Week 1 : Task 01: Basic Shirt Detailing Compilation
My second day as a Bachelor of Fashion Design student was as exciting as before. Stepping into the world of design, I feel creative energy surrounding the classroom and course mates that are ready to learn designing for fashion.
Our Tutor aka JR introduced us basic design, such as silhouette, collars, shirt etc. helping us to understand the foundation of designing a shirt, so for our very first assignment for this module would be basic shirt detailing compilation, it is about researching on shirt silhouette, yoke, pocket, collar, sleeve, seams etc.
It was fun but confusing at the same time and given the reason that I am still new on this, I believe it will be clearer for the forwarding class.
Week 2
This week, we focused on analyzing different shirt details compilation work further expand into other elements that are sleeve, hem, placket etc.
This week, we also started learning about the basics of designing on how to turn inspiration into sketches with the basic compilation by using photo room or procreate. We learned that the first step in designing is researching and exploring on app such as Pinterest.
It was fun to research on shirts and more for the first assignment and I’ve learned a lot from it too.
Week 3
Week three was about creativity and sketching. We were tasked with creating 20 initial shirt designs as our second assignment and it can on our first assignment and new ones from Pinterest, giving us to experiment with styles and detailing. Too add on, Mr JR also introduced us to some fabric such as organza silk and cotton voile.
I’m excited to keep on working on my designs and see how my ideas turns out and I’ve gain more skills and knowledge for this subject.
Week 4 : Task 02: Research & Design Construction
As I working on my 20 initial shirt designs, I’ve found myself struggling with designing. Transferring ideas into designs has been more challenging than I expected. Sometimes, an idea feels exciting at first but it doesn’t translate well and I can’t find pictures from Pinterest that suits in my imagination, or it looks similar with other designs I’ve drawn and is frustrating as I’m losing my patience. To solve this, I’ve been experimenting more with silhouettes and layering elements. Instead of focusing on the shirt’s collar or hemline, but not sure if it’s correct but it's still in progress.
Alongside this, assignment of mind mapping was also introduced to us. Mind map 1 is about the information of inspiration the inspiration item of the designs such as building or a bridge, and for mind map 2 was about the designs, message, vision, season etc. Aside mind maps, mood board are also briefly mentioned.
I learned that designing process requires lots of patience and time.
Week 5
After weeks of sketching, Mr JR said to move forward five shirt designs will be selected. This step involved choosing the a subject matter, Narrowing down to just five designs was challenging, and I haven’t quite finished my 20 designs, I’m struggling to move forward with the assignment. Once five designs were selected for our course mates, Mr. JR introduced us to the process of creating technical drawings, detailed illustrations from both front and back.
Mr. JR guided us through each step, showing us how to accurately draw the proportions, pocket placements, and detailing.
Our mood board assignment this week required us to research on fashion editorial pictures that would represent the inspiration or aesthetic of our chosen designs. This assignment helps to emphasize our inspiration and giving context to our designs.
For this, I’ve learned how technical drawings are formed and more information on the mood board assignment.
Week 6 : Task 03: E-Portfolio
This week, Mr. JR provided a focused brief on three essential tools in the design process: mood boards, mind maps, and technical drawings. He emphasized that a mood board is more than a collection of visuals; it’s a narrative tool that defines the inspiration and aesthetic of our designs. By curating images that reflect textures, colors, and themes, we can stay grounded in our creative vision.
For mind maps, he highlighted their value in brainstorming, encouraging us to break down ideas into categories like fabrics, detailing, and functionality. This structured approach helps identify connections and expand on design concepts.
The technical drawing briefing focused on accuracy showing the garment’s front and back views with precise proportions, seam lines, and details. These tools, he explained, ensure a seamless transition from concept to creation, giving us a solid foundation to move forward confidently with our projects.
Week 7
This week was a turning point as my 20 initial shirt designs were finally approved, marking the completion of the first stage of the project. It feels incredibly fulfilling to see my ideas come together after weeks of hard work and refinement.
With the help of Mr. JR, I also finalized my mood board, inspired by a minimalist and timeless color palette of white, cream, black, and grey. These neutral tones reflect a clean and versatile aesthetic, giving my designs a modern, sophisticated edge. The mood board combines visuals textures, contrasts, and shapes, creating a cohesive foundation for my collection.
