Today i returned to have another session on the overlocker so i could practice my skills that i learnt last week and also learn the technique for shear and stretchy fabrics. I am glad i did return to practice my skills as when threading up the machine there was one step that i was missing which meant the machine was unable to overlock. Once threading up the machine i showed Maggie what i was doing and she pointed out where i went wrong which was very useful.
Although wanting to practice my skills the main reason i wanted to return was to learn the settings for the shear and stretchy fabrics. This is something Maggie showed me last week; however, the first setting was so complex to learn i felt it best to digest this and then move onto the other settings this week. Overall i am very glad i decided to develop my skills this way as by breaking it down i feel i understand the process a lot better and hopefully it will be easier to remember.
I have now overlocked all of my first set of fabric samples and taken notes and photographs of how the machine is set up so i can refer back to these later. Despite having this set of samples overlocked, i have now ordered more samples so will overlock these when they arrive and then make my final decision of substrates for my collection.
I am now feeling vastly more confident on the overlocker than i was previously; however, i will return once again next monday to practice my skills to ensure i am following the right process and confident for my final samples.
BA Hons Textiles Final Major Project Blog 