Spring 2018: Kid’s School Pants

Scope of project:

We will be making 100+ pairs of zip fly front, trouser style pants for donation to school aged needy children in New Mexico. We’re staffing for 25 positions. If you want to jump ahead to registration, start by filling out this questionnaire.

If you want to see photos and read comments from past events, definitely check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Overview:

January 12-15, 2018, are the dates we will hold the pre-production phase of the pants project. There are six slots open with three reserved for New Mexico residents. The production segment will commence March 16-19, 2018 with coaches and managers starting work on March 15th. We encourage anyone to come early, especially if you want to see how pattern markers are made and to help with spreading fabric which takes place on March 15th. Production pattern auditing and marker making will be done on March 14, 2018. Production planning (sequencing and bundling) is finalized on March 15th. As a practical matter, many people show up the Monday or Tuesday before. I know it may seem strange to show up early, with a bunch of strangers but it works out. We have loads of fun and we can definitely use extra hands in getting the factory switched over to production of the pants.

Melanie, MVP

Pre-production: In the first phase January 12-15, 2018, boot camp designers will:

  • Analyze fitting and dressing challenges for our “customer”.
  • Design for a production run for one style and 2 colorways.
  • Design pants with features valued by our “customer” with an emphasis on safety and utility.
  • Assist in pattern creation and complete production pattern auditing for each style.
  • Sew mock ups of each proposed style for group critique
  • Once a design is selected from the submissions, create finished samples.
  • Create an industrial engineering work study to determine the number of operations, sewing time per operation and type of equipment will we need.
  • Analyze the sewing skills we need to train for and finalize a plan to manage the challenges of an unknown workforce.
  • Assist with cut order planning (calculating yields), creating the master schedule to order goods, final costing, and generally learning how to manage production soup to nuts.
  • Finalize the sourcing plan to include the costs and inventory we need to complete the project.
  • Ideally, those attending the design phase will assume supervisory or management roles for the production phase in March.

Production: In this phase March 16-19, 2018, attendees will assist with:

  • Spreading and cutting large quantities of fabric (if you want to help spread, be here on March 15, 2018)
  • Organizing cut pieces for best sewing efficiency (bundling and shade marking)
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Learning to train inexperienced sewing operators
  • Creating and producing work instructions
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Final pressing
  • Packaging, labeling and order fulfillment.

Prospective attendees are required to read the caveats, follow the dress code, bring minimal supplies, complete the required reading and sewing tutorials and observe all safety requirements. There will be a test the first day because many people think we won’t know that they haven’t done the reading. We will! If you’re not dissuaded, please fill out this questionnaire.

Fees:

There seems to be a bit of confusion on this. This is a charitable endeavor that my company has created to benefit entrepreneurs who want to start sewing factories but have never been in one; and to benefit needy citizens of New Mexico. The fee covers the cost of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and all the stuff we need to make the products that we donate. The Albuquerque Sewing Factory (Apparel Technical Svcs) volunteers the use of the factory, buys the machines, provides the training, to say nothing of not being able to earn an income to pay our own bills for the duration of these events, so we rely on our volunteers to cover the cost of materials for each boot camp session. We provide a few scholarships as donations permit but these are not guaranteed. There are no refunds 30 days prior to the event and you will have to pay to secure your slot. You’ll know you’ve been accepted when you receive an invoice.

  • $500 -Pre-production phase
  • $350 -Production
  • $40 for catered lunches ($10 per day per person)

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city. It is also possible that we may be able to host visitors here in the factory provided one is not too particular. You’ll need an air mattress but we have a full kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a shower and laundry facilities.

Registration

If you’re ready to sign up, please start by filling out the questionnaire. Signing up for the pre-production phase automatically registers you for production. Since the first phase will fill up quickly (last time, in less than 30 minutes!), registrants may be put on a wait list. I’ll be sure to notify you quickly. Be sure to read your invoice! If you don’t pay your deposit by the listed date, you will lose your slot. This is a volunteer effort with no paid staff; do your part by reading instructions carefully.

Support the project

If you would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship (we’re a 501c3!), we would be sincerely appreciative of your generosity.





Event rating for Fall 2016: 4.95 out of five stars

Some comments from Fall 2016 attendees:

The people, all the volunteers were better than I could have imagined. I felt no matter what happened or the mood, everyone pulled together and worked.

