Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool for Physical Appearance of the Product: Analytical Essay

Chapter 1. The problem and the review of related literature and studies

Clothing is one of the basic needs of human beings. It is essential because it covers the body, and serves as protection from the outside forces and it can also prevent physical harm caused by climate or the environment. Most people love to wear clothes that are fit to their body. Thus, it is better to wear clothes with accurate measurements in order to be comfortable and presentable. Measurements then are important to people.

In making such comfortable garments, measuring tools are important, especially to all dressmakers. They help them to get the right and accurate measurements of their customers whenever they are making pattern drafting.

According to Pascua (2015), different sewing equipment are used in constructing a garment. Being proficient in using this equipment will help individuals to take body measurements and draft a pattern with accuracy and speed. Also, using appropriate tools will help to save more time and will produce the best result.

CrochetN’ Crafts (2018) also said that to ensure a proper fit of the garment, proper measuring tools are essential in taking accurate measurements of the body and of the pattern. Taking accurate measurements is very important before cutting is done in order to avoid wasting and ruining the fabric.

Esparza (2015) states that one of the pattern-making problems are the wrong pattern proportions. People can’t find a garment that fits on them properly. It’s either because of its too big overall design or maybe the bust measurement of a dress is too small while the hip area is too big. As a result, it makes the garment not wearable due to the wrongly used of pattern proportions. So indeed, tools are very essential, especially in pattern drafting.

There are different kinds of measuring tools in dressmaking such as tape measure, ruler, sewing gauge and yardstick (Gaddis, 2012).

Aside from this, French curve, Hip curve and L-square are also essential tools in dressmaking especially when doing pattern drafting. The “L” square is known for being the primary pattern-making rulers. This will help you to create accurate 90° angles and straight edges. It also measures, rules, and squares simultaneously. The one that helps you to shape the hip line, hem and lapels is the hip curve. Lastly, the tool that is essential for accurate shaping of armholes, necklines, and collars is the French Curve ( Isn’t that Sew, LLC, 2018).

In addition, Reynolds (2015) states that the body is built with an abundance of curves, that is why typical straight rulers often can’t make the job done right. Thus, French curve and Hip curve are curved rulers that can be used for both pattern drafting and fitting adjustments around the curvy parts of the body.

The common problem for usual measuring tools is their heaviness. Mostly tools are made of metal. Metal is hard at room temperature so they are strong enough and will not easily be broken. But because of their high densities, it makes them heavy and hard to carry every time you will use them. Next, in using different individual tool, time is really being maximized. It consumes much time because dressmakers in particular, have to look for this tool and then set aside, then get the other one.

Thus, the researchers aim to make convertible measuring tool that contains the three tools in one package. These tools, L – square, hip curve and French curve are made of wood. The researchers prefer to use wood in forming this convertible three-in-one tool because of its tested effectiveness of being durable, structurally form and efficient to build with.

Furthermore, this product is more convenient when doing the pattern drafting. It can be used effectively in such a way that it reduces inconvenience. It also gives a hassle free motion and feeling because it could be fit in small space and would not occupy large spaces unlike other tools. Plus, it could be brought everywhere because of its ready to go form. This three-in-one tool will help dressmakers to be effective and efficient.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of the study is shown in figure 1 below.

(Three-in-One Convertible Measuring Tool) (Mark the needed measurements. Cut the desired shape. Burnish the tool. Fix the joints. Cut the L – square and hip curve then attach it by the used of hinge. Burnish the finish product. Polish the tool. Mark the measurements. Polish it again) (Materials:

Wood

Ink

Papel

de

Liha

Varnish

Hinge

Screws

Nails

Wing and washer

Tools:

Metric Tape

Gremill

Saw

Hammer

Single – blade Knife

L –square angle

Brush) Input Process Output

3.2 functionality

Figure 1. The paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 shows the Input-Process-Output of the study. For the input, the figure indicates the materials and tools needed in developing the product. The process shows the procedures in making the product. The output of the study is the Three – in – One Convertible Measuring Tool which is expected to have results on characteristics, level of acceptability and test results.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to develop a three-in-one convertible measuring tool to provide a convenient, handy and affordable measuring tool.

