One thought on “3D Simulation and the Apparel Design Curriculum

  1. This is a great paper. I do not at this time own CAD software. I have joined many of OptiTex’ online simulations and found them encouraging as far as entertaining the possibility of purchase. I learned sewing in home economics. My mother was a trained tailor and upholsterer. In 2011 I started an online apparel business. I would love to go back to school but at my age I don’t really want to commit to that kind of money. That said…

    Currently I drape fabric over forms and I cut out the pieces and then I create a full fledge garment. I would love to attend a course just to see how teachers pass on what I do. I am a painting artist and sketcher of photoreal portraits. I use the same method when I make clothes; I visualize it in my head first, draw it on paper and then drape and form it on the forms body until I ultimately have a finished product. The sculpting process is where I find my joy.

    I considered that incorporating the CAD system would cut down on the process of getting the right fit. It is tedious and does take some time. But I like that part of it. It would be really cool to experience efficiency and expediency. From a ROI point of view it may prove beneficial. Here in Atlanta none of the schools offer single courses for adults. You have to go for the degree to take draping and pattern making courses which include the CAD program. While It is not cost effective how I do what I do I sell dresses and my customers are very happy with the fit. They send me their measurements and I send them a sample which they return with any changes that need to be made. I would love to use the CAD to see if it would remove this process, however, there is a level of customer service that is part of my process which can’t be gotten off the rack.

    Honestly, I think students are better off learning the manual method first as a prerequisite. Then in the next semester take the CAD program depending on their abilities to master fit. The manual method might better prepare them for CAD and make it more appreciative as a tool towards rather than the end product.

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