I always believed that the factory takes short cuts but now know that production does way more work than I ever have and taught. Seeing a high quality RTW coat come together has been a life changing event for me. I honestly had no idea they were so picky and obsessed with the smallest seam details. This experience has changed how I approach my sewing forever.

The patience and willingness of everyone to help and teach and share information.

Jumping right in. Extreme hands on. You are not kidding when you call it a boot camp.

I finally got over my fear of sewing zippers.

The work ethic of the other campers. The amount of time and effort the factory owners continue to put into improving the boot camp experience and refining the groups’ work process and flow.

The team. Great group of students and excellent hosts.

The amount of planning and coordination needed to make this all happen. I learned way more than I could have imagined.

I wasn’t expecting to meet such great people. Being for the most part self taught, it felt like I found my family in this lovable bunch.

I was very impressed with the spreading and how important it is to be accurate with it. Overall I was most impressed with how much I enjoyed the entire experience.

Seeing the production process from printing the pattern to sewing the garment was helpful in understanding all the information in your book.

All the tips that were pointed out. Examples: how to handle fabric, how to sew on a cuff, how important seam allowances are.

How to eyeball seam allowances that were incorrect. The importance of process and quality control.

Attention to detail, focusing on detail and of course, inspecting for detail.

I learned much more about the machines and feel much more confident in the spreading/cutting.

I absolutely loved the opportunity to be here!! Everyone was so helpful and willing to share their stories of trial and error, what works for them and even knowing their skill level. What I loved about the boot camp was that I was given the opportunity to try different activities on each day. No day was ever the same and that’s what I enjoyed because it never got boring. Even the littlest job of taking the jacket to another person was great because it gave me a chance to interact with them.

Your willingness as a production manager to allow us to learn what we wanted was important as well because we are taking back that knowledge we were looking for. All your insights and tips are so valuable. I absolutely loved all the hands on time I had here and I truly, truly had a fun, enjoyable and amazing time. It will always be memorable for me. Thank you for allowing me to be here. 🙂

I came here to meet like minded people who I can connect with about my passion. I feel like this event is going to have a big effect on me. It’s exciting to connect with people who want to do similar work. Anyway, I feel like I can see how this is possible now. Thanks.

Thanks again for all your hard work Kathleen and Eric. I know it’s not your job to track people down to ask for their help but please don’t ever hesitate to call and ask me if you need an extra hand with things in the factory. I’ll be here if I’m not already booked.

First day was exciting and confusing. I loved it. I had never seen fabric spread and cut. Second day, systems starting to come together for me. Felt promising with better understanding.

I learned so much, now I have to figure out what to do with it. I hope someday I will do this knowledge and your generosity, justice. I hope I can come again in the spring. Thanks again for the opportunity!

I didn’t get moved to various jobs but that wasn’t important to me. What I wanted to see was how this whole process happened. Mistakes were the best lessons and we got to see how many mistakes although tiny at their particular section/session creates bigger and bigger problems down the line.

Thank you for everything. This has been a wonderful valuable experience. It has given me the confidence to jump in with 2 feet and be 100% committed to starting my own factory on the east coats. Many thanks!

Save

Save

Fall 2017: Coats for Kids

L-R: Joanna, Dustin Alexis, Hannah, Jamie & Mimi

Scope of project:

We will be making 100+ fully lined, complex and serviceable coats for donation to needy school aged children in New Mexico.  We have openings for 25 positions. If you want to jump ahead to registration, start by filling out this form.

Overview:

July 1-4, 2017, are the dates we will hold the design phase of the coat project. There are six slots open with three reserved for New Mexico residents. The production segment will commence Sept 1-4, 2017 with coaches and managers starting work on August 31st. We encourage anyone to come early. For example, pattern grading and marker making begins August 30th. Fabric spreading takes place on August 31, 2017.

