ok my advice is design something with these factors in mind
creative and innovative
i suggest try and get ur inspiration pages together now like just images that inspires you for example.
and remember do NOT leave the portfolio to the last min u WILL regret it!
for my portfolio a lot of girls in my class spent heaps just on paper for it and such. presentation is the key alongside the info BUT no point spending heaps if ur smart about it
some girls photocopied a background relevant to them. i on the other hand used a patterned wrapping paper from the reject shop for like $2... i spent a little more on ribbons and braids and little bits of lace. the wrapping paper was relevant to what i was doing/ the colours/ pattern so i was lucky. but thats just a suggestion that can save u money and works quite well
also get urself some double sides sticky tape!
transparent paper to print ur info on is also great.
also, blue tact if ur not 100% sure how ur layout is going yet
make sure u dont go over the page limit ie inspiration page on a3 should be 2pages, ur designs 3pages etc... in total 12 a3 pages
the project itself its alot of fun
well i and lots of fun making it... ALWAYS do work in class, and read the instructions before you start just to get an idea...
if ur altering it quite alot, start early and do a mock up first.
fabric if ur looking for the type of fabric ur gonna find in lincraft and spotlight go to somewhere like cabramatta, there is sooooooo many fabric stores that sells that kind of generic fabrics for heap prices esp if u buy in bulk
experiments; dont leave those till the last min either...
good luck