3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Research & Ideation¶
* Image reference - pinterest
My goal was to create a fabric that could mimic the look of chainmail but also work as a versatile texture, resembling dragon scales or feathers. This adaptable design could add dimension to costumes and other projects, offering a sustainable, reusable approach to creating detailed, armor-like textures.
Ingredients & Recipes¶
This project explores the concept of circular fashion through an open-source approach, focusing on efficient use of materials and innovative design techniques. Below is a detailed account of my process and workflow, from pattern design to assembly.
Process and workflow¶
Step 1: Pattern Design¶
I designed the pattern in Inkscape, drawing inspiration from the texture of dragon scales. To achieve this, I utilized chainmail links as the foundation for the pattern. I customized the links to create varying depths, imitating scales from creatures such as dragons or lizards. This provided a versatile, textured design that could be adapted for different aesthetic effects.
Step 2: Pattern Layout¶
For the layout, I created four different versions to experiment with scale sizes and textures. I prioritized minimizing material waste by carefully arranging the pieces for efficient cutting. The goal was to use as much of the felt as possible without leaving unusable scraps.
Step 1: Material Preparation¶
I positioned the felt on the laser cutter bed to maximize material use and reduce waste. Two types of felt were tested: a thinner one measuring 0.1 cm and a thicker one at 0.5 cm.
Step 2: Cutting Challenges¶
When cutting the thinner felt, I encountered several issues. Its lightweight nature made it prone to slipping on the laser cutter bed, which resulted in uneven cuts. Additionally, the felt’s thinness caused it to almost catch fire during the process, requiring immediate intervention.
The thicker felt presented a different set of challenges. The laser cutter struggled to penetrate the material fully, leaving incomplete cuts. After several attempts, I had to scrap the parts meant for the thicker felt as they were unsuitable for use.
Assembly¶
Step 1: Chainmail Base¶
Assembling the chainmail proved to be a tricky process. However, once completed, the material resembled a knitted fabric, giving the project a unique and dynamic texture.
Step 2: Scale Layering¶
The dragon scale components were significantly harder to assemble due to their intricate design and layering requirements. Despite the difficulty, the final assembly was visually striking and offered a more functional aesthetic. To make the assembly process manageable, I layered the scales directly onto a mannequin, allowing the material to mold to the desired shape and hold its form during construction.
Reflection¶
This project highlights the potential for open-source design in circular fashion. While the assembly process posed challenges, the end result demonstrated the functional and aesthetic potential of combining chainmail-inspired structures with dragon scale patterns. The iterative workflow ensured minimal material waste and provided valuable insights for future improvements in both design and construction methods.