Tutu Development

Following my research into Peter Clarke's paper tutu, I decided to start thinking of designs for my own final outcome. I drew up a few quick sketches onto tracing paper to look at skirt shapes and composition. I decided that the bottom left design shown in the image below was my favourite, as the tutu shape showed off the pleated layers, as well as the corset allowing the appliqués to stand out.

I then looked further into this design, looking at the specific ways in which to create such a garment. I decided on purchasing a plain corset to put the appliqués on, which would make them stand out. I also decided on what layers I was going to use in the tutu. I created a small sample of tutu to get the idea of what it would look like, as well as to test out my methods of pleating, stitching etc.

After creating the small tutu sample, I thought that it was lacking in detail, which might have detracted away from it. I therefore decided to add some stitched embroidery onto the middle layer. I felt that music would fit in well with the dancing theme, as well as being relatively simple yet effective. I wanted to copy real music as I felt it would make it more authentic, so I chose the theme song from Swan Lake to stitch into the calico, as it was the first ballet I went to see and also a favourite of mine and my family's. I created a sample of this stitched middle layer. When stitching, I decided to leave the threads hanging loose, reflecting the work of Tracie Murchison, as it added more texture and interest to it.

Having decided that these ideas were of what I had intended to create, I began to make the tutu, starting with the band for the layers to be stitched into. I tested the lengths of the layers on a mannequin before cutting out the panels and beginning to pleat them. For the sheet music stitch I started with the stave lines, and then embroidered on the music notes using an embroidery machine.

After I had stitched the music onto the middle layer, I attached the pleated calico layers onto the waistband of my tutu. I then experimented with lengths and pleating styles of the paper sections. I decided that rough edged, randomly pleated paper looked better, so I created my pleated papers and stitched them onto the band also. To finish off the tutu I added net layers under the paper and white satin binding along the top edge to give it a finished look.

I am very pleased with the outcome of my tutu. It turned out to be a high quality, wearable garment. This was something that was important to me, as being a dancer I understand the need of a practical garment in which you can move freely. I feel this is a successful tutu, showing influences from my journey through my sketchbook.