Mr. JR’s guidance was invaluable in helping me refine both my designs and the mood board, ensuring a consistent vision throughout. I’m excited to move forward, as these will shape the next stages of my design journey.
Week 8ilw
Week 9 : Final Project: THE SHIRT
This week was all about technical drawings, a crucial step in turning creative ideas into tangible designs. With my 20 initial shirt designs approved and the mood board finalized, it was time to focus on accurately illustrating the front and back views of my chosen designs.
Technical drawings require precision, clarity, and attention to detail. Each line, seam, pocket placement, and button must be depicted accurately to ensure the design can be constructed exactly as envisioned. It’s not about creativity here but rather translating the design into a clear, professional blueprint.
This process has been both challenging and rewarding. It pushed me to think practically about the construction of my designs while ensuring they align with the overall aesthetic reflected in my mood board.
Week 10
This week felt like a big step forward as I worked on finalizing my technical drawings. After weeks of sketching and making adjustments, it was finally time to show them to JR to approved. It wasn’t easy every line, seam, button, and detail had to be perfect.
With Mr. JR’s guidance, I revisited a few areas that needed improvement, like proportions and placements. His feedback was incredibly helpful and reminded me of how much thought goes into making a design both functional and beautiful. When my technical drawings were finally approved, I can’t wait to move on to the next phase.
Week 11
This week, I began working on the first test fit for one of my shirt designs. Using basic fabric, I started cutting and assembling the pieces based on my technical drawings. It’s exciting to see my work transition from paper to a physical form, but it’s also a learning process.
I’m still in the middle of construction, carefully checking each step to ensure everything aligns properly. Some areas, like the collar and sleeve attachment, are proving tricky and might need adjustments later.
Week 12
This week, I had to redo my first test fit because it turned out too small. It was a bit disheartening after putting so much effort into it, but it taught me an important lesson about double checking measurements.
I went back to the pattern, made the necessary adjustments, and carefully recut the fabric. Starting over wasn’t easy it felt like taking two steps back but it gave me a chance to fix mistakes and improve the process. As I worked on the new test fit, I felt more confident and determined to make it right this time. Mistakes are part of learning!
Week 13
This week, I began working on my second test fit, using the same fabric as the first attempt. After making adjustments to my pattern based on feedback and mistakes from the initial test, I felt more prepared and determined to get it right this time.
I carefully cut and assembled the fabric, paying close attention to the areas that needed improvement, such as the fit around the collar and sleeves. It was satisfying to see the changes come together and the design starting to take proper shape. The lessons learned from the first test fit really helped streamline the process and gave me more confidence in my skills.
Week 14
This week was intense as I started working on Look 1 and Look 2, cutting the actual fabric for the designs. I traveled back to JB to celebrate Christmas with my family, but I also used the time there to begin cutting fabric.
Determined to keep working, we bought a sewing machine in JB. When I returned to KL on Sunday, time was tight, and I had to buy another sewing machine to keep up. From there, the struggles continued. Look 1’s thread kept breaking, and I had to redo it five times. The same happened with Look 2 After four sleepless days, both looks were finally done, though they’re a bit messy. Still, I’m proud I pushed through! I couldn’t have managed without the support of my tutor guidance Mr. JR and I’m truly grateful.
Reflection
Looking back on these weeks, it’s been an incredible journey filled with both struggles and growth. From sketching 20 designs to creating technical drawings, and finally bringing my designs to life through test fits and actual looks, every step has pushed me to grow as a designer. I’ve faced unexpected challenges, like redoing test fits, losing my key, and juggling deadlines, but these experiences taught me resilience and problem-solving. Sleepless nights and multiple sewing attempts tested my patience, but seeing the final outcomes even if they weren’t perfect was deeply rewarding. This journey also reminded me of the importance of teamwork and support. My classmates’ encouragement and Mr. JR’s guidance were invaluable. More than anything, I’ve learned that mistakes are part of the process, and every challenge brings new lessons. Despite the ups and downs, I’m excited for what’s next.