In the initial stages of my novel project, I employed a brainstorming technique using a mind-map to organize my ideas. This allowed me to identify what particular novels stood out to me the most, deciding from children’s books I read when I was younger, along with books that were read in class such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Roald Dahl classics and many more, Since I was unsure at first about what book I could base my project on, I received help from my tutor. Additionally after discussing with my tutor on which book appealed to me mostly, I concluded and chose Coraline.
Here I experimented, creating samples of three different seam stitches on the industrial sewing machine, typically found in various garments.
Closed stitch – This stitch creates a strong, secure, seam that’s perfect for heavier fabrics. It’s great for garments that need durability.
Open stitch – This one is more decorative and allows for some flexibility in the fabric. It’s perfect for lightweight materials and can add a nice touch to the design.
French seam – Known for its neat finish, the French seam is ideal for delicate fabrics. It encases the raw edges, giving a polished look to the garment.
During the sessions in the workshops/ceramics studio I participated in practical activities. This one is often referred to as ‘collage’ or ‘cut-up poetry’. It involves taking text from various sources and rearranging it to create new meaning and artistic expression, which is what I did here. I created a collage by cutting out words from old book pages and arranging them into sentences. I stuck these onto a background I printed off. Although I am unsure of the artist’s name, this technique allows for a unique combination of text and imagery adding depth to the overall piece.
In the fashion studio, progressing further I experimented with more collaging by cutting from magazines, mainly vogue magazines and incorporating my own vision based off my chosen novel onto some of the designs through drawing out what I see fitting in with the garment, but also drawing copies of some of the clothing, getting an accurate idea of how a piece of clothing actually looks on a real person with the right adjustments. Not only was I incorporating my vision of Coraline onto the cut-out images, I was presenting my style in fashion. Moreover I came across difficulties with the layout of the images causing blanks in the double spread page. To solve this problem I annotated each sketch and image, explaining how I drew what I pictured and going into detail about how some of the designs reminded me of Coraline and the way everything contrasted etc.
In another session, I practiced my CAD skills by designing on the computer. Learning how to create 2D and 3D models, which helped us understand the design process better. Using CAD software allows for precision and creativity in our projects, making it easier to visualise our ideas before bringing them to life. However I found it challenging, but I am aware I need more practice to improve my skills. Despite me struggling , It was a good experience and I’m eager to continue learning.
Another activity in the workshop was drawing with oil pastels, in this lesson I drew from real life elements, presented in the middle of the table so everyone could see. I started drawing what was in front of me through my keen observation, attempting to capture the details and the different colours.
During my novel project, I had the unique opportunity to participate in painting tiles. While I wasn’t able to finish them, I still wanted to showcase the process and sketches that inspired the designs. The initial sketches, which are included in my book, represent the first stage of what was meant to be a detailed and colorful tile series.
Although the tiles themselves remain unfinished, I’m excited to share the ideas and concepts behind the designs. These sketches are a part of my broader creative exploration, blending storytelling with visual art. Stay tuned as I continue to bring these concepts to life, whether through future projects or through digital art!
On this page, I created a mood board along with some fabric swatches to make a colour palette just like the previous project which was fear. The mood board inspired by Coraline really helped me visualize the overall theme I wanted. I included a colour palette of fabric swatches that reflect the eerie yet whimsical vibe of the story. The colours I chose are vibrant and dark, capturing the essence of Coraline’s world. This helped me get a clearer idea of how I want to incorporate those elements into my shirt design.
I wrote a short summary about the Coraline book under the image of the book cover, also including a quote from the black cat in Coraline, capturing the theme of wisdom and caution. It emphasizes the importance of being aware of the dangers in Coraline’s other world and adds a layer of intrigue. This makes the quote not just a reflection but a reminder of the lessons Coraline learns along the way. The buttons I added around the cover brings out a fun, thematic touch. It all comes together to create a visually appealing representation of the story.
I gathered research here on a well-known 19th century designer, Vivienne Westwood because I wanted to understand her impact on fashion and culture which ties into my Novel project, but also the fact that her vibe reminisces with Coraline’s personality. Her unique designs and rebellious spirit inspire creativity, and I thought exploring her influence could help me develop the aesthetic and storytelling presentation onto my shirt also impacting my ideas of the different ways I could make my shirt look. I annotated and wrote about what elements on each of her designs reminded me of Coraline, and what was it about her garments that caught my attention, including the image of Vivienne from one of the books I was getting ideas from about her in the college library.
