Rangahau: Activity #3 – PROPERTIES OF FABRIC | Activity #4 – PATTERN SELECTION | Activity #5 – BODY MEASUREMENTS
What I have done:
- I searched for fabrics suitable for baju kurung and found 5 options: cotton, linen, polyester, silk, & brocade.
- After listing its properties and suitability for the garment, I decided on linen because it is comfortable enough for casual wear but formal enough to be worn for a formal occasion, less expensive than the other options, and it is easier to sew.
- I talked about colour options with Mrs Callard and decided on a light blue baju (top) and a dark blue kain (skirt). She ordered 2.3 meters of fabric each for the 2 colours.
- Mrs Callard has successfully printed out the pattern to scale.
- I taped the pattern pieces together and cut them out in the largest size.
- I then took my measurements: Shoulder – 19.3″, Bust – 37″, Waist – 33.1″, Hip – 41″, 1 Thigh – 34.3″, 2 Thighs – 41″, Thigh length – 19.3″
- According to the pattern, this would mean my size is L.
- I cut out my pattern to size L without removing or cutting out the other sizes, just in case I decide to make a bigger baju.
Images / Documents:
Cotton, linen, polyester, silk, brocade
What properties I want for the fabric, what situation is suitable, and how the fabric suits
WHAT: I want it to be flowy and be able to be used in various weather conditions (keeps me cool in warm temperatures but can be warm in cool temperatures). It should be breathable and not feel suffocating. Relatively soft but durable. Easy to manage.
| FABRIC | PROPERTIES | CHECKLIST |
| Cotton | soft, cool, breathable, absorbent, comfortable, can wrinkle, often combined with other fabrics, odourless | Not flowy, regulates body temperature, breathable, soft, durable, easy to manage |
| Linen | Strong and durable, lasts many years, UV protection, lightweight, evaporates water (including sweat), antibacterial and fungicidal → reduces bad odours, breathable, absorbent | Flowy, regulates body temperature, breathable, soft, durable, easy to manage |
| Polyester | Durable, moisture-resistant, retains its shape, coarse, non-biodegradable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, dries quickly, stain-resistant, strong, flexible, low cost, easy to care for, stains can be hard to remove because of its low absorbancy, static and piling problems | Flowy, doesn’t regulate body temperature, not breathable, not soft, durable, easy to manage |
| Silk | Luxurious texture, natural sheen, breathable, strong, comfortable, durable, soft, smooth, elegant, helps regulate body temperature, highly absorbent without feeling damp, lightweight, thermal regulation, dries quickly, resistant to wrinkles | Flowy, regulates body temperature, breathable, soft, durable, not easy to manage |
| Brocade | known for its raised, often floral or figured designs woven into the fabric during the weaving process
Luxurious, lustrous, durable, stretchy, breathable, lightweight |
Not flowy, doesn’t regulate body temperature, breathable, soft, durable, not easy to manage |
What to do next:
Talk to Miss about which garment will be able to reach the standard, and if it doesn’t, how we can alter it to reach said standard.