week one: geometric thoughts

Geometry is the mathematics of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. The challenge assigned to us in week one was to employ simple geometric forms such as circle and square based shapes to form our design edifice.

Reflecting on my resolved geometric t-shirt I feel as though it has been an imperative element to this 'stretch' component. This design outcome has surprised me in not only the form of my own work but from others within the class. The concept of something so simple like a geometric object being rendered to correspond with the complex figure of the human body was a spontaneous process. It seamed almost forced to ask a two dimensional paper pattern, constructed from basic geometric shape, to contour the body's silhouette and still appear as though it was intended. The way in which the flat pattern translates to the body in a three dimensional structure with volume and drape revealed a side of stretch that I had never predicted. It was natural and soft, without the high intensity that I had typically categorized 'Stretch Generics' to project.

My choice to leave the one arm hole open and raw, with no finish applied came from the inspiration of fellow classmates work. I noticed from the 'changed seams' approach to the t-shirt, that people really challenged conventional finishes, using the available machinery in a novel manner. Not only did I want to trial this 'exposed' look, but I wanted to highlight the contrast between the black cover-stitch border and the matte white cotton . As a result of this the oval arm opening becomes understated, blending in with the body of fabric, placing emphasis on the binding as a visual outline for the original shape of the geometric design. Working with the unexpected throughout this process made me a spectator until the resolution of this garment. This approach of working 'blind' and experimenting with unconventional methods of pattern making has fascinated me, as it is far from my natural routine/process and I wish to develop this further.