End of Year Evaluation

It seems unbelievable that I have now reached the end of my first year of my FDA course at AUCB, it has gone so fast. I have learnt a great deal of new skills and been introduced to new software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Lectra. All of these software packages are essential for working within the Fashion Industry and I have enjoyed learning and developing my skills within these.
I have also been introduced to new machinery such as the Kansai machine and the industrial Overlocker.
The Kansai Machine gives a very professional finish to an overlocked edge and this machinery became a vital part of the production of my swimsuit. The Kansai machine in our studio room however was very tempermental and would often become unthread during it's use, which proved to be very challenging and frustrating.
The overlocker I found superb and could not fault it, it was very easy to use and it became a favourite of mine.
Lectra I found very interesting and I thought it was a brilliant program, after learning the basic functions it seemed fairly easy to use.

I also discovered an interest that I have for Adobe Illustrator, I had briefly been introduced to this package prior to the course but am now a lot more fluent and aware of the functions of the software and feel that my skills are developing well.

My sewing skills have also developed a huge amount and I have also discovered that I really enjoy the sewing process. I have also enjoyed learning all of the various techniques that we have been introduced to throughout the terms.

Projects - I often find it difficult to start projects as I usually need to plan it mentally before putting it down on paper as I hate doing things wrong. This has been the case in my term projects but I feel that I am improving. I need to push myself to develop ideas on paper and not just in my head as I have been told that I must demonstrate the process of my project development. I feel that I still need to improve within this area.

Buying and Merchandising - I am disappointed at my myself as I was not present at a great deal of these classes and this definitely reflects within my mark.

I am usually a very committed hard worker and I feel that I honestly have not applied myself fully within my first year due to my Music Industry commitments. I have been disappointed with my marks as I know that I could achieve more than I have.
I have now decided to give my full commitment to my Fashion Degree and I know that I need to work hard in the second year to achieve a better result.

I am going to apply myself a great deal more for the coming year, I am going to make an effort to be present at all sessions and manage my private study better.
There will definitely be a huge change within my attitude next year and I am very excited and eager to get 'stuck in'.

I have a lot of design ideas for next year and I am looking forward to putting these in to practise.

The Jacket

I've made a good start to my project, which I'm pleased about. I read up on the history of the 'suit' jacket which was very useful and I put this into my own words in my project. I am now researching the various types of jacket styles, their shape etc. This is very interesting as some of the styles I have never even heard of, so it is definitely broadening my fashion knowledge!