Design: In the first phase July 1-4, 2017, boot camp designers will:

  • Analyze fitting and dressing challenges for our “customer”.
  • Design for a production run for one style and 2 colorways.
  • Design coats with features valued by our “customer” with an emphasis on safety and utility.
  • Assist in pattern creation and complete production pattern auditing for each style.
  • Sew mock ups of each proposed style for group critique
  • Once a design is selected from the submissions, create finished samples.
  • Create an industrial engineering work study to determine the number of operations, sewing time per operation and type of equipment will we need.
  • Analyze the sewing skills we need to train for and finalize a plan to manage the challenges of an unknown workforce.
  • Assist with cut order planning (calculating yields), creating the master schedule to order goods, final costing, and generally learning how to manage production soup to nuts.
  • Finalize the sourcing plan to include the costs and inventory we need to complete the project.
  • Ideally, those attending the design phase will assume supervisory or management roles for the production phase in September.
The cutting room at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

The cutting room at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

Production: In this phase Sept 1-4, 2017, attendees will assist with:

  • Spreading and cutting large quantities of fabric (if you want to help spread, be here on August 31, 2017)
  • Organizing cut pieces for best sewing efficiency (bundling and shade marking)
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Packaging and labeling
  • Order fulfillment

Prospective attendees are required to read the caveats, follow the dress code, bring minimal supplies and observe all safety requirements. Again, you register by filling out this questionnaire.

Fees:

There seems to be a bit of confusion on this. We lose money on this project; it is a charitable endeavor that my company has created to benefit entrepreneurs who want to start sewing factories but have never been in one; and to benefit needy citizens of New Mexico. The fee covers the cost of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and all the stuff we need to make the products that we donate. The Sewing Factory School (Apparel Technical Svcs) volunteers the use of the factory, buys the machines, provides the training, to say nothing of not being able to earn an income to pay our own bills for the two week duration of these events (including set up and break down), so we rely on our volunteers to cover the cost of hosting the event for each boot camp session. We provide a few scholarships as donations permit but these are not guaranteed.

You’ll know you’ve been accepted when you receive an invoice but your slot is not guaranteed until you pay the $50 deposit to secure your slot. If the deposit is not paid within 3 days, the slot is considered to be available for another participant. Final payment is due by the date listed on your invoice, usually around 90 days before boot camp starts. I do not have time to email anyone to remind them to make payment so read your invoice (not just the mobile version of it) carefully. If payment isn’t made, the slot opens for someone else. I do email sign ups with occasional notices. As my emailing anyone is a very rare event, I suggest that reading the emails, in their entirety, is important. No refunds for cancellations 60 days prior to the event.

  • $500 -Design phase (includes production).
  • $350 -Production
  • $40 for catered lunches ($10 per day per person)

Spring 2017 Production Team -less a few who left before we took the photo.

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city. It is also possible that we may be able to host visitors here in the factory provided one is not too particular. We have a full kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a shower and laundry facilities.

Registration

If you’re ready to sign up, please start by submitting the questionnaire. Again, signing up for the design phase automatically registers you for production. Since the design phase will fill quickly, registrants may be put on a wait list. In the past, design fills within 30 minutes and production is full in 12 hours so I’d strongly urge you to pay the invoice for the deposit because if you don’t, your slot becomes available to someone else after 3 days.

Support the project

If you know you can’t participate but would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship, you can do that too. If you choose to donate, please fill out the registration form so we can thank you properly and notify the benefactor of your generosity.





Previous session was rated 4.67 out of five stars by attendees. Some of their comments:

I was amazed by the laying out the fabric and cutting, level of quality and complexity of the coat.

I didn’t understand how much work would go into the project and the scale of all the people involved, I was amazed at the planning and prep work required for an operation like this. Meeting new people and seeing the project from beginning to end was beyond my expectations.

Being able to get hands on training from people in the industry was invaluable. I was glad to see that everybody was encouraged to try anything and everything.

The thoroughness in which the production process was organized. Numbering each piece and garment helped to alleviate much of the confusion I thought we would face. I also appreciated how everyone was encouraged to try things they had not done before or may not been successful with in the past.

I didn’t expect the attention to detail and quality of finished product. The teamwork and overall interactions were fantastic!

Exceptionally hands on. No shortage of all kinds of work. The group was diverse and had specialized knowledge (industry and otherwise).

I thought we would get to observe up close, the manufacturing process. I didn’t realize we would get to be the factory. That absolutely made this experience even more awesome!!

The factory was well equipped, a lot of care and expense went into making sure we had everything we needed. The lunches and dog tags were completely unexpected, loved them both!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Spring 2017: Kid’s School Pants

Scope of project:

We will be making 100+ pairs of zip fly front, trouser style pants for donation to school aged needy children in New Mexico. We’re staffing for 20 positions. If you want to jump ahead to registration, start by filling out this questionnaire.

