Credit Points: 22.5
Study Time: 225 Hours

This unit enables you to develop design processes through the application of research, design and creative construction techniques. Set projects will enable you to explore methods of structuring, linking and communicating your ideas to defined practical outcomes, building on skills learnt in the Introduction to Creative Studio Practice unit. You are encouraged to realise an individual approach to fashion design, which will enhance your critical thinking and design analysis through the engagement of design development and finished samples. The project encourages you to integrate and demonstrate your learning over the year into a resolved body of work. That demonstrates a capacity to interpret two dimensional ideas into three dimensional forms with supporting evidence of research.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit: 

• Experimental pattern cutting. 
• Enhanced critical thinking. Increased fabric awareness.
• Enhanced construction techniques. Creative studio practice. 
• Design realisation through product construction. 
• Documentation of integrated studio practice. 
• Reflection through PDP.

Methods of Delivery
Technical demonstrations, individual and group tutorials, studio workshops, educational visits, and critiques.

Aims

A1 To provide research and design work which supports your development of an individual approach to pattern cutting, appropriate to the project brief.
A2 To encourage basic block manipulation and develop pattern cutting skills which explore the creative possibilities within technical construction.
A3 To develop an understanding of fabrics in relation to handling properties, cutting techniques and product construction.
A4 To develop your ability to present and communicate your ideas effectively.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Realise design ideas and concepts into toile's and finished samples.
LO2 Demonstrate an ability to exercise and apply a range of techniques to pattern cutting and garment construction.
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge and creative use of appropriate fabrics/materials in a finished sample.
LO4 Demonstrate effective presentation and communication skills.

Reference Material

Key
Lafuente, Maite (2007). Essential Fashion Illustration Details. Rockport Publishers.
Aldrich, Winifred (2004). Metric pattern cutting. Blackwell Science
Bray, Natalie (2003). Dress pattern designing. Blackwell Science
Campbell, Hilary (2000). Designing patterns: a fresh approach to pattern cutting. Australian ed. Jacaranda Wiley

Recommended
Armstrong, Joseph (2001). Pattern making for fashion design, Longman Higher Education
Bryant, Miche le Wesen and DeMers, Diane (2005). The Spec Manual, Fairchild Publications
Cloake, Dawn (2001). Fashion design on the stand. Batsford