S K I N¶

Introducing the first charater of my project - The Skin

D E S I G N¶

R E S E A R C H¶

I N S P I R A T I O N¶

T E S T S¶

S C U L P T I N G¶

Since I wanted a very 'sculpted' bodice, I tried a few different methods of stiffening fabric (cotton) around a mannequinn arm to see how well it would manipulate and hold it's shape.

N O T E

I covered the mannequin arm in plastic cling film to ensure it would keep it clean and that I would be able to take it off after.

1 - F U S I N G

Using a meduim-weight interfacing fusing fabric, bondaweb and selected cotton fabric, I shaped these around

Image showing method (from left to right) - 1 - Wrap interfacing fusing (sticky side up) 2 - Cover layber of bondaweb over 3 - Wrap cotton fabric over & use heat and steam from iron. Take off after

R E S U L T

The fusing did not do what I was hoping to achieve. It holds a shape but it is very delicate. I will not persue with this method.

2 - C O R N S T A R C H

After doing some research online, I discovered cornstarch can be used as a natural stiffener for fabrics.
Some tutorials that I observed DIY Fabric Stiffener with 2 Simple Ingredients and MACRAME - HOMEMADE STIFFENING SPRAY - CORNSTARCH

The general recipe from the tutorials is 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of cold water

I wanted a very stiff mixture so I used a ratio of 2 : 1 (water : cornstarch)

RECIPE
Water (cold) - 180 grams 
Cornstarch   - 90 grams

Add the cornstartch to cold water and stir. 
Heat mixture and stir
Add fabric (backside into mixture)
Let dry

Image showing cornstarch mixture + fabric

3 - B I O _ M A T E R I A L

Inspired by technique in T E X T I L E _ S C A F F O L D week and adapted recipe from B I O _ M A T E R I A L S week

RECIPE
Gelatine (powdered) - 24 grams
Glycerine           - 6  grams
Water               - 120 grams

Heat & mix well
Add fabric + sculpt onto shape
Allow to dry

Image showing comparison of Cornstarch with Gelatine Bio-material (wet)