3 months.

Now that the short course is over, I can finally blog about my whole three-month experience which is just the beginning of the new path I am embarking on. 

People may be wondering, why the sudden change? Well, two major events that happened for the past two years ever since I returned to Singapore for good sparked off this decision. At first, I just toyed with the idea and did not think much about it. I took sketching as a hobby and never thought I would be capable enough in designing, let alone producing my own garments. If I were to look back at my very first proper sketchbook, I am sure I will be amazed at how far I've come. 

December 2012 came and a particular event happened which made me think again about my direction and what I wanted to achieve in life. At times, I wonder why me? Why can't things just fall into place and be settled. There must be a reason for all these happenings. And then I thought to myself, honestly, for a long time, even before I graduated, I knew climbing the so-called corporate ladder wasn't my goal. Neither was making tons of money. I just wanted to have a job that I love and really enjoy doing. It was difficult, especially when parents have set certain expectations for you right from the start. But if I don't try now, then when? I knew that if I were to continue searching for whatever it is, around the same place, the whole cycle might start again and what is the point, really? Maybe it was time for me to accept the fact that I am just not meant to be there. If there's one thing I've learnt, stop comparing yourself to other people. There is no wrong in doing something different. 

I went ahead with my research on short courses that I could take and came across one from TaFtc. It was really tough convincing my dad that this was what I wanted. Thinking back about that particular day, I really didn't know how I managed to master my courage in telling my parents the truth about what happened and what I wanted to do next. Thanks to my mom though, my dad finally relented and I went on to pursue the course. 

The moment I started and till now, I enjoyed every single minute of it. Of course, there was the extremely difficult and trying moments, such as my first sewing module. Remember the one where I sewed a t-shirt and a pair of shorts?  I thought I was going to fail and I was really worried about the other two sewing modules that I was going to take. But thankfully all it did was that first module for me to overcome the fear of the machines and its speed.

A major misconception that many people may have is that I am taking a sewing course. Maybe because  most of my posts are related to sewing. But truth is, I've learnt about creating and managing a fashion brand, textiles, production drawing, Illustrator (all smiles for this one), fit and alteration, pattern-making,   designing, creating my own collection, and even merchandising. All very valuable takeaways that will be useful for me should I decide to start up my own label. Three months ago, I knew zilch about sewing, I couldn't even draw on Illustrator, I didn't exactly know what on earth was a technical sketch, obviously I got my textiles all wrong, but now..

So it all came down to this. A 5-piece womens RTW collection for SS14. Theme - Oriental Chic. As you can guess from the title, it is very Asian. I've made up my mind that if I were to start my own label, this would be my direction. There's just so many ways to go about it and I'm very intrigued by the many possible Asian inspired themes.

My first toile. 

My second toile after some alterations to the measurements.

Checking it whether it all fits.

The outcome. Fabric used were taffeta (dress) and Chinese brocade (peplum).

My boards and preliminary sketches.

The following pictures are of me and my coursemates. The journey would not have been smooth-sailing without them!

Tomorrow, I will be starting on my two-month internship with a local designer. You never know what life will bring on next. For now, I will just have to go with the flow and enjoy the ride.