One down two to go! I've almost finished my shirt so just my jacket and skirt to finish. I'm really pleased with the way it looks, the only issue I have, however, is the pleat at the bag hangs open, making the shirt look really wide at the bottom as it isn't pulled in and fitted the way it would be without the pleat. To try and solve this i sewed the top couple of inches of the pleat shut as well as sewing the middle section of the pleat half shut. I may still close the lower part completely, leaving just the bottom few inches open. I've been struggling to find buttons that go though. I originally bought some bright orange buttons before I'd actually printed the fabric but they turned out to be too dark. So today, after I'd sewn together my shirt I went into town in search of some replacements. This was pretty frustrating as there was nothing in the exact shade of orange as the print is quite pale. In the end I settled for some cute translucent white buttons with a little dotted impression around the edge.

front placket

space for concealed buttons

collar with printed lining

back pleat with print

So today I've been working on my styling project. For this I need to create a research file  so I wanted to produce a couple of boards using Photoshop. I've been shown a number of times, how to cut out and object to erase backgrounds. However I can never remember how to do it myself. I therefor decided I would make myself a step by step guide to refer to!

step 1: Using the pen tool, carefully draw around the object

Step 2: Unlock the background layer by double clicking on it and selecting OK

Step 3: Right click the path and 'make a selection'

Step 4:  Adjust the feather radius according to how smooth you would like the edges of the image to be

Step 5: Returns to the 'layers' tab and select the layer then 'Add vector mask'

 And there you have it!

So I've finally decided on my print! Inspired by La Rambla. I experimented with various colours but ultimately decided I liked block orange the best.

After constructing my jacket toile I noticed the way the pattern for the pleat had been cut, the seam was quite visible and didn't look as neat as I'd have liked. I therefor decided to change the pattern to extend the back panel moving the seams to inside the pleat.

This is a photo I took a few years ago. Its a similar style to the blurred photos for my styling project.

The latest project I've been set is all about styling and photography. I've been really excited to start shooting and had some strong ideas about the look I wanted to create. I took inspiration from Rihanna's 'Disturbia' video with a dark set and low lighting. I wanted to use a photography technique I've experimented with which creates a blurred image capturing movement. When it came to the shoot I was struggling with getting my model to look creepy without being too posed. It wasn't until towards the end of the shoot that I remembered this technique and it ended up being really effective and created some very atmospheric shots. I attempted to edit a couple myself using photoshop but having absolutely no experience using the program I couldn't get the exact result I was after. I have therefor chosen my favourite photographs and sent them to the photographers I have been working with. they will then edit them and hopefully get them looking great!

As part of my course I am required to do a work placement. Ive been placed designing an outfit for one of the twelve Miss Newcastle finalists which I'm really excited about. the theme this year is Bollywood, in honour of last years winner Vee Sethu. This is a really exciting opportunity and I cant wait to see all the outfits on the night.

When I lived in Leicester, i acquired a few old sari's from a neighbour which I thought had been thrown out. I took a few photos and intend to use these for inspiration for my own design.