Mock Project III – SS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

The Mock Project is the final stage of your SS3 Fashion and Garment Making work. You check the garment at a final fitting, fix any fit problems, present it neatly with a label, price tag and hanger, and support it with a portfolio. Then you answer the examiners’ questions in a project defence.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• carry out a final fitting and say what to check for;
• correct common fit problems such as a gaping neckline, pulling at the bust and an uneven hem;
• present a garment neatly with a label, price tag, hanger and garment bag;
• list the items that belong in a project portfolio;
• answer examiners’ questions about their work with honesty and confidence.

What is the final fitting?

The final fitting is the last time the customer (or model) wears the garment before it is officially finished. Even if you followed the measurements perfectly, the body moves, so small adjustments might be needed.

What should you look for?

• The “hollow” back: Check if the fabric is bunching up at the small of the back. You might need to deepen the back darts.
• The armhole: Can the person move their arms freely? If it is too tight, trim the curve slightly.
• The length: Does the hem skim the floor, or is it dragging? If the person will wear heels, make sure the dress allows for that.

What is the walk test?

Ask your model to walk, sit and raise their arms. If the zip looks like it is about to burst when they sit, you need to let out the side seams.

How do you fix common fit problems?

Do not panic if something is not perfect. Most fitting issues have a simple fix.

How should you package the project?

When you present your project, it should not look as if it just came out of a laundry basket. Presentation is 50% of your grade.

How do you brand your work?

• Even for a school project, create a small label. It can be a piece of ribbon with your brand name written neatly. Stitch it into the back neck.
• Create a price tag. Even if you are not selling the garment, a tag showing its “value” makes the project look serious.

Which hanger and bag should you use?

• Do not use a cheap, thin wire hanger. Use a sturdy plastic or wooden one so the shoulders do not get dents.
• If possible, put the garment in a clear garment bag. It protects the fabric from dust and oil on the way to school.

What goes into the project portfolio?

The examiners want to see your “workings”. You should have a neat folder that accompanies your garment. It should contain:

1. The sketch: Your original design from Project I.
2. Fabric samples: Small swatches of the main fabric and the lining.
3. The costing sheet: A clear breakdown of every kobo you spent.
4. Before and during photos: Pictures of you cutting the fabric or sitting at the machine. These show that you did the work yourself.

Teacher’s tip: Keep your portfolio clean. Avoid oil stains and messy handwriting, and use a clear file folder.

How do you handle the project defence?

When the examiner looks at your work, they might ask you questions. This is called your project defence.

Be honest and confident

• If they ask, “Why did you use this seam?”, tell them why. For example: “I used a French seam because the fabric is thin and I wanted it to be neat inside.”
• If there is a mistake you could not fix, admit it and explain what you learned. Examiners respect students who know their own weaknesses.

Show your finishing

• Turn the dress inside out to show your neat overlocking or hand-sewn hem. That is where the marks are.

Present yourself well

• Presentation covers the tailor as well as the cloth. Stand tall, dress neatly and be proud of what you have created.

Evaluation

1. What is a final fitting, and why is it done even when the measurements were correct?
2. State two things to check at a final fitting and the adjustment for each.
3. How would you fix a gaping neckline and pulling at the bust?
4. List the four items that should be in your project portfolio.
5. Give two things you should do when an examiner asks you about your work.

Assignment

Write a short answer, in your own words, that you could give an examiner to explain one seam or finishing choice you made in your project. Then list the items you will place in your portfolio folder.