Project Wayside

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures about a recent competition I was in for FAMD. It was a fundraiser for our charity this year (We're helping fund well building in Africa), for our organization, and for our student fashion show in the Spring called Threads. It was held at our local "Club" called Wayside.

If you've ever been to the Wayside, it's interesting to say the least. Well interesting for a 99.9% straight bar where sorority girls dance and macho men play pool and drool. I'm mostly kidding but it's not really the ideal place for a 'mo to dancing with his girls without getting mauled outside in the parking lot later (It's happened before).

The competition was based on creating a garment from a men's large or larger sized t-shirt. We had an rough to construct this garment after 15 minutes of sketching.

I knew my model was going to be on the very petite side (I heart Steph). I consulted with her the night before to get some ideas. We knew it was at least going to be off the shoulder. So I took one of my old pajamma shirts (From my fatter days) and tested out some ideas:

 

I knew I wanted a draped effect and then I had an idea - I wanted to incorporate dyeing to my garment. I knew I would DEFINITELY not have enough time for dyeing. Not to mention I have barely any experience with dyeing fabric. Then while going back into my room to get something I saw something that I do know how to use - Watercolor paint. I just didn't know how it would take to paint so I tried it out (See the pictures above, I played with brush strokes and a stencil). Then I developed an idea for the final product.

My friends and I arrived at the Wayside a bit early. I was glad to have them for support during this competition. They're fabulous peeps and I appreciate them a lot.

Upon setting up, I discovered that I was given a male's 3XL white tshirt to convert into my garment. I knew I had my work cut out for me because of the size of my model. I'm glad I did her hair and makeup before going to the event. Cosmetology School was definitely a great investment and I'm glad I graduated from a great program. It pays for itself ALL the time.

Note the size of the shirt and my model (She has her arms folded inside the shirt), hahaha:

I did a quick sketch of what I was planning to do during the fifteen minutes given to us for it:

(Not a great sketch but I only had so much time :P)

Then we were finally given the green flag to start creating our garment. I started first with my painting. I had decided on doing a rainbow coming out of a dark cloud. This was mostly because my designer number was #6 and there are six colors in the rainbow. Plus I thought the Wayside could use some fabulous. However, I was told that my number was now #2 so that sort of blew my plans.

Step 1: Painting

I had decided on doing a rainbow coming out of a dark cloud. This was mostly because my designer number was #6 and there are six colors in the rainbow. Plus I thought the Wayside could use some fabulous. However, I was told that my number was now #2 so that sort of blew my plans. I had to write my number on the side instead.

I painted the inside of the shirt as well because I wanted some of the inside seams to be used to create an unfinished look.

Step 2: Drying

I had my blow dryer packed but there proved to be a lack of plug ins to use. I decided to use the hand dryers in the men's bathroom.. Only to find out that it was broken which is pretty disgusting to know that none of them dry their hands (Much less wash them). My model and I proceed to go into the girls' bathroom to use the one in there. I asked the girls standing in there if it was alright and they were all about having me in there with them. It was hysterical and turned into a big social gathering as 20 girls stood around talking to me while I dried my garment.

Step 3: Construction

I cut all the edges of the garment with pinking shears to ensure a rough but finished edge, which is what I wanted anyways. I wanted a little bit of a punk vibe. After the garment was dried, I turned right side out and began working. I cut the angle from the shoulder point and to the back. A few of my friends helped me by holding stuff while I ran around getting things I needed from my "Tool Bag."

I remember at one point I was getting towards the bottom of my new side seam when my friend, Alissa, walked by to announce we had about five minutes. I kicked it into high gear after hearing her because I still had to go back into the bathroom with Step, flip the shirt back out, and then put it on her before the runway.

I definitely felt some Project Runway pressure going on at that point. I managed to finish sewing, get Steph changed, and back on time.

Step 4: Runway and Coin Collecting

I was pretty proud of the finished product and my model (She's not shy but she was nervous). After the runway show, we had to go around and collect coins in our coin jug. The more coins we collected the better since it would determine who would win. We collected quite a bit of money. Some loved what I did and some guys said it wasn't "Slutty enough." Pssh. After collecting coins, Steph and I took some photos of the finished product.

Step 5: Photoshoot

I love how the black and grey tones made a smokey image on the fabric. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I got #2 place and that's fine because I like that I displayed who I am as a designer. Plus it fit Steph rather nicely for handsewing and basic construction. I just wanted something that did not look like a tshirt by the time I was done. I feel I accomplished this goal.

We ended up raising $430 for our Charity and that is also a bonus for having participated in the event.

~Jason