For my novel project, I decided to incorporate sustainability into my creative process, which led me to a mindful purchase: a shirt from Primark. While Primark isn’t always known for sustainability, I was intentional about this purchase—looking for items that would either last long or can be reused/reimagined for future projects.
In a world where fast fashion dominates, I’m exploring how we can make more conscious decisions in our everyday purchases and creative processes. Sustainability isn’t just about buying from specific brands, but about thinking about the lifecycle of items—whether it’s reusing, upcycling, or considering the environmental impact of our choices.
This shirt is more than just a part of my wardrobe; it’s a small step towards being more mindful about what I consume. It’s a nod to a larger theme I’m exploring in my novel—how everyday choices can shape a more sustainable world.
Progressing further I created a sample of a giant fabric button, after being given the idea of creating this from my tutor. I believed this sample could come of great use since I was designing a shirt based off Coraline. The giant fabric button contributes to the whole theme bringing it to life. Here I started off by stitching around the fabric button using straight stitch on the Bernina machine, it was a very close and thick stitch which created a nice outline around the circular shape. Meanwhile before I stitched I filled the button with some wadding for a more fuller appearance.
I added some finishing touches making a cross in the middle so it looks more like a button, furthermore I did some round stitching on the machine too creating a squiggled effect on the sample, along with some sewn on buttons.
During one of the sessions in the fashion studio we sketched out some shirt designs based on our theme, to picture what the garment could look like, I explored the idea of blending fashion with storytelling by sketching out shirt designs inspired by Coraline. This project allowed me to dive deeper into the theme of duality—something central to both Coraline and my own narrative. The designs reflect the contrasts between the real world and the other world, with playful yet eerie elements, which is a hallmark of the Coraline aesthetic.
Each shirt design is an artistic exploration of key themes from the story—whether it’s the symbolic button eyes, the color palette of the other world, or the haunting yet whimsical nature of the characters. Through these designs, I wanted to reflect the way fashion can express elements of storytelling and the mood of a narrative.
By combining my interest in visual art with storytelling, I’m able to explore how characters, worlds, and emotions can be translated through clothing, making it more than just fabric, but a visual language that complements the larger themes in my novel project.
After sketching more shirt designs, I did draw one of the designs with a Coraline head incorporated on it. Moreover I drew inspiration from that one element and decided to bring that idea to life and begin making a Coraline head. I started off by sketching a drawing of Coraline onto a piece of calico fabric.
Moving onto sewing all the details on, I did the stitching over the Christmas holidays, to ensure the stitching process went smoothly I used embroidery hoops for a more eased sewing experience.
The Coraline applique was finished over the Christmas holidays, ending up with a beautiful result. I added a square button for one of Coraline’s eyes evoking a sense of whimsy.
At the beginning of starting the shirt, I decided to stuff the Coraline head with wadding just like the button sample, making it stand out more and to really show off the main part of my design.
After the head was stuffed with wadding, I was thinking about the placement of the head, I came to a decision wanting to have it at the front on the left side. Another thing I was contemplating about was whether to leave the border of calico around Coraline or dispose of it. I pinned it down observing what looked more appealing and I left the border around it because I knew it would be more difficult to sew the head on without the border, considering I struggle on the sewing machines quite often and I have not reached full confidence on the machines.
The head was stitched on, using a Bernina machine with straight stitch similar to the button sample, making a thick outline.
I designed this shirt as a nod to the quirky and mysterious world of Coraline. Just like in the story, where the buttons symbolize the Other World, I wanted to create something that reflects that magic and eerie charm. I used the method of making an anchor stitch before sewing each button, ensuring that the buttons have a tight hold onto the shirt.
The shirt features a collection of colourful buttons, each unique in design, but with a prominent pink theme. Pink is often associated with innocence and comfort, but in the context of Coraline, it can also evoke a sense of something being a little off—a playful contrast to the darker, unsettling undertones of the story. The combination of different button designs gives it a whimsical yet mysterious vibe, reminiscent of the curious and adventurous spirit of Coraline herself
In addition to the buttons, I also added the fabric button sample, which I turned into a pocket. The pink border around the fabric pocket ties in seamlessly with the pink buttons, creating a cohesive look that blends a bit of function with fantasy. The combination of different button designs, along with the pocket detail, gives the shirt a mysterious yet charming vibe, capturing the adventurous spirit of Coraline herself. I also added different kinds of stitching such as zig zag using the Bernina machine onto the border making it more interesting.
