Boot Camp Orientation & Updates

Kathleen on August 30, 2015

Tommy_fixing_welt_pocket_machine_clothing_manufacturing_in_America

Tommy is fine tuning the welt pocket machine I bought to sew the coat pockets. I’ve known Tommy for 25 years; we worked in the same factory way back when.

Well, we’re eagerly awaiting the start of apparel manufacturing boot camp and working like fools to get it all done. We’re looking forward to meeting all of you and getting some work done for a great cause.

Here are a few updates and reminders:
1. Schedule
2. Factory Feeding
3. Lunch sponsors
4. Coat recipient selection
5. Supply list -please note that the supply list has changed slightly.
6. Mandatory dress code
7. Safety and scents policy Read More

New sewing factory set up is underway!

Kathleen on May 18, 2015

keep_your_work_at_homeWe closed on the new sewing factory building in Albuquerque on March 13 but the seller didn’t vacate until last week. That said, remodeling is underway. We’ll be adding skylights (some are in already!), feedrail in both buildings and purchasing 2 48 foot long cutting tables for the shared workspace.

I hired a mechanic from El Paso to advise me on the ideal placement for the feedrail and lighting. He’ll also be sourcing the feedrail and tables from his contacts in El Paso. Ideally, the facility will be ready for business the first week of June. Subscribe to ABQFI (at right) to be notified of updates by email.

Oh, and if you don’t know what feedrail is, it is a nifty way to plug in sewing machines overhead. It is very flexible because you don’t use outlets per se; or rather, the feedrail itself is one long outlet. This allows you to move sewing machines to wherever they are needed without worrying about plugs along the wall. We’ve had flexibility built in from the get go; all of the industrial machines are on casters so they can be rolled around instead of having to use a pallet jack to move them. This article (from Fashion-Incubator) shows common items one would find in a good factory. It shows the kind of fabric spreader I will be buying too. Read More