Overview:

January 13-16, 2017, are the dates we will hold the design phase of the pants project. There are six slots open with three reserved for New Mexico residents. The production segment will commence March 10-13, 2017 with coaches and managers starting work on March 8th. We encourage anyone to come early, especially if you want to see how pattern markers are made and to help with spreading fabric which takes place on March 9th. Production pattern auditing and marker making will be done on March 8, 2017. Production planning (sequencing and bundling) is finalized on March 9th.

Fall 2016 designers @apparel manufacturing boot camp

Fall 2016 designers @apparel manufacturing boot camp

Design: In the first phase January 13-16, 2017, boot camp designers will:

  • Analyze fitting and dressing challenges for our “customer”.
  • Design for a production run for one style and 2 colorways.
  • Design pants with features valued by our “customer” with an emphasis on safety and utility.
  • Assist in pattern creation and complete production pattern auditing for each style.
  • Sew mock ups of each proposed style for group critique
  • Once a design is selected from the submissions, create finished samples.
  • Create an industrial engineering work study to determine the number of operations, sewing time per operation and type of equipment will we need.
  • Analyze the sewing skills we need to train for and finalize a plan to manage the challenges of an unknown workforce.
  • Assist with cut order planning (calculating yields), creating the master schedule to order goods, final costing, and generally learning how to manage production soup to nuts.
  • Finalize the sourcing plan to include the costs and inventory we need to complete the project.
  • Ideally, those attending the design phase will assume supervisory or management roles for the production phase in March.
Jamie, Ruler of F2016 (L) Faith, willing minion (R)

Jamie, Ruler of F2016 (L) and Faith, willing minion (R)

Production: In this phase March 10-13, 2017, attendees will assist with:

  • Spreading and cutting large quantities of fabric (if you want to help spread, be here on March 9, 2017)
  • Organizing cut pieces for best sewing efficiency (bundling and shade marking)
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Learning to train inexperienced sewing operators
  • Creating and producing work instructions
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Final pressing
  • Packaging, labeling and order fulfillment.

Prospective attendees are required to read the caveats, follow the dress code, bring minimal supplies, complete the required reading and sewing tutorials and observe all safety requirements. If you’re not dissuaded, please fill out this questionnaire.

White boarding sewing order and process.

White boarding the coat sewing order and process.

Fees:

There seems to be a bit of confusion on this. This is a charitable endeavor that my company has created to benefit entrepreneurs who want to start sewing factories but have never been in one; and to benefit needy citizens of New Mexico. The fee covers the cost of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and all the stuff we need to make the products that we donate. The Sewing Factory School (Apparel Technical Svcs) volunteers the use of the factory, buys the machines, provides the training, to say nothing of not being able to earn an income to pay our own bills for the duration of these events, so we rely on our volunteers to cover the cost of materials for each boot camp session. We provide a few scholarships as donations permit but these are not guaranteed. There are no refunds 30 days prior to the event and you will have to pay to secure your slot. You’ll know you’ve been accepted when you receive an invoice.

  • $500 -Design phase
  • $350 -Production
  • $40 for catered lunches ($10 per day per person)

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city. It is also possible that we may be able to host visitors here in the factory provided one is not too particular. You’ll need an air mattress but we have a full kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a shower and laundry facilities.

Registration

If you’re ready to sign up, please start by filling out the questionnaire. Signing up for the design phase automatically registers you for production. Since the design phase will fill up quickly, registrants may be put on a wait list. I’ll be sure to notify you quickly.

Support the project

If you would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship, we would be sincerely appreciative of your generosity.





Event rating for Fall 2016: 4.95 out of five stars

Some comments from Fall 2016 attendees:

The people, all the volunteers were better than I could have imagined. I felt no matter what happened or the mood, everyone pulled together and worked.

I always believed that the factory takes short cuts but now know that production does way more work than I ever have and taught. Seeing a high quality RTW coat come together has been a life changing event for me. I honestly had no idea they were so picky and obsessed with the smallest seam details. This experience has changed how I approach my sewing forever.

The patience and willingness of everyone to help and teach and share information.

Jumping right in. Extreme hands on. You are not kidding when you call it a boot camp.

I finally got over my fear of sewing zippers.

The work ethic of the other campers. The amount of time and effort the factory owners continue to put into improving the boot camp experience and refining the groups’ work process and flow.

The team. Great group of students and excellent hosts.

The amount of planning and coordination needed to make this all happen. I learned way more than I could have imagined.

