Dissertation research: Monsato Cotton, quality of yarn etc...

Following the entry of my final year at uni (God willing), I began to explore research for my dissertation. Originally, I was inspired by ' Who or what determines the cost of fashion'. I slowly found that my hypothesis was too broad and led to too many external variables which would make it impossible to draw to a close. 

So I decided to link my dissertation to my passion: Knitwear.

Following my placement with the great 'knitwear sculptutor, Alice Palmer'. I found that I was keen to know why after a trip to the local yarn suppliers, 'why yarn is so expensive? Why do we import yarn? '

This led me to consider yarn qualities, how is the value determined, what is the real quality? Weight, How the yarn knits? How I use it as a designer etc? 

Introducing a new hypothesis,

I found myself researching the cultivation of cotton, very interesting. I learnt that ethical issues really empowered me to connect with my inner voice. Proppelling my dissertation for with new information, daily. My research led me to Monsato who 'In 2006, bought Delta &Pineland, A leading producer of cotton seed, so that it now controls a huge share of the cotton seed market'.

The name Monsato when search using search engines was covered in negative commentary quite controversial considering their website values and aims to help support.

Most alarming is that when i type in monsato, up pops the words 'slave trade'  and articles explaining Monsato's involvement in slave trade. 

Please note: My writing merely depicts my research when searching the World Wide Web.

A Indian activist protesting against Monsato is a lady called 

Vandana Shiva Activist and author Dr Vandana Shiva is the founder of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology.

Shiva who really opens peoples eyes, to the things that generally go unnoticed by so many.

Such as how can a company patent a seed when it is a natural resource? 

I shall post more information as i research my dissertation.

Thanks for reading my blog!

My placement with Alice Palmer:

Back blogging...

I have been really really busy working at my placement and developing my upcoming website. I am back now. Return to Ravensbourne university and to the net to turn my hand to some more blogging.  Plus to keep things exciting, I am continuing at my placement on a 1 day, a week basis.

While i was away, I made some prints.... 

Concept- Cracked glass....(Destruction)

Pattern from my 'After Destruction Poses Restoration' development

Pattern from my 'After Destruction Poses Restoration' development

Pattern from my 'After Destruction Poses Restoration' development

Pattern from my 'After Destruction Poses Restoration' development- development inspired by Piet Mondrian

Pattern from my 'After Destruction Poses Restoration' development- development inspired by Piet Mondrian

Advertising & Marketing Project:

My university gave us the marketing and advertising brief to:

• Produce womanswear and photography or illustrations work independently.

Independent outcomes

1. Dress ‘celebrates and embraces diversity of the body, this may include age, size, skin, tone, and height’.
2. CAD flats & Illustrations in colour with fabric samples (photographed everything scanned in and made digital) and technical drawing.
3. submit a short design statement outlining your inspiration and market.

SHORT STATEMENT

My inspiration for this project was Albinism. The term Albinism refers to the inherited condition that affects the melanin production in the body. The symptoms can contrast depending on the person and the amount of melanin. Some people can be sensitive to light (photophobia) or  have problems with their eyesight. I wanted to celebrate albinism as I think that people are beautiful no matter what there skin tone, hair or eye colour.

Following the suns article, i was amazed that all of an asian family were albino's  (according to the Guinness World Records, the 'Parvez family' are the largest) and to understand what their experience with albinism. Please have a look at the suns article- {below}

(http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/4221017/The-worlds-biggest-albino-clan-are-living-in-Coventry.html “ We dislike the term albino as it refers to a disability and we want to be treated like everyone else”.

Emotion intelligence is an awareness and appreciation for everyone. Albinism is one of the groups in some place without that voice in need of awareness and appreciation.  Please follow:

http://www.albinism.org/publications/what_is_albinism.html

What are groups you follow or are passionate about?

Tuesday& Wednesday Evaluation:

Tuesday 8th January 2013 & Wednesday 9th January 2013 

Both days have been a phlethora of hand sewing, mattress stitching, steam blocking, finishing production lines (swing tags, ribbons, presentation & Packaging.

i sure with every fibre of my being that i love, appreciate and i am passionate about knitwear and working within industry as a freelance knitwear designer. Nothing like being put through the motions to see what you really have!

I love it!

back to my website on the weekend!

you cant forget, put your dreams first because only then will it become a reality!

amen

Old Navy Brief:

Got a new brief:

Company: Old navy (American family brand)

http://www.oldnavy.com/

THEME: WE ARE FAMILY!   

Old Navy is known for dressing the American family fashionably + casually – with optimism and a touch of irreverence. We absolutely love our family of customers – Jennie, Mike, and the kids – giving them – ‘Irresistible everyday fashion supplies for the whole family!

DIRECTION: 

• Focus on Spring 2014
• Build on the Heritage of Old Navy – We’re based on ‘jeans + tees’ with new relevance for today.
• ‘Instantly put together ‘throw it on’ happy!’
• ‘Instantly look great, ‘good guy’ ease!’
• Design a collection inspired by Denim, Tee-shirts, and Sweatshirts
• Incorporate Old Navy logos and American icons

Your project should be a mix of classic shapes balanced with updated fashion silhouettes. Lively and youthful with the Old Navy wink!

 ‘Make the familiar new – and ‘the trend understandable.’

COLOUR: Bold, bright, feel-good colour is in the DNA of the brand.

RESEARCH: 

• History of Old Navy (established 1994)
• Relevance of the Jean, Sweatshirt, and T-shirt in American Culture
• Influences of Logo and Graphics in Fashion

So i got to start where i left off on friday-sewing in ends :)

i completed 6 Cap sleeves plus hand sewing using the mattress stitch to define and create the desired shape. I also got half way through mattress stitch sewing another 4, I have tasks for tomorrow. Which is fab! I love coming in and getting on with the tasks.

Sadly! I have no direct photographs in the studio however i will get some photos of the team currently in the studio with me.

Evaluation of my day, I think i have mastered the construction of the desired shape, mattress stitch ( i am certainly able to sew this a lot quicker then last week. I am very pleased as i would love to be able to complete the manufacturing process from start to finish.

I am learning a lot from alice, attention to detail, securing the finish, professional finishings so far to name a few.

Goal: To be able to complete the manufacturing process from start to finish, efficiently.

Till tomorrows update...