To further represent the beauty of Coraline, I sewed on delicate blue flowers, inspired by the magical garden from the Other World. The soft blue blooms contrast beautifully with the pink buttons, creating a balance between light and dark, innocence and mystery. The fabric used for these flowers is not only visually striking but also sustainably sourced, reflecting my commitment to eco-friendly practices. While the fabric was on the pricier side, I believe in investing in high-quality, sustainable materials that contribute to a more mindful approach to fashion.
I also experimented with heat transfer vinyl, at first I made a sample of a few of the different colour vinyl’s using a steam iron pressing the material down, then peeling the extra vinyl off after it cooled, revealing a pearly finished look.
Additionally, I used heat transfer vinyl to add swirling patterns throughout the shirt. The fluid, curving swirls were intentionally chosen to complement the blue flowers, creating a dynamic, cohesive design. The swirling motion brings a sense of movement and adds visual interest, further tying together the playful and mystical elements of the design.
At the back of the shirt, I applied the title “Coraline” using heat transfer vinyl, making it a bold, yet subtle, tribute to the story. The simple typography adds a personal and nostalgic touch, while still fitting seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the shirt.
For the sleeves, I wanted to make a change and decided to modify the full-length sleeves. I carefully began unpicking the stitches attached to the sleeves to rework the fit, but during the process, I made an error by pulling too roughly with the seam ripper, which caused a tear around the armhole.
To ensure both armholes were equal and to correct the issue, I folded the fabric and stitched around the edges using the sewing machine. This alteration gave the shirt a clean, finished look while also adding a bit of character to the overall design.
I incorporated a web design on the back of the shirt. This idea was created by one of my teachers using a laser cutter, adding a subtle yet impactful element that connects to the eerie, spider-like imagery from Coraline. The web brings an extra layer of intrigue and reinforces the sense of mystery that defines the story. each row of the web was sewn down with an anchor stitch so the web was held in place.
To make the shirt more feminine, I altered the fit by slightly enlarging the armholes. This adjustment helped create a softer, more flattering silhouette while maintaining the shirt’s comfortable, relaxed fit. The refined shape adds a touch of elegance while still keeping with the whimsical and mysterious theme of the design.
For the sleeves, I envisioned something puffed out and frilly, but considering the time constraints, I opted for a design that wasn’t a fully closed sleeve. I pattern cut the sleeves, leaving them open for a flowy effect, then stitched around the edges. To refine the shape and smooth out any pen lines from the pattern, I carefully pressed the fabric with a steam iron, which helped create the desired volume and crispness. The result is a playful, airy sleeve that complements the whimsical nature of the design.
The back of the sleeves was made from pink fabric, contrasting beautifully with the other elements of the shirt. This pink fabric ties in with the pink buttons, but its placement on the sleeves adds a fresh contrast, highlighting the playful nature of the design while also bringing a dynamic balance to the shirt’s colour palette.
I pinned small sections of the fabric together to create volume, then sewed along these sections to secure the gathers in place. This technique gave the sleeves a playful, frilled effect, adding more depth to the design. I pressed the fabric with a steam iron, which helped set the frills getting rid of crease lines.
Once the sleeves were completed, I pinned them onto the shirt, placing them on a mannequin to visualize how they would look when sewn onto the body of the shirt. This step helped me ensure that the fit and frill placement looked balanced and cohesive, allowing me to make any necessary adjustments before permanently attaching them.
There was another issue I faced with the shirt, I came to notice that two of the buttons came loose in the middle of the shirt. In order to fix that I redid the anchor stitch for both buttons, stitching through the fabric several times making sure the buttons were sewn on more stronger.
The final result was stunning—everything really corresponded with each other, from the web to the flowers and buttons. I also added buttons around the shoulders of the sleeves to hold the frills up, which helped showcase the pink fabric and add a further dynamic touch. This idea came from my tutor, and it really enhanced the overall design. Overall, I’m extremely happy with how everything turned out, and I’m proud of how the garment captures the ethereal essence of Coraline.
