which I’m really proud of because I’ve never been very interested in computer-related work. However, this module has sparked my interest in it, as the tasks are more enjoyable than I expected. Moreover, I’m looking forward to starting Assignment 1. Since we’re still beginners with this app, I can’t imagine how challenging it will be, but I’m curious to see whether I can handle it this time.

Week 04:

LESSON OF THE WEEK

There was no lecture session this week since we were all fully focused on completing our Assignment 1. Moreover, Ms. extended the submission deadline to Week 5 because most of us hadn’t completed it yet.

MISSION OF THE WEEK

Our main task was to complete Assignment 1 as soon as possible. I aimed to finish my work during Friday’s class since I’ll be going back to my hometown until Wednesday, which would leave me with less time to work on it if I postponed it to next week.

For the overall assignment, I divided the work by separating the sleeve patterns and shirt block patterns. I also experimented with the “marriage” tools, such as assemble and rotate marriage. Overall, it was quite interesting for me, as the more I practiced, the more familiar I became with the tools.

Final outcome:

My overall experience this week was positive, as I finally managed to complete Assignment 1. The process went quite smoothly since we had recorded tutorial videos to guide us through the steps. For the next assignment, we will be working in Maya Mode, and we’ll also begin pattern making for our Fashion Project 2 looks. I’m really looking forward to creating different types of pattern blocks in the next assignment and learning more techniques across different platforms.