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Week 3 Research

This week I wanted to focus on researching techniques and advice from experienced doll seamstresses, most of what I found useful were YouTube videos online where creators share their tips like which tools to use and the best methods to faster, cleaner miniature work.

Most of the shared knowledge is mainly to do with using small tools (needles and rulers) to adjust and work your project through the machine, some tips are which materials are best: cotton typically. Also mentioning smaller presser feet for a sewing machine but I do not have a smaller foot, my project will rely on a standard presser foot. A useful tip includes using velcro which is as thin as possible for sew-on usage, which I managed to obtain from my local Spotlight store, where I also sourced cotton material as suggested.

Some notable doll artists can be used an inspiration for my work, some of these artists focus on certain doll brands (Monster High) but I wanted to find some inspiration from Barbie seamstresses as well.

HautePlastic above is an extremely skilled doll dressmaker, their designs are highly inspirational with intricate detail in miniature scale work, working on dolls both smaller and larger than Barbie dolls, giving a wide range of resources to refer to.

Then below, looking at a resource of a doll dressmaker and their journey to choosing that career pathway, I found their doll clothes suitable for my inspiration and for their use of Barbie dolls, similar to the dressmaker linked above this comment.

Also looking below at the fashion paper model templates in order to sketch out the 2D design process and idea for the dress outcome, I found these models but am unable to access the site, I will use them to sketch out the models myself and then draw the dress design over the top.

[moniqsblogs]

Week 2 Journal Research

This journal entry includes pattern research for my first assessment's design project which will be making a barbie doll's dress. The complications involve finding reliable patterns and resources for my own barbie doll's measurements and being able to make the dress fit correctly being on a miniature scale.

The first link attached is a link from Pinterest of 3 free barbie doll dress patterns, the second dress is of most interest with the pattern being below the original link. This pattern provides no instructions, but it does have a ready to print image.

The third link provides a detailed step-by-step process of making a simple barbie dress, this seems easily adjustable to any doll size.

The final link shows the recent Barbie's film's inspired dress which I am drawing inspiration from for the skirt portion of the dress, hoping to replicate that flowy feel in doll form.

[moniqsblogs]

In week 1 of DES105 I learnt about design phases such as inspiration, ideation and implementation and what impact our designs should consider. Successfully took a series of notes which involved viewing the Double and Triple Diamonds and also how to start journaling. What I enjoy about the journaling is the process you can see behind the scenes and how far a design is required to travel to reach its destination. The learning resources provided are all very well-informed pieces and easy to refer back to if necessary. The most relevant part to my lifestyle is the journaling and remembering method phases since I tend to get overwhelmed and confused from not documenting enough of my work. Any questions or topics I want to bring up could possibly be how important our designs have to be, should they have a strong impact and solution on the target audience or can it be something simpler (such as a painting for a house aesthetic) to create? Of course, I would also like to broaden my knowledge on the design methods by viewing the learning materials in depth.