SDP Learning Agreement

The project that I have decided to take over the next 9 weeks for SDP is 'The Costume Store'. The project will involve me producing a total of 3 finished garments from different time periods. The garments will be an Edwardian shirt, a Victorian blouse and a pair of full frontal breeches or a waistcoat.

As part of 'The Costume Store' I will also working on the 'Breathe' project. This is linked on from our previous CIC project of 'Battle for the Winds'. The 'Breather's' are inhabitants from the beach of Weymouth in the production of 'Battle for the Winds'. As part of the 'The Costume Store' I will be working with 3^rd year designers to help make and complete the ensemble of costumes used for the production in the summer. The costumes will be constructed from a base costume then reworked into the designs. This will be done over a number of Thursday daytime sessions at uni and during the evening at the 'Breathe Club'.

I decided that as a maker this project would be the most beneficial for me to work on instead of the other options given for a few reasons. There hadn't been a great deal of sewing needed for my previous project in CIC so I felt very inadequate as a maker compared to my fellow students. This project would present me with enough time to practise and refine my construction skills already learn and help to develop them to a higher standard in preparation for next year (level 6).

I also believe that the project will help to boost my confidence and in my work and capability as a maker to work more independently, seeking advice only when 100% necessary. The project is being run just like a professional environment without consistent help on hand. Instead it'll help me to be logical with construction methods, examining the example garments present, examining the patterns, researching construction methods and working with others as a team to produce a finished garment. This will be valuable again for level 6 as I'll have to be much more independent with my work.

Furthermore I see this as an ideal opportunity to help boost my portfolio. As I haven't been involved with many construction projects during my study time this will be an excellent chance to produce a new body of work for my professional portfolio to show potential employers after graduation.

Although the 'Breathe' aspect of the project wasn't originally part of 'The Costume Store' I still believe it'll be beneficial for my development as a costume maker. It's another opportunity to work on a live project and work as a member of a production team similar to the type of work I might expect to endure in industry and in the next year of my degree.

For assessment I'm aiming to produce as part of 'The Costume Store' 3 finished garments of a high standard. The garments will be a Victorian blouse, an 18^th century pie-crust shirt and either a pair of frontal breeches or a period waistcoat. From the 'Breathe' aspect of the project I'm aiming to help rework and create as many garments for the production as possible. Both my work from 'The Costume Store' and 'Breathe' will then be recorded, discussed and reflected upon in my online blog and final written evaluation.