I wasn’t expecting to meet such great people. Being for the most part self taught, it felt like I found my family in this lovable bunch.

I was very impressed with the spreading and how important it is to be accurate with it. Overall I was most impressed with how much I enjoyed the entire experience.

Seeing the production process from printing the pattern to sewing the garment was helpful in understanding all the information in your book.

All the tips that were pointed out. Examples: how to handle fabric, how to sew on a cuff, how important seam allowances are.

How to eyeball seam allowances that were incorrect. The importance of process and quality control.

Attention to detail, focusing on detail and of course, inspecting for detail.

I learned much more about the machines and feel much more confident in the spreading/cutting.

I absolutely loved the opportunity to be here!! Everyone was so helpful and willing to share their stories of trial and error, what works for them and even knowing their skill level. What I loved about the boot camp was that I was given the opportunity to try different activities on each day. No day was ever the same and that’s what I enjoyed because it never got boring. Even the littlest job of taking the jacket to another person was great because it gave me a chance to interact with them.

Your willingness as a production manager to allow us to learn what we wanted was important as well because we are taking back that knowledge we were looking for. All your insights and tips are so valuable. I absolutely loved all the hands on time I had here and I truly, truly had a fun, enjoyable and amazing time. It will always be memorable for me. Thank you for allowing me to be here. 🙂

I came here to meet like minded people who I can connect with about my passion. I feel like this event is going to have a big effect on me. It’s exciting to connect with people who want to do similar work. Anyway, I feel like I can see how this is possible now. Thanks.

Thanks again for all your hard work Kathleen and Eric. I know it’s not your job to track people down to ask for their help but please don’t ever hesitate to call and ask me if you need an extra hand with things in the factory. I’ll be here if I’m not already booked.

First day was exciting and confusing. I loved it. I had never seen fabric spread and cut. Second day, systems starting to come together for me. Felt promising with better understanding.

I learned so much, now I have to figure out what to do with it. I hope someday I will do this knowledge and your generosity, justice. I hope I can come again in the spring. Thanks again for the opportunity!

I didn’t get moved to various jobs but that wasn’t important to me. What I wanted to see was how this whole process happened. Mistakes were the best lessons and we got to see how many mistakes although tiny at their particular section/session creates bigger and bigger problems down the line.

Thank you for everything. This has been a wonderful valuable experience. It has given me the confidence to jump in with 2 feet and be 100% committed to starting my own factory on the east coats. Many thanks!

 

Save

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Fall 2016: Coats for Kids

Fatima, taking a well deserved break at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

Fatima, taking a well deserved break at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

Scope of project:

We will be making 100+ fully lined, complex and serviceable coats for donation to needy school aged children in New Mexico.  Again, we’ve reduced the number of available slots. For this session, we’re staffing for 25 positions. If you want to jump ahead to registration, start by filling out this questionnaire.

Overview:

July 1-4, 2016, are the dates we will hold the design phase of the coat project. There are six slots open with three reserved for New Mexico residents. The production segment will commence Sept 2-5, 2016 with coaches and managers starting work on September 1st. We encourage anyone to come early, especially if you want to help with spreading which takes place on September 1st.  Marker making will be done on the last day of August.

Design: In the first phase July 1-4, 2016, boot camp designers will:

  • Analyze fitting and dressing challenges for our “customer”.
  • Design for a production run for one style and 2 colorways.
  • Design coats with features valued by our “customer” with an emphasis on safety and utility.
  • Assist in pattern creation and complete production pattern auditing for each style.
  • Sew mock ups of each proposed style for group critique
  • Once a design is selected from the submissions, create finished samples.
  • Create an industrial engineering work study to determine the number of operations, sewing time per operation and type of equipment will we need.
  • Analyze the sewing skills we need to train for and finalize a plan to manage the challenges of an unknown workforce.
  • Assist with cut order planning (calculating yields), creating the master schedule to order goods, final costing, and generally learning how to manage production soup to nuts.
  • Finalize the sourcing plan to include the costs and inventory we need to complete the project.
  • Ideally, those attending the design phase will assume supervisory or management roles for the production phase in September.
The cutting room at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

The cutting room at apparel manufacturing boot camp, Spring 2016.

