First Term- construction unit

In my previous studies I have done basic construction work, but not to an industry standards. I was surprised how much I had learnt in a-level didn’t apply to industry. For example I was told that seam allowance should be 1.5cm, but in industry we use a 1cm seam allowance with the exception of hems and the odd seam.
I thoroughly enjoyed doing construction because I got to refresh my memory and develop skills learnt at secondary school and 6th form, but I also got to learn new stitches and skills at an industry level.

I found the time spent with the tutor and the notes given really helpful if I got stuck or forgot how to construct a garment or a stitch. During the lessons as well a number of stitch samples I learnt how to produce high quality garments. I produced a basic bodice, A-line skirt, a pair of shorts and a women’s shirt. With each garment we learnt a new method or how to use a piece of industry machinery.
The bodice was the first garment we produced in class. In order to construct the bodice I had to a number of basic sewing methods; darts, inserting sleeves and hemmed the cuffs. It was simple and easy to construct, which is why the bodice was the first garment produced.
With the skirt we learnt how to insert a waist band and an invisible zip; it was a challenge but enjoyable. I also liked making the shorts. They also had a zip, but had a running fail stitch running down the centre front, centre back and on the inside leg seams, as all them seam join together, I found it difficult and frustrating, but I finally managed to get my head around it.
The shirt was the last garment we made and it tested most construction methods we had learnt through out the term. I made many still mistakes while producing the shirt, which I think was down to pressure; I wanted to make sure the shirt was perfect. I managed to put the darts the wrong way round and insert the sleeves in wrong. But I finally finished it, happy with the final product.

Although I still have a lot more to learn in construction, I know I’m able to produce most garments with what I have learnt so far, and I am confident to start my next project.