Process, Technique, and Execution. This design was constructed through a combination of draping and flat pattern. A draft of the complete design was constructed with muslin and adjusted to a size 6 dress form. The bacterial cellulose pieces were then lined before construction with fusible interfacing and cotton fabric to provide reinforcement to the material for stitching. Freeze dried material was steamed, molded into shape and re-dried before construction. Stitches were made using a

more »

... n of machine and hand stitching. Several Velcro closures were used to minimize the amount of stitching needed in the garment. Design Contribution and Innovation. The significance of this piece lies in the use of the vegetable leather like material, in addition to the freeze dried material in a more fitted garment than has been previously attempted. Additionally, a new type of freeze dried material was developed and utilized for this design. Conclusion. One major limitation of all types of this material used in this piece is the stiffness and lack of drape-ability. The freeze dried material needed to be steamed, shaped and re-dried before construction. The vegetable leather type of material was stiff and lacked the flexibility of other materials. This material is also very delicate and not capable of holding closures like zippers. The materials' delicate nature made shaping the garment particularly difficult. In order to hold the stitching, the garment also had to be lined with a plain weave cotton fabric.