Breathe - Workshop 1)

The first bit of problem solving I have to tackle in this part of SDP is creating a workshop on how to create the skirts for the 'Jester' characters. There are 5 skirts to make, a fairly large amount for us to create. Here is an example of a costume with the skirt element...

As a group we looked at the designs, analysed them and began to think of ways to construct bits and pieces used to customise the base costumes. We thought that the collars and the skirts had a fun, wacky patch work quality to them. The skirts looked quite simple, just attached to one side of the base costumes trousers. We all agreed that it would be probably best to use the 'Breathe Club' Wednesday evenings to our advantage for these aspects of the costume due to the amount needed to be made. After speaking with our supervisors it was agreed that the collars and skirts would be done next Wednesday (18th April) as a workshop exercise. I would come up with a workshop session for the skirts.  

The construction of the skirts must be straight forward, quick and easy to make due to our time frame but also baring in mind that some of the volunteers working amongst us will be disabled. After trying a few different techniques to make a patch work skirt the best method I thought and tested was a weaving method. The result looked like this... 

I did it by simply using a combination of trimmings and recycled strips of cut plastic bags. Here is how I did it...

• Pin a selection of trimmings downwards along a length of ribbon. Make sure main ribbon is long. Repeat on second ribbon.
• Machine sew down the two lengths of ribbon so both strips have the trimmings attached. Then machine sew both the main ribbons together so the trimmings criss cross each other.
• Take the first ribbon running lengthways and weave it under and over the ribbons running downwards. Repeat this action with the next ribbon lengths ways but in an opposite weave. Keep alternating the weave pattern until all ribbon lengths are woven.
• Pin the final woven ribbons in place. 
• Add a final ribbon running downwards and machine sew it to the ends to secure the weave. 
• Machine sew length ways along the final woven ribbon.
• Leave the ends of the ribbons/trimmings at different lengths and loose.

It was very simple and fast to construct. It could then either be top stitched to the base costume trousers or attach a channel at the top so could be threaded with a belt. The end result is quite fun/ vibrant and could be then worked into by others with paint etc. breaking it down for a more 'earthy' appearance of the 'Breathers'. I also liked how easy it was to incorporate different types of materials such as fabrics and plastics to create a clash between textures and colours. To me it seems like a good interpretation from the design. My next step is to show the sample to the supervisors and see their response and if its suitable for a workshop.