Photo Shoot for Athleisure Wear Challenge

Looks as Good In as Out of the Gym

I am thrilled with how this month’s design challenge turned out. To consider a challenge successful I have a few things I look for:

• Did I follow the brief?
• Did I whittle away at my fabric stash?
• Was it a challenge? Did I learn anything new?
• Did the garments turn out as I expected?
• Are the garments well constructed?
• Did I catch the garment at its best in the photo shoot?
• Did I have fun?

via GIPHY

Did I follow the Brief?

Yes, I followed the brief. I created two pieces that I believe can be worn in and out of the gym. I used stretch fabrics that were appropriate for working out.

Did I Whittle Away at My Fabric Stash?

I used five different fabrics for the Athleisure wear outfit, and that does not include the pile of fabric I used during the patternmaking process to make each toile. My husband would say I still have far too much fabric but really, is there such a thing?!?!

Was it a Challenge? Did I Learn Anything New?

This is the first challenge that I have used knit fabric in the designs. Although we created many garments using knit fabric in university, I have to admit to not making any knot garments since I graduated. It is the first time I have used a garment I already own to help create the first draft. The cardigan I used might not have looked anything like the first toile, but I needed it to help me guesstimate where I should draw the lines of the oversized hooded sweatshirt.

Did the Garments Turn Out as I Expected?

I almost departed from my design in my original illustration. I thought I would try lengthening the sleeves of the garment to see if it would look better than my sketch. I did not like how it looked as the extra fabric in the sleeves made the over-sized design seem too heavy. In the end, the garments look almost exactly like the sketches.

Are the Garments Well Constructed?

I forgot how effortless it could be to sew knit fabrics. The garments came together quite quickly. The only thing I would change, and I would have if I had not run out of time before the photo shoot, would be to lengthen the band at the hem. I made the mistake of sewing the band on as if the hem was straight when in has curves. If I had given the band more length and attached it while keeping the curve the hem would have fallen slightly better. I will be doing this in the future because even thought the horse print is quirky I fully intend on wearing this hoodie.

Did I catch the garment at its best in the photo shoot?

I think the photo shoot went really well. In the Periscope broadcast above I discuss not only the challenge but the untouched photos as well. I appreciate the feedback from everyone who watched the broadcast. It made further narrowing down the photos much easier and a lot more fun.

Did I Have Fun?

This had to be the most fun I have had during a photo shoot. The model, photographer, and location were perfect for this month’s design challenge. The model was Vicky McOuatt, a young lady who is as smart, and beautiful as she is athletic. She played rugby on an extremely successful team at Arnprior District High School and now plays at St.Lawrence College. Thank you, Vicky!

Arthur, the photographer, did an amazing job capturing the best of both the model and the clothing.

A special thank you to Jez for the use of his fitness studio, The Training Den. It was the perfect backdrop for the Athleisure photo shoot.

Thanks to Michelle for all her help on the night as well for sourcing the model.