For this project, I had to create a garment utilizing a zero waste pattern. Using only the muslin provided to us, through many trials and tribulations, I was able to produce the Ladybug Wrap-Top. 

My professor provided the book, Zero Waste Patterns by Birgitta Helmersson,

and this was the design that inspired me. I really liked the silhoutte and felt like I could add some fun details to the top. I also chose this design because the thickness of the muslin I had, seemed similar enough to recreate this top.  

I next then had to read the book and understand how to layout the design.

I then made a smaller scale mockup out of drafting paper just to get a feel for how the pattern created the pieces I needed. This was before the challenge!

Using the measurements from the book, I realized that the measurements that were meant for someone of my stature were going to be way too big to put on a piece of paper, so I decided to draft right onto the fabric. However, this was a mistake. 

After I drew the pattern, things were not looking right but I still decided to cut the fabric. And then this is when I realized something in the pattern went wrong. I knew I couldnt reattach the fabric so I had to improvise. Because the garment in it's current state was to my knees and I wanted it to be a top, I had to cut off a lot more fabric than what I was intending for. 

But after I cut it, the show was able to go on and now it was time to sew! First, I bias taped the neck line. Then I overlocked all of the seams. Then I sewed the side seams and the shoulder seams to attach the back and front together. Finally I rolled hemmed the sleeves and bottom to create a finished edge and then edge stitched it. With the garment complete, I was not too happy because the silhoutte was very baggy and had no shape. I thought how could I make this cuter when one of my peers suggested to add polka dots to it. Then I got a second wind of inspiration for this garment!

The silhoutte to me really reminded me of the 60s and mod fashion, so I thought that was a perfect direction for my garment and creative direction. 

Here's some process pictures of the polka dots. I used different sized jars and water bottles to get the perfect circular shape. I initially wanted to do both sides of the top in polka dots, but the combination of the fumes and the drying and working on a completed garment, I decided to just do the front. However, feeling like it was still too boxy, I had to figure out a way to synch it in. Using the extra fabric I had, I decided to make a belt. So I sewed the fabric completely to the back and left the front parts hanging in order to tie it into a bow. Feeling more satisfied it was time for some styling. 

I really wanted to give futuristic mod fashion with my styling choices so what better than 8in platform boots, a mini skirt, vinyl gloves, and silver jewelry. I was trying evoke Judy Jetson and it was not until these images that I was truly happy with my garment. I took these images on my own and edited them myself and was really happy with how it showcased the garment. 

At the conclusion of this project, it brought up the interesting question of was this truly zero waste? For me it was not. In theory you can use the scrap fabric to create other accesories, but I think realistically the scrap would be lying somewhere until you utimately decided to throw it away. Because I had to cut so much material to make it fit me, I ended up with way more waste than I intended.