Specifically, the study is intended to answer the following questions:

1. How may the three-in-one convertible measuring tool be described in terms of:
   1. physical appearance;
   2. materials used; and
   3. 1.3 cost?
2. 2. How is the three-in-one convertible measuring tool tested in terms of durability?
3. 3. What is the general acceptability of the three-in-one convertible measuring tool in terms of:
   1. physical appearance; and
   2. functionality?

Significance of the Study

The product would be important to dressmakers, entrepreneurs, tailoring industry, and future researchers.

Dressmakers. The product would be important to the dressmakers because they can have a product that would help them on their work and reduce inconvenience when using it.

Entrepreneurs. They would find the result of the study important because they can adopt the process of doing a new kind of measuring tool. Also, this study will attract entrepreneurs to sell a product that provides a total package of measuring tools.

Tailoring Industry. They would find the result of the study important because of the prospective consumers. Also, they can supply tools in other companies.

Future Researchers. The findings of the study might be used as a reference. Also, they can use it for further study and improvement of the three-in-one convertible measuring tool.

Scope and Limitation

This study aims to develop a three-in-one convertible measuring tool to provide a convenient, handy and affordable measuring tool.

The focus of the study is on the process of producing a new measuring tool. The product is described in terms of physical appearance, materials used, and cost. Also, the product will be tested in terms of durability by experts and possible consumers or users.

The product will only be converted into three measuring tools such as L- square, Hip curve, and French curve. It will not be converted to other kinds of a measuring tool such as ruler, tape measures, yardsticks and seam gauge. Also, the product only focuses on producing a new kind of measuring tool which is durable and convenient. Such limitations are done due to limited time and resources.

Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarity and better understanding of this study, the following terms are conceptually and operationally defined:

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Accurate - free from error especially as the result of care and conforming exactly to truth or to a standard (Merriam Webster, 2018).

Convertible - capable of being converted or having a folding top, as an automobile or pleasure boat (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2018). In this study, it is the ability of the product to change in form.

Durable - able to last a long time without being damaged (Cambridge University Press, 2018).In this study, it is the capacity of the product to continue indefinitely.

Efficient - refers to utilizing a particular commodity or product with the least waste of resources or effort (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2018). In this study, it is the potential of the product.

Inconvenience - something that causes trouble or difficulty and is annoying but not serious, or the condition of being in such an annoying situation (Cambridge University Press, 2018). In this study, it is the common problem of the dressmakers.

Measurements - the act or process of measuring and a figure, extent, or amount obtained by measuring (Merriam-Webster, 2018).

Three-in-one - refers to combining three items or functions in a single unit ( Dictionary.com, 2017). In this study, it is the result when the three tools specifically L – square, Hip curve and French curve, are combined.

Wood - the hard fibrous substance consisting basically of xylem that makes up the greater part of the stems, branches, and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark and is found to a limited extent in herbaceous plants (Merriam Webster, 2018). In this study, it is the material to be used in making the product.

Chapter 2. Research methodology

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, respondents and sampling technique, data gathering procedure, data analysis and product development.

Research Design

The design of the study is Qualitative and Descriptive in nature. It will employ a combination of qualitative and descriptive type of research.

According to Bhat (2018), Qualitative research is a market research method wherein it focuses on obtaining data through open–ended and conversational communication. In this method, the researchers need to understand the perception of the target audience to a particular topic.

Koh and Owen (2017) state that the most common method of descriptive research is the survey, which includes questionnaires, personal interviews, phone surveys, and normative surveys. Its value is based on the premise that problems can be solved and practices improved through observation, analysis, and description.

Research Locale

The development of the Three-In-One Convertible Measuring Tool will be conducted at San Fernando, Pampanga where there are dressmakers who could help assess and improve the product.

Sampling Technique

The study will use purposive sampling or also known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling. According to Crossman (2018), Purposive sampling is a nonprobability sample that can be very useful in situations when you need to reach a targeted sample quickly. It is based on the characteristics of a population and the objective of the study.

In this sampling, The researchers will rely on their own judgment when choosing members of the population to participate in the study. They will only serve limited numbers of people as primary data sources due to the nature of the research design and aims and objectives.

Research Participants

The participants of the study are ten dressmakers in Sasmuan Pampanga. These are the chosen participants because they are capable and they are an expert in using this kind of tool.

