The process of designing a new Cardigan for a customer Part 2
November 5, 2010 at 12:17 pm 8 comments
Hi All,
Following on from Part 1 this is the next stage in the process of designing a bespoke cardigan for one of our lovely customers.
I came up with three basic alternatives on how the cardi could look based on what my customer and I had discussed previously by email. We discussed it lots more (see the comments at the end of part 1) and have come up with a variation of design number 3.
So I’ve drawn a new version, design 4:-
Let’s see what happens now…
Entry filed under: Building Business, Business, Products. Tags: bespoke, cardigan, design, fashion design, Fleece.
1.
Mary Potts | November 5, 2010 at 12:39 pm
hi sarah
I like this a lot. It is more what I had in my mind but couldn’t quite explain it. I like the idea of a more substantial cross over and the four buttons. It also gives that nice mixture of cardigan and jacket which offers a more flexible usage.
Really pleased with this look.
2.
sarahsfleeces | November 5, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Hey that’s great news! I’ve been wanting to design a smart/casual jacket for myself for some time now so this is a good step in the same direction. I wanted one that would go equally well with a skirt or trousers, like the suit jacket style ones you get that are made out of a felt like material. They’re often down to the hips and with a belt, so maybe that will be my next project! Well after the new quilt cover design another customer’s asked for that is!
Ok I’ve been doing some costing up. I can only do a ‘best guess’ at this point obviously, not having actually made one from start to finish, but they definitely won’t take as long as a jacket as they’ve got zips which are quite labour intensive. Also they’ll take longer than a jumper as they’re much simpler in design. So for the moment I’m going to guesstimate at half way between the two as the cardi’s got a collar and they take a fair bit longer than a standard hem so let’s say for the moment they’ll be £36.99 and if they end up taking less time than I’ve worked out so far then I’ll reimburse you – how does that sound?
Have you decided on a colour yet?
3.
warren | November 5, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Hi Sarah,
I too like the cross over on the front. I assume the drawing is to show the button placement rather than the length of the fleece (I was thinking the fleece would go down to at least thigh length so it doesn’t expose the small of the back when the wearer is seated). Care will be needed on the distance between the two vertical pairs of buttons as it may make the front of the fleece look wide and add pounds to the wearers waist. Perhaps the line in the cut would to give an hour glass appearance without the line being seen to the eye would help this (maybe a small tuck but then that adds another process and cost). Will the front pucker between the vertical pairs of buttons? Would a strategically placed velcro hold the underneath cross over to the front of the fleece and remove the need for functional buttons and also provide exact fitting?
4.
sarahsfleeces | November 11, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Hi Warren,
Thanks for all these good points.
The drawing is to show the height of where the collar would finish as well as the approximate button placement. The length is to be as shown as that’s how Mary would like it. I’ve based it on a cardigan that I already own and this doesn’t expose my back in a normal sitting position that I’m aware of. I could make you your own version after Mary’s one if you liked
I’ll have to wait until the first one is made about the potential of puckering I think. When designing something brand new like this I always make an item to test it all out on first before making the customers’ one.
5.
Mary | November 12, 2010 at 9:45 am
Hi Sarah
The costing up sounds fine and I will go with whatever you feel is right. I am really looking forward to the completed jacket and I think I will stick with Navy for the colour. I think this will work with lots of my clothes and I can always go for another in the future.
6.
sarahsfleeces | November 12, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hi Mary,
Ok navy it is then
Is a size 10 again ok?
Ok the next step is for me to create the pattern itself and make a ‘test’ cardi in the design that we’ve worked out. I’ll do this next week as I’ve always got plenty of navy in as it’s a popular colour. Once I’m happy that the design works I’ll let you know and then when you say it’s ok I’ll send you an invoice via Paypal and we can place an order as normal.
7.
Mary | November 14, 2010 at 3:35 pm
hello Sarah
Yes size 10 it is. I am looking forward to this such a lot and the colder weather is beginning to creep in now – it will be just in time. I shall wait until I hear further from you re: Paypal.
8.
Mary | January 11, 2011 at 3:55 pm
My cardigan has now arrived and fits very well indeed. I think it has been cleverly designed because the style was really complex. The front looks good and there isn’t any gapping at the top. The contrast buttons work well as does the longer length.
I wanted something for a day to day ‘working’ fleece mainly for outdoors with the animals or the garden and this is perfect. It also washes and dries without fuss.
I have suggested to Sarah that she might in time refine some of it to include pockets – simple box ones maybe, or even relook at the lapel area to offer a flatter outline.
For me, I am very happy with my purchase and take my hat off to Sarah for her hard work and effort.
A big thank you from a delighted customer.