SDP - Budget drama

The first day back after Easter we had to prepare for design tutorials for the first years. We provided all the stockings, and I also showed Frances what I'd managed to find: the spats, gloves, jewellery and choker ribbons. I felt that this went well, and I was really glad that Frances liked everything that she showed us.
The next day we spoke to our tutors, and were told that we hadn't been fulfilling our role as supervisors. I was incredibly frustrated that when I tried to explain that things were taking longer than we thought it would because of trying to find everything on basically no budget, we were told we could have asked for more money. I think this is quite unfair because the one thing that was drilled into us through the supervising workshops was that sticking within the budget was one of the most important things, so to be told that we could have asked for more and that it was our fault that we didn't wasn't really something that I thought was fair. If we had known there was more money from the start we could have ordered and bought so much more in the way of samples, but because we didn't think we could afford to do that we didn't! This is also the first time that we have been supervisors, so how could we know that we could have asked for more money? I presumed that everyone knew what budget we had been given, and I thought it was our job to provide what we could on that budget, and not to be asking for more money. I guess the positive to be taken from this is never to 'presume' that everyone has the same information and to check and check again.
This is the first time I have done anything like supervising, and I haven't been enjoying it so far. I'm hoping now that we have been given a bigger budget, even if it is now getting closer to the end of the project, that we can buy what we need to buy and what we want to buy, and provide some samples for Frances so that she has some choice.

Reflection: There is a lot to be learnt from this I think, which is to check and check again with people that all the information given is correct. Especially with a project with so many different people working on it, all information needs to be relayed again an again. I've also felt, so far, that I shouldn't really be asking tutors for help - as it is 'self-directed' I have felt like we should be dealing with everything ourselves. However, I don't think I've been right in thinking this, and I have to remember that this is the first time I have supervised and that I will need help along the way, as it is a project to learn through and I can't know everything straight away!

SDP - chokers and bracelets

Trying to figure out how to produce lots of chokers and bracelets on a small budget has left me with one option, which is to buy some ribbon and make as many pieces as possible out of it using velcro to keep them together. I went up to Barnett and Lawson's in London today, as it is great for trimmings and ribbons, and had a look at what they had to offer. I settled on four different styles of ribbon, some thick and some thin, and I really hope that Frances likes them as I am really proud of this find! They're far more intricate and detailed than bog standard velvet ribbon which I originally thought of to make the chokers with, so I really hope that they're suitable. This cost about £30 which is a bit scary seeing as the budget is only £500, but considering this will provide jewellery for at least 3 if not more of the characters, it actually works out fairly cheap.

Reflection: I feel that it is definitely better to buy something like ribbon in person rather than online - I like to see exactly what I am getting, and I like to know the feel of the fabric. I can also decide on the width of the ribbon that is the most suitable, and get a good variation in the styles of different ribbons so that I have variety. 

SDP - hitting the charity shops

I've really been struggling with finding things as cheap as poss, but that don't look cheap. Been trawling around charity shop after charity shop trying to find bits, but I'm not feeling that positive about it really. I found a pair of black gloves in one, and some jewellery bits that I think will be suitable, but that's about it so far. It's been difficult finding gloves especially - as it's coming up to summer there are no gloves in the shops, so think I will resort to ebay before long!

Reflection: I've learnt that things are taking a lot longer than anticipated to find because of our tight budget. However, I know that it's important to stick within the budget as when we had our supervising tutorials and workshops at the beginning of the year, one of the visiting supervisors told us that if you don't stay within the budget then you won't get hired again, so although it's making things more difficult and slow, it is something that I'm trying to be strict about.

Jewellery

The designs show the jewellery to be quite delicate and pretty, so that's what I've been trying to look for. In one of our tutorials Frances said she simply wanted a box of lots of pieces to choose from, so that's what I've been trying to find, although on this tiny budget I've been trying to borrow as much as possible to try not to eat into the budget completely! I'm pleased with what I've found so far, although I think some of it may be too modern, but I'll show everything I have in case. These are just a few of the bits I've found so far.

Reflection: As with everything else I have been trying to source so far, it has been difficult finding things cheaply. I have borrowed quite a few pieces to try to save money that way, and I am glad that I have pieces to show to Frances. I am also pleased that I have jewellery to show while there is still time to solve any problems - if they are unsuitable there is enough time to find alternative choices.

SDP - More spats

The second lot arrived have arrived! Again, I have a few concerns, there are three pairs in the package, one of which is really small again. The other two are much bigger, which is good, but again I feel they might need dyeing. This is something I'll have to show to Frances and see what she feels would be best.

SDP - SPATS

Spats have arrived! I found them on ebay, 7 pairs of spats for about £7 - not bad. After looking at them I have two initial concerns: that they're the wrong colour, or that they won't fit anyone's legs - they are verrry small. However, the solutions are that if they're the wrong colour I can dye them (I'm pretty sure they're made of cotton), and I have some more spats on the way, again an ebay find. So I'm hoping that the next lot will be slightly bigger!


Reflection: Going by what I have learnt so far, I'm really glad I have more spats on the way as I feel that I want some back up pairs and some alternative choices in case Frances does not like the ones that have arrived. I have learnt that although at first it's easy to think that once you've bought an item/accessory, there's always the chance it won't be suitable, and it's best to get things way in advance so that there's time to rectify any problems.

SDP - Easter Holidays!

Easter holidays have started :) unfortunately, and with great timing, I have no internet access at home so I am trying to do my researching and sourcing through library computer and internet cafes, when I can get to either. Not a great start. However, work placement starting soon which I'm really excited about - I think I'm going to learn a lot from my week at Les Mis!