3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Nadia Attmore-Cover Art
Theme: Structure, Function, and the body as a blueprint.
Research & Ideation¶
In week 3, we were introduced to modular design as a method to produce forms that repeat and adapt using systemic logic. We explored how geometry might link and help construct systems through repetition instead of creating one single thing.
During my research I was particularly interested in joint designs that are modular and anatomical connections that are related to the human spine. The spine is an engineering system of dependent connections, posture, strength, and flexibility despite its apparent simplicity. I chose to construct a functional prototype of the spine in an abstract sense for this project emphasizing the interlocking movement and connection just as the spine.
References & Inspiration¶
My idea was based on Anatomy using the spine as a metaphor and an architectural structure.
The body is physically held up right by the spine in the same way, creativity depends on structure and support. The body and a design cannot operate without a structure. Instead of viewing the spine as an exact replica I wanted to rethink it as a system of links to how each piece is dependent on the one before.
This embodies my own design philosophy, which emphasizes that fashion is the result of a series of choices, adjustments, and discoveries.
Left- Paper view Right- Digital View
Tools¶
- Laser cutter
- Paper
- Leather
- Hot glue
Process and workflow¶
I created a system consisting of two shapes. An arrow shaped insert and a connector in the shape of a box with a circular cutout. Every arrow can pass through the previous model circular hole. The connection uses geometry and doesn't require any adhesives. The parts were laser cut as well.
The center of the Box forms the inner circular scraps made from leather. I repurposed the cutouts reducing waste where I then glued the circle cut outs from the connector hose to the outsides of each box rather than throwing them away adding more dimension to my design. By doing this it provided two different functions such as decreasing waste and adding a texture that mimicked the vertebrae transverse on a human spine.
By passing the arrow through each insert through the circle, each segment interlocked with the next creating a continuous chain of flexibility.
File Preparation:¶
Step 1 is to design or edit your pattern using one of these softwares
• Illustrator •Inkscape (free) •Designer of Affinity •Rhino / Fusion / Blender → output as 2D curves
Make sure everything you want the laser to cut is a stroke-only line, with:
No fill color
Stroke weight = 0.001–0.003 pt (hairline)
Step 2 is to create an SVG from your file, because it maintains smooth vector lines, & SVG is the industry standard.
How to Export SVG (Illustrator) • Go to file →save as • Choose SVG (.svg) In the pop-up menu: •SVG Profiles: SVG 1.1 Converting Fonts to Outlines •Image Location: Embed •Press OK How to Export SVG (Inkscape) • File > save as → plain SVG •Name your file •Save
Laser Settings for leather:
Since leather is a natural material, testing is necessary before cutting. (These settings vary with machine strength, but they act as a baseline.)
• 60–70% power •15–25 mm/s •Passes: 1–2 Air Assist: Activated (prevents burning and flare-ups)
Crucial Notes
Do a test cut swatch first (small square or circle).
Increase pace or reduce power if edges are overly charred.
If leather doesn’t cut through → increase power or add a second pass. This “Plain SVG” version works with practically every laser cutter program. ocusing the Laser:
Focusing the Laser: You must be sure the laser head is at the correct height • Auto-focus button (on some machines) • Manual focus pin • Place the metal pin at the laser head • Lower or raise the bed until the pin touches • Remove the pin
Step¶
Created a modular system
Step¶
Laser cut the pieces
Step¶
Decreased waste by using the cutouts again and put it all together