Production: In this phase Sept 2-5, 2016, attendees will assist with:

  • Spreading and cutting large quantities of fabric (if you want to help spread, be here on Sept 1, 2016)
  • Organizing cut pieces for best sewing efficiency (bundling and shade marking)
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Packaging and labeling
  • Order fulfillment

Prospective attendees are required to read the caveats, follow the dress code, bring minimal supplies and observe all safety requirements. Additionally, we’ve reduced headcount to 25 people and you will have to fill out this questionnaire.

Fees:

There seems to be a bit of confusion on this. We lose money on this project; it is a charitable endeavor that my company has created to benefit entrepreneurs who want to start sewing factories but have never been in one; and to benefit needy citizens of New Mexico. The fee covers the cost of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and all the stuff we need to make the products that we donate. The Sewing Factory School (Apparel Technical Svcs) volunteers the use of the factory, buys the machines, provides the training, to say nothing of not being able to earn an income to pay our own bills for the duration of these events, so we rely on our volunteers to cover the cost of materials for each boot camp session. We provide a few scholarships as donations permit but these are not guaranteed. There are no refunds 30 days prior to the event and you will have to pay to secure your slot. You’ll know you’ve been accepted when you receive an invoice.

  • $500 -Design phase
  • $350 -Production
  • $40 for catered lunches ($10 per day per person)

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city. It is also possible that we may be able to host visitors here in the factory provided one is not too particular. You’ll need an air mattress but we have a full kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a shower and laundry facilities.

Registration

If you’re ready to sign up, please start by submitting the questionnaire. Signing up for the design phase automatically registers you for production. Since the design phase will fill up quickly, registrants may be put on a wait list. I’ll be sure to notify you quickly.

Support the project

If you know you can’t participate but would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship, you can do that too. If you choose to donate, please fill out the registration form so we can thank you properly and notify the benefactor of your generosity.





Previous session was rated 4.67 out of five stars by attendees. Some of their comments:

I was amazed by the laying out the fabric and cutting, level of quality and complexity of the coat.

I didn’t understand how much work would go into the project and the scale of all the people involved, I was amazed at the planning and prep work required for an operation like this. Meeting new people and seeing the project from beginning to end was beyond my expectations.

Being able to get hands on training from people in the industry was invaluable. I was glad to see that everybody was encouraged to try anything and everything.

The thoroughness in which the production process was organized. Numbering each piece and garment helped to alleviate much of the confusion I thought we would face. I also appreciated how everyone was encouraged to try things they had not done before or may not been successful with in the past.

I didn’t expect the attention to detail and quality of finished product. The teamwork and overall interactions were fantastic!

Exceptionally hands on. No shortage of all kinds of work. The group was diverse and had specialized knowledge (industry and otherwise).

I thought we would get to observe up close, the manufacturing process. I didn’t realize we would get to be the factory. That absolutely made this experience even more awesome!!

The factory was well equipped, a lot of care and expense went into making sure we had everything we needed. The lunches and dog tags were completely unexpected, loved them both!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Spring 2016: Dressing Seniors

Jody_elderly_ladyScope of project:

To determine our second project, we conducted interviews with social workers and agencies in attempt to discover under served markets. Almost accidentally, we learned that seniors were a good prospect because once we feed, house and medicate the elderly, they get very little assistance.  Similarly, seniors have increasingly challenging fit and dressing problems as arthritis and range of motion limitations increase along with age.

Thus, we determined to make house dresses for elderly women with limited resources. The plan is to provide each recipient with two dresses if not three. Accordingly, we will be creating a minimum of 3 different dress styles and in at least 3 different colorways because it simply would not do to give each lady, three identical dresses.

Overview:

February 26-29, 2016, we will start and finish the design phase of the house dress project. There are six slots open with three reserved for New Mexico residents. The production segment will commence May 27-30, 2016; supervisors will need to arrive on May 26th.

Design: In the first phase February 26-29, 2016, boot camp designers will:

  • Analyze fitting and dressing challenges for our “customer”.
  • Design for a production run with a minimum of 3 styles and 3 colorways.
  • Design dresses with a variety of features valued by our “customer” with an emphasis on self dressing.
  • Assist in pattern creation and complete production pattern auditing for each style.
  • Sew mock ups of each style for group critique
  • Once designs are finalized, create finished samples.
  • Create an industrial engineering work study to determine the number of operations, sewing time per operation and type of equipment will we need.
  • Analyze the sewing skills we need to train for and finalize a plan to manage the challenges of an unknown workforce.
  • Assist with cut order planning (calculating yields), creating the master schedule to order goods, final costing, and generally learning how to manage production soup to nuts.
  • Finalize the sourcing plan to include the costs and inventory we need to complete the project.
  • Ideally, those attending the design phase will assume supervisory or management roles for the production phase in May.

sewing_scott
Production: In this phase May 27-30, 2016, attendees will:

  • How to spread and cut large quantities of fabric
  • How to organize cut pieces for best sewing efficiency
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Packaging and labeling
  • Order fulfillment

Attendees are required to read the caveats, follow the dress code, bring minimal supplies and observe all safety requirements.

