'Hats' 20/3/23

White hat: Factual
With this white hat on you must identify facts.

I am sure that the making process I have decided on will work- I have practiced different shapes for the framework and done extensive research and designs of Art Deco lampshade stye pieces and I am confident that the shape and finish of the piece will successfully convey my final design. I have tested how the piece will sit on the head and worked out all the measurements for each metal piece. This took a lot of trial and error but was such a crucial step as now when I begin working in the metal workshop I have a straightforward plan and can directly copy the measurements and shape from my wire model. I am certain on the shape of my piece and how I want it to interact with the body. My design gaps are in the actual pattern and colours I want my final piece to exhibit, I have created a few different colour and embellishment options but I am unsure which to decide on. Also considering making a patchwork fabric to mirror clown trousers.

Red Hat: Emotional
Wearing the red hat you look at problems & worries using intuition, gut reaction & emotion. Try to think how other people will react to your idea/design?

I hope that people will react well to the Art Deco style finish and will recognise this fashion as the inspiration behind my piece. I do worry that it may appear to have strayed too far from my original theme but once I give the content surrounding tightrope walkers holding umbrellas for balance I hope this fear can be ruled out.

Black Hat: Negative
Using black hat thinking, look at all the bad points of the idea/design.

I am still unsure about where on the head it would sit the best and how the shapes interact with each other and the head. I am happy with the positioning and sizing of my model but it took me a few tries to get it even which was forgivable with wire but will be harder to change once I spot welder metal for the actual piece. This worries me as I hope to dedicate most of the making period to the sewing and I want the framework to be a quick and easy process so I hope to perfect it on the first try.

Yellow Hat: Positive
The yellow hat helps you to think positively.

It portrays the circus in a playful, interesting way without appearing too obvious which is what I wanted. I think the design is successful and can be be executed well and I have practised and prepared for the making process with models, countless designs and extensive research.

Green Hat: Creative
The Green Hat stands for creativity.

I am struggling to find embellishment that I wanted and so I think I will make it myself. I am cautious about timing as I don't want to be rushing but I think if I make beaded fringe it would really elevate the final outcome without being too time consuming. I was originally going to add pleats, but, when practicing, I struggled to make them even and they need to be very precise in order to look good. Therefore, I think I will use a mixture of patterned and plain fabric instead and incorporate more embellishments.

Blue Hat: Planning and control.
The Blue Hat stands for process control.

I used this hat to create an action plan for what is to come:

Easter holidays-

Continue making models
Buy supplies; fabrics, beads, ribbons etc
Experiment using different materials
Begin making the beaded fringe

1st week back-

Complete metal framework

Friday- Wednesday-

Sew panels
Add beading
Add trimming

Thursday-

photoshoot

How was the hats workshop different to my usual process of reflection?

It was very different as we went though each thought process separately and had to adopt a different method of critical thinking for each.

Did the hats workshop highlight the problems with my idea / project?

Yes, where on the head the piece will rest and how to get it on and off easily as it is fairly delicate.

Did the hats workshop help me to identify the strengths of my idea / project?

Yes, it helped me to strengthen my idea by provoking me to think about areas I has not prioritised before. For example, how I want the audience to react and how the piece should make the wearer feel.

Reflections

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