Category: Z023

In this project, I experimented and learned different manipulation techniques and methods in sewing by creating stuffed objects.

Object 01.

My first object started with two pieces of fabric, one white and one black. I had wanted to initially experiment with darting, but this ended up becoming more of an exploration on tunnels. I chose red as my third color to highlight the special moments and interactions happening within and without.

object 1

This object turned out much larger than I anticipated. I was left with a rather curved form, which was a happy accident. In this, I also learned a bit about binding and restriction. I did not approach this object which much of a vision in mind, at some point I just went with what fabric was hanging on the ends to close it off.

Object 02.

For my second object, I wanted to better refine my tunnels, as in the previous object, I had accidentally left an opening. This object was challenging to figure out in terms of connection and functionality. This resulted in a slightly less systematic process of creation. However, it actually added to the character of the object in that pulling each ball resulted in a different reaction.

object 2

Object 03.

My last object was surprisingly the most difficult to make. Despite it being its original form of a cone, the detailing of the exterior, zipper, and interior posed a big challenge for me. I had a lot of trouble figuring out the logic behind how the red interior would be attached to the rest of the cone, while being able to open and not be exposed when it was unzipped. I think that in the future I would definitely be more cautious about my seam allowances.

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Object 1 – Avocado

For my first object, I decided to recreate a pretty recognizable object. I chose the avocado, since it was composed of irregular shapes and would allow me to experiment with some darting in certain areas. My first version of the avocado, originally, did not use any darting techniques and had a really odd – not avocado looking shape. For my second iteration, which is the one displayed above, I focused on using darting for the seed, as well as for the shell of the avocado. By doing this, I could create more pronounced shapes after stuffing the inflatable, since in my first iteration the lack of darts made the inflatable take a rounder shape. It was challenging using darting techniques on the odd shape of the avocado – however I do like how it came out and think it creates a very nice shell looking shape. In the case of the seed, I think I added way too many darts which led to the seed having a very tall size and not very round as I intended. Overall, this was a great learning experience since I was able to experiment with different techniques and learn from my mistakes.

Object 2 – Gathering

For my second object, I chose to focus on using gathering techniques while using two basic shapes in order to create a unique object. I chose to use two cones and use gathering in order to create a type of crescent shape from the two basic shapes. Gathering proved to be a difficult task, since in the process a ended up breaking the string I was using several times and had to start over. Because of this, I chose to divide my gathering into three sections in order to gather the fabric along more spots while also minimizing how much gathering I would have to redo in case the string broke. I also used a technique I found online which used two straight lines of string which were both used to gather the fabric by pulling on them. At the end, I sewed both tilted cones together to create this new, almost croissant looking shape. Although this was not what I had intended initially, it ended up being one of my favorite pieces since the shape is somewhat mysterious and originates from two very simple shapes being put together. I think it’s also really cool how it looks like two completely different objects whenever its flipped over – since on one side the gathering can be seen while on the other only he general shape.

Object 3 –

For my third object, I decided to experiment with user interaction and how that could be incorporated to change the inflatables shape. I also wanted to experiment with different fabrics and materials so for this object, the only fabric I used was old t-shirts that I had in my closet. This provided vibrant colors as well as different textures on both sides of the object. As for the interactive part, I passed a string through the object and tied two little balls at both of the ends of the string. Pulling on the string would cause the inflatable to sort of shrink and take on a completely different shape. However, the string was not very strong and would continue to break if pulled on a little too hard. This inflatable was a lot of fun to make since I was able to consider human interaction with my object. It was also pretty cool to consider how different t-shirts and the materials they were made out of would affect the way my inflatable felt and looked.