Rib Knitting

Learning how to rib knit. I had this in mid for hem bands for knitted garments.

Ribbing gone wrong, did not cast on with pearl,knit,pearl etc

Success! single rows. I can image this one being used as waist band etc with elastic inside.

Double row rib, but muched up top and bottom

French Kniting

Last night I remembered a child hood Hobie of mine, French Knitting! Where you would usually have a Spool with four spokes at one end which you would wind the yarn around and loop which would create a tube knit! You can put as many spokes as you like too!. Unfortunately I didn't have a Spare spool or nails to make a working contraption so I just tried using my fingers which produced a loose knit , then I tried making a shoddy contraption but because the centre hole was quite big and the spokes where paint brush sticks it didn't produce a tighter knit.

This gave me the idea of possibly doing knitted intimates or taking the tubular knit together to create a fabric surface!

Making 1920's Turban inspired hat

Using the double layered cotton knit I recently purchased I tried to remake a hat of mine that I think will be perfect for the collection as it is casual, warm and 1920's oriental inspired.

Design details of original turban.

Making process.

First trying it on, too loose around edge so am sharpening curve as reduce circumference.

Fixed.

In all I was really please about how it turned out. I think its good as it has a sense of style and era about it while still remaining very simple and neutral. I think If I was to hem this again I would use cover stitch over lock as this would give a clean, quick finish. I would also reduce the circumference a little more so it was tighter.

More Felting

I purchased some more wool offline only to find it is short stable and definitely not ideal for felting, but alas I am a broke student and have to make do.

I tried a new way of felting by which you lay the fibres in different directions in layers, sandwich between two pieces of fabric and tack. The you use the boiling water, soap and scrubbing method again.

   




  

 Laying felt, final felt and the tacking process before washing.



Stitched felt and plain felt

Ideas for application

Light through felts.

I was very please that the felting worked out but because it was done with such short fibres it caused it to be a little itchy and not as strong as it would have been with long fibres. I applied stitching to add a visual effect and link back to my previous fabric and also add strength. 

Finished Garter Corset and Stockings

Please excuse the ass and slight nudity thing going on but its hard to avoid when making lingerie/intimates.
Unfortunately I have not yet made knickers that would be appropriate for this combo. I do love the way these two go together and am really happy how my first boned corset turned out! with the detachable tights it means that different tights can be chosen to coordinate with the corset.
The yarn ties add a femine 
I think the corset is a perfect additionial piece for my collection as it adds a bit of structure to the comfortable and loose collection, plus a bit of sex appeal while still retaining a casual and practical use. The socks/stockings are quite plain and not feminie and serve a pratical purpose of warmth.


Front.



Back.

Thigh High socks

Last night (Saturday) I decided to try and make some socks! I wanted them to be able to be attached to the corset so added I added loops at the top, attaching them also stopped the socks slipping down as they are not very stretchy.

I would have liked to sew them with a rolled edge over lock as this is a quick, cheap and efficient way of sewing them but the university doesn't have one :( Instead I finished them with a french seam which is usually more for sheer delicate fabrics but worked just as well (although there was a little bulk created).The cotton fabric is very warm and feels good on the skin.

pinning on me cause I got no other way!

Unfolded pattern unusual shape! ha

Cleaned up pattern and doubled.

French seams but would use rolled over lock for mass production.

Upturned and tacked sock ends.

Final socks/tights

Also tested out putting hole into this knit, It didn't cause the fabric to warp dramatically which is great. Also tried stitching edge. If I make more stockings I think I would like to explore putting holes into them like I did in my original sketches.

Making a Corset

From Thursday last week I have been making a waist corset/garter belt. I had never worked with boning before and did not have a pattern! I was really happy with the end result but there were many mistakes and alterations that needed to be made on the way which isn't surprising!

Stage 1. Pattern making

measuring body and plotting panel measurements

Panels, front and back are symmetrical and side panels also.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Stage 2. Sewing up

After adding boning I could tell that there was still a lot of excess fabric at the top on either side.

The peak at the front would not stay up so I added two more boning panels which also helped to add structure at the front, thus having a flattering affect.

   Cutting down boning to sizes and covering ends.

 Final fit. I then made some fabric using method and materials like in past assignment (De-solvable fabric, cotton thread, wool) and made a frill trim.

After these photos the elastic garter straps were added with wool yarn for tying on to stockings at the ends. I was very please at how it turned out! I think the web fabric and raw calico edges added a whimsical old aspect to it. Will post picture on form soon.