Fees:

The fee covers the cost of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and all the stuff we need to make the products that we donate. The Sewing Factory School (Apparel Technical Svcs) volunteers the use of the factory, buys the machines, provides the training, to say nothing of not being able to earn an income to pay our own bills for the duration of these events, so we rely on our volunteers to cover the cost of materials for each boot camp session.

  • $400 -Design phase
  • $250 -Production
  • $40 for catered lunches ($10 per day per person)

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city. It is also possible that we may be able to host visitors here in the factory provided one is not too particular. You’ll need an air mattress but we have a full kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a shower and laundry facilities.

Support the project

If you know you can’t participate but would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship, you can do that too. If you choose to donate, please fill out the registration form so we can thank you properly and notify the benefactor of your generosity.





Previous session was rated 4.67 out of five stars by attendees. Some of their comments:

I was amazed by the laying out the fabric and cutting, level of quality and complexity of the coat.

I didn’t understand how much work would go into the project and the scale of all the people involved, I was amazed at the planning and prep work required for an operation like this. Meeting new people and seeing the project from beginning to end was beyond my expectations.

Being able to get hands on training from people in the industry was invaluable. I was glad to see that everybody was encouraged to try anything and everything.

The thoroughness in which the production process was organized. Numbering each piece and garment helped to alleviate much of the confusion I thought we would face. I also appreciated how everyone was encouraged to try things they had not done before or may not been successful with in the past.

I didn’t expect the attention to detail and quality of finished product. The teamwork and overall interactions were fantastic!

Exceptionally hands on. No shortage of all kinds of work. The group was diverse and had specialized knowledge (industry and otherwise).

I thought we would get to observe up close, the manufacturing process. I didn’t realize we would get to be the factory. That absolutely made this experience even more awesome!!

The factory was well equipped, a lot of care and expense went into making sure we had everything we needed. The lunches and dog tags were completely unexpected, loved them both!

Registration

If you’re ready to sign up, please fill out the form. Please indicate which session you’re signing up for. Again, signing up for the design phase automatically registers you for production. Since the design phase will fill up quickly, registrants may be put on a wait list. I’ll be sure to notify you quickly.

Fall 2015: Coats for Kids

Overview

2_manufacturing_childrens_coatsBeginning July 7th and running through September, the Coats for Kids seminar will train participants in sewn product manufacturing, from design to sewing. The completed coats will be donated to charities serving the emergency needs of children in crisis. What a great way to gain manufacturing skills while serving the community!

Design: In the first phase, participants will have the opportunity to learn:

  • How to find the target customer
  • How to design what the customer wants and needs.
  • Technical illustration and communication
  • How to buy wholesale fabric

Sales and Marketing: By the end of the second phase, participants will be ready for production to include having completed a production ready coat pattern.

  • Presenting and selling to buyers
  • How to take orders
  • Creating size specifications
  • Auditing patterns for accuracy
  • Managing fabric and trim inventory
  • Concepts of sewing efficiency
  • How to inspect fabric for quality
  • Creating an order for the factory
  • Ordering fabric for production

1manufacturing_childrens_coatsProduction: In the third phase, attendees will work in teams to learn and do:

  • How to spread and cut large quantities of fabric
  • How to organize cut pieces for best sewing efficiency
  • Proper factory fusing
  • Sewing– for quality and efficiency!
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Finishing and quality control
  • Order fulfillment

After completing this process, participants will be equipped with the basics for starting a new product line or honing an existing one—all in two short months! It’s going to be amazing, folks!

Accommodations

There’s a gem of a place just a few blocks away -the Sandia Peak Inn Motel. This isn’t the best part of town but this place is the second most highly rated place in the city.

Support the project

If you know you can’t participate but would like to underwrite the project or sponsor a scholarship, you can do that too. If you choose to donate, please fill out the registration form so we can thank you properly and notify the benefactor of your generosity.