Lariat

The lariat was very easy to  make because it was just rope which I added knots to. To add some decoration,  I wrapped around some blue and green coloured wire and some small shells. This shows my beachcomber theme well, but because of the rope, I think people will think it is quite a cheap product and won't buy it. However, if I made it out of anything else, it wouldn't show my theme well and their would be no point making it as part of this collection.

Product ideas - shape trends

As well as having a shell/beachcombing theme, I also have to look at current themes to see what is in fashion. I looked at a website called WGSN using the college's subscription to find shape trends for bags, scarves and purses. For bag trends, I liked the small box style bags and a slouchy bag with long circular handles which would look good with an all over print.

 Whilst looking at scarf trends I found out about sweater scarves, these are meant to look like you have tied a jumper around your shoulders. Thinking about my theme, I am reminded of fishermen and their gansey jumpers. If I could find some second-hand aran jumpers I could easily manipulate the shape by sewing and picking up and re-knitting stitches.

Another new trend is apparently, the lariat. I think of this as more of a necklace, but it could be easy to incorporate elements of my theme. For example, the lariat itself could be made out of thick rope, the type used on boats, and the embellishments could be shells and pieces of driftwood. Here I have also researched fisherman's knots which I think would add a decorative element as well as keeping the embellishments in place.

Introduction - The First Post!

Hi everyone this is the first post on my new blog all about my last term at college! I only have a few months left to make and finish my products for the end of year show, but luckily I have already done a lot of the hard work. With my first few blogs I will show you all the preparation work I did last term, finding inspiration, sketching initial ideas and making my prototypes.
Just to get you up to date, I am using shells and beach combing as an inspiration to create a range of prints and surface designs on fabric. I am then hoping to create a range of bags and purses that are totally unique  to me and each other as they will all feature found objects. I hope you like my products and enjoy following my creative journey!