Final Product(s)

After weeks of sampling for Quiltmaking, the set task for this project was to produce a hot water bottle cover. However, after research, I decided to make a children's dress, with hand warmers to fit into the pockets. 

The most successful samples were the crazy patchwork, and the reverse/patch applique, therefore I combined the two with the aim of using this to cover the hot water bottle. I used hand embroidery to connect the patches as it created a more unique feel. The colour composition for the samples were inspired by Christine Mauersberger and Jane La Fazio

Hand Warmer Covers

The dress was inspired by Jennifer Collier, as she mainly uses the shape of the dress to display her work rather than using the dress for functional purposes. 

My 'Fairgound' dress was inspired by the happiness of Blackpool Pleasure Beach combined with the sadness of Belle View... note the contrast in colours. 

Other techniques which were used are; 

-Facing (I made circle facings before making them into Suffolk puffs)

-Suffolk Puffs 

- Rouleau strips (for the shoulder ties)

- Embellisher (Patches onto the crazy patchwork) 

- Piping (this technique really helped to tighten the whole look of the garment, mainly with the pockets, giving a more professional auora) 

Throughout this project I have found certain aspects challenging as the majority of techniques were new to me. However, I feel that I have gained an insight into the world of Quiltmaking, noticing how there aren't really any boundaries like I first thought. 

I feel that I could have been more innovative with drawing references and looked into more images in the first few weeks to kick start some of the ideas that I had later on in the project, as the ideas and initial drawings that I first had weren't really very useful towards the finalisation of the project. However, I am extremely pleased with the final product as I feel it reflects the Fairground theme throughout decades, and is a great representation of the new techniques learnt.