TECHNIQUE
39. Hand to Eye
The connection between the mind's eye and the
hands of the designer is easily taken for granted.
This link must be reinforced through conscious
exercise and exploration. If the communication
between the two is fluid, a designer's dexterity
in executing ideas becomes effortless and, after
a time, second nature. Building strong bonds re
quires equal parts artist, architect, and construc
tion worker. It's easy to play to your strengths,
but a good designer will have a clear comprehen
sion of cause and effect in every area.
A stitcher who understands how a pattern is
designed to come together produces better work.
The sequence of construction and detail place
ment will make a big difference in the finish of
the final product.
The quality of a sketch is higher when it benefits
from knowledge of construction techniques
and experience with a wide variety of different
fabrics. Rendering the roll of fabric cut on the
bias has a distinctly different feel than drawing
something cut on the lengthwise grain.
Patternmakers who can visualize how a gar
ment will be sewn will be sure to include the
right information in the pattern they're drafting.
Including well-plac ed notches, the appropriate
seam allowance, or enough ease is essential if
the stitcher is going to be able to do his job well.
A designer should be able to navigate between
visual mode where the imagination and aesthet
ics are paramount, the blueprint phase that
documents and communicates how each design
will be executed, and buildi ng something that re
spects and reflects the original vision and intent.
The more direct the path between the designer's
imagination and the realities of producing it, the
better the work.
84 Fashion Design Essentials
Above: Fashion sketch
of a design by Victoria
Dominguez-8agu
Right: Design by Victoria
Dominguez-8agu
