Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to construct period blocks as a basis for costume pattern development.
It applies to individuals who develop patterns for period costumes. They are responsible for modifying existing pattern blocks or for constructing blocks from taken and calculated measurements. They work with some supervision and guidance.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for block construction | 1.1 Research changing fashion silhouettes and identify major milestone in Western history 1.2 Identify silhouettes for which blocks are to be constructed in consultation with relevant personnel 1.3 Take and record measurements of dress form or performers over relevant underpinnings or corsetry 1.4 Determine appropriate block construction method and timelines for completion |
2. Develop period blocks | 2.1 Produce original period blocks to specified sizes 2.2 Test toile blocks and record adjustments 2.3 Transfer adjustments from toiles to construction 2.4 Retest patterns in toile form to confirm fit and silhouette 2.5 Seek expert advice as required to resolve problems that arise during production and testing 2.6 Follow workplace safety procedures when constructing blocks and sewing toiles |
3. Finalise blocks | 3.1 Transfer adjustments from retest to construction and patterns 3.2 Finalise patterns in accordance with production schedules 3.3 Label block patterns 3.4 Complete documentation according to enterprise procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
research historical clothing styles relevant to costumes required for productions
take accurate body measurements of performers
prepare a dress form or dressmaker’s dummy according to body size and measurements
construct period block patterns to fit an individual
use taken measurements to construct blocks that meet the silhouette of chosen periods
conduct test fittings in toile form
resolve problems associated with constructing pattern blocks to accurately reflect style of chosen periods.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in constructing period costumes
explain techniques for constructing blocks for period costumes to fit people of different sizes
describe characteristics of fashion silhouettes from different times in Western history
explain how alterations are made to basic blocks
identify typical problems that arise in the context of constructing blocks for period costumes and briefly describe solutions
describe work health and safety procedures that apply to using equipment for making patterns and toiles.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
sources of information about period costumes
materials and equipment to construct blocks for period costumes.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1 | Interprets textual information that informs work requirements |
Writing | 2.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Records information accurately and completes documentation using required formats |
Numeracy | 1.3 | Measures and performs calculations to construct and modify blocks and patterns |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 2.5 | Identifies and confirms information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 2.6, 3.4 | Develops knowledge of historical styles to construct period blocks to requirements Follows enterprise procedures, including work health and safety, in performance of role |
Interact with others | 1.2, 2.5 | Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to discuss requirements with relevant team members |
Get the work done | 1.4, 2.1-2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Follows specified steps to complete required process within required timeframes Makes decisions directly related to task Analyses issues within scope of role and decides when issues need to be referred to others |
Sectors
Visual Communication – Costume