CHAPTER 11: Composite sheet and completed accessory

 

The completed accessory (cuff bracelet) largely followed  the key design elements  described in Chapter 10. However one major modification was made during production. After the beading was completed on the flat surface, and the  external and internal panels were applied to the shaped metal/pelmet vilene support, I decided that there was enough beading already on the item and that more would be overkill. Therefore the idea of adding clustered beads to the gold cord on the edges was dropped. I felt that a simple gold border would be sufficient and more beads  would detract from the impact of the main panel. I think that a heavily beaded edge would be more appropriate if the cuff had  a plainer central panel.

The following photos show the partially completed and completed cuff bracelet (various views, including internal surface), including a picture of it on my arm to show how it fits with its intended purpose.

EVALUATION OF ITEM

How do you feel about the resulting item?

I am pleased with the overall design and visual impact of the piece. I think the colour combination works well and I managed to achieve a brighter result on the painted surface of the final piece compared with the concept samples. This then required careful selection of beads to work with the surface – trying to achieve a balance between the different segments, but allowing some of the underlying painted surface and machine stitching to show through. I also had to decide when enough was enough – hence the change of plan with the beaded edges.

I think the impact of the wavy shape was diluted a bit by the embellishment, but nevertheless I thought it added a nice look to the bracelet on the arm

Is it fit for its purpose - give reasons?

I think the result is suitable for its purpose but could be improved further. The bracelet sits on the arm well and is suitable for evening wear as it is quite glitzy. It is not too heavy and can be adjusted to suit the arm of the wearer. The “baby wipe” fabric used as the base is moderately robust and thus suitable for use in a feature piece like this.

If you were asked to make it again, what changes would you make to the way you designed it and the way you made it?

I really like the idea of these types of bracelets and would like to make more. Whilst I managed to work out a satisfactory bracelet base by using a cut up metal can and pelmet Vilene for this assignment, I think it could be improved to make the base slightly stiffer, yet still flexible . Therefore I would experiment with other materials  and also try out some commercially available blanks (though the shapes are limited). I would like to explore other designs, using more hand stitching and fewer beads on the  main surface and more beads around the edges – there are infinite possibilities.

Specifically, with the current design,  I would have modified the placement of the “spokes” so that I had 3 gold beaded panels, not 2, to achieve a better balance and contrast.

 

COSTING MATERIALS AND RECORDING TIME: MODULE 3

COSTING FOR CONCEPT SAMPLES & FINISHED ITEM: CUFF BRACELET

Papers

Cartridge paper, 8 sheets @ 30c $2.40

Tracing paper, 1m $0.20

Photocopying

Colour mockups, 12 @ 30c each $3.60

Fabrics

White cotton, 0.3m @ $5.50/m $1.65

Purple fabric 0.5 m @ $6.50/m $3.25

Baby wipes- 1/2 packet $2

Paints

Gold, aqua, purple & white Lumiere paint @ $11.75 each

estimated 1/4 jar each $11.75

Acrylic wax - 1 jar $15.50, used 10% $1.55

Threads

Machine threads ,1 aqua and 1 purple, @ $4.35 $8.70

Gold machine thread $9.50, used approx 30% $2.85

Gold silk for couching, 1 reel $10.20. Used 20% $2.04

Gold metallic threads, 2 types @$3.40 each $6.80

Perl threads, 2 @ $3.95 $7.90

Other threads from stash

Beads

Seed beads, 2 packs @ $4 $8.00

Seed beads, 2 packs @ $2 $4.00

Spangles - Mauve $2.00

Spangles - Gold (Colour streams) $2.45

Spangles Purple $2.20

Gold bugle beads $2.00

Aqua "petals" 30c each X26 $7.80

Aqua & Cobalt balls 10c each X 16 $1.60

Gold/pearl buttons $2.40

Other beads from stash

Miscellaneous

Gold braid, 1 metre $3.35

Pelmet Vilene, 0.3m @ $14.50/m $4.35

Sewing/beading needles, 3 @ 55c $1.65

Machine needles, 2@ 65c $1.30

Reference book (Effie Mitrofanis Tassel & Trimmings) $15.00

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TOTAL $112.79

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TIMING

Assessment Piece

Date design work started: 20 June 2011

Date design work completed: 27 September 2011

Date when embroidered item was started: 1 October 2011

Date when embroidered item was finished: 24 November 2011

Total number of hours spent on design work: 23 hours

Total number of hours spent on embroidered piece: 16 hours

Module Work

Chapter	Time Spent (hours)
1	11
2	24
3	16
4	23
5	12
6	13
7	16
8	29
9	12
10	23
11	16
12	11

HEALTH AND SAFFTY CONSIDERATIONS

MODULES ONE TO THREE

Paints, Dyeing Fabrics & Discharge Dyeing

· Wear rubber gloves and protective clothing so skin does not come into contact with paints or dyes

· Protect working surfaces with plastic sheeting or newspaper

· Work in a well ventilated area away from food

· Choose an area which can be cleaned readily in case of spills

· Use utensils and containers reserved only for this purpose, not containers which may be used for food

· When measuring concentrated dyes or powders (dyes or paints), wear a mask suitable for preventing inhalation of dust, mist and fumes (e.g. Australian Standard P2GV)

· Dilute waste solutions with lots of water and dispose of in an appropriate manner

Storage of Dyes and Related Chemicals

· Store chemicals in secure area away from children. Ensure containers are tightly closed and stored in a cool place.

· Ensure all containers are clearly labelled with the contents to avoid mistakes.

Safety of Electrical Items

· Iron: Keep unplugged if not in use. May be stored in cupboard if necessary, when cool.

· Sewing machine: Turn off when not in use and cover to protect from dust.

· Ensure loose cords are secured (e.g. by taping to floor with masking tape) so they are not a potential tripping hazard.

Cutting Implements

· Keep scissors and cutting implements in a dry safe place away from children

· Rotary cutting tool - ensure protective guard is engaged when not being used.

· Cut away from you as much as possible to avoid accidental injury.

· Cutting a metal can - Wear safety glasses/goggles to protect the eyes as small metal pieces can fly off. Wear thick rubber gloves to protect the hands while cutting the tin as the edges may be sharp. Carefully cut the tin with kitchen scissors into a shape a bit larger than required, then use some smaller scissors to cut the rough shape into the final shape you require. Carefully smooth the edges with sandpaper so they are no longer sharp and dangerous. Also use the sandpaper to roughen the flat surface of the metal,

Use of Sewing Machine

· Oil regularly and maintain in accordance with instructions in the manual

· Turn off before clearing jams or changing needles to avoid damaging your fingers

· Keep fingers away from sewing line when operating the machine (e.g. place hands at front and back of work)

Hand stitching, Beading & Machining

· Work in a well lit area

· Pay attention to sitting position so that you do not put undue strain on your neck and shoulders

· Take a break to stretch your neck, shoulders and arms every hour or so, or go for a short walk.

AUTHENTICATION