Research Instrument

The research instrument that will be used in conducting the study are semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires. The questionnaire is composed of three parts: the physical appearance of the product, the durability of the product and the functionality.

The researchers will also interview some of their participants in order to supplement the data needed in improving the product during the development phase of the product.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will conduct product evaluations. The survey questionnaires will be evaluated by experts in the field before they will be given to the participants. Some of the participants will be interviewed, wherein their answers will be considered for the improvement of the product. The collected data will be interpreted and analyzed by the researchers.

Data Analysis

The research data will be classified, organized, and arranged. These will be treated with the use of frequency distribution, percentage and weighted mean. Likert scale with verbal description will be used to interpret the weighted mean.

Table Interpretation for weighted mean

Product Development

Phase I Planning Phase

The planning phase includes the process of producing a three-in-one convertible measuring tool. A tool that is convenient when doing pattern drafting.

Phase II Designing Phase

Phase III Developing Phase

Chapter 3. Results and discussions

This chapter present the results of the study entitled 'Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool' proceeded by a discussion. Discussion follows the sequence of objectives set in Chapter 1.

1. Physical Appearance
2. Materials used

The materials used by the researchers in making the three–in–one convertible measuring tools are wood, ink, papel de liha, varnish, screw and hinge. The tools that used are metric tape, gremill, saw, hammer, single–blade knife and L – square.

1. Cost

Table 2 shows the assessment of the respondents regarding the durability of the product. Results reveal that the joints of the product are properly fixed; the markings will not easily fade; and the wood used is efficient to build with as indicated by the weighted means of 4.90, 4.80, and 5.00 respectively. Generally, the durability of the product is said to be excellent with grand weighted mean of 4.90. As the respondents commented:

“Matibay ito kasi wood yung ginamit niyo especially first class na wood yung ginamit.” (P10)

“Matibay kasi makapal.” (P2)

Based on the comments of the participants regarding the durability of the product, it is tend to be excellent.

3.1 Respondents’ Description of the Product in terms of its Physical Appearance

Table 1 presents the respondents’ description of the product in terms of its physical appearance. It can be observed on the table that the product is smooth, satisfying, and has enough amount of weight with weighted means of 4.70, 4.80, and 4.90. In general, the respondents described the Physical appearance of the Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool to be excellent with a grand weighted mean 4.80. This means that the respondents love the appearance of the product as they stated:

“Maganda siya. Accurate yung mga measurement and it is smooth.” (P1)

“Okay lang yung texture niya and mukha siyang hard pero kapag hinawakan mo very light lang pala siya.” (P5)

As regards to the result of the survey, the participants strongly agreed that the product is excellent in terms of its physical appearance.

3.2 Respondents’ Description of the Product in terms of its Functionality

Table 3 indicates the respondents’ description on the product in terms of its functionality. The computed weighted means of 4.60, 4.90, and 4.80 respectively indicate that the product is excellent. This means that the product is easy to use, can lie flatly and converts easily. The Three-in-one Convertible Measuring Tool is thus excellent in terms of its functionality with a general weighted mean of 4.77. As supported by the respondents’ statements:

“Okay lang siya para sa akin kasi nadito na lahat.” (P1)

“ Maganda siya kasi kakaiba, it consist three measuring tool na agad.’ (P10)

Based on the responses of the participants, the three–in–one convertible measuring tool is excellent regarding on its functionality.

Chapter 4. Summary, conclusion and recommendation

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendation of the study.

Summary

The following are the summary of the findings:

1. The Three–in–One Convertible Measuring Tool consists of L – square, hip curve, and French curve.
2. The Three – in – One Convertible Measuring Tool is made of wood.
3. The respondents are very satisfied with the physical appearance of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.80.
4. The respondents are very satisfied to the durability of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.90.
5. The respondents are satisfied to the functionality of the product based on the general weighted mean of 4.77.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the three-in-one convertible measuring tool is excellent in terms of its physical appearance, durability and functionality. Also, the respondents find the product to hare comparative advantages with other individual tools.

Recommendations

In line with the conclusions drawn, the following are suggested:

1. To further improve the product, lessen the current width of the product,
2. The researchers strongly recommend to the next researchers to try using aluminium as their main material in making the product.
3. To improve the product, add another possible measuring tool to the product.