Comments on: Hunger (yet another lousy title)

By: Leslie Hanes

Leslie Hanes — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:18:45 +0000

There is certain limited wage subsidies available in Canada for businesses to hire recent univerity or college grads, for work in fashion or apparel. This might be a good job for someone to do, using the assisted funded program to help, and possibly offset the balance of the cost by selling the list at minimal cost. I’m kind of thinking out loud, and while I don’t have the time to do this, and I have absolutely zero computer skills…I’m sure there would be someone who might. .. hmmmm

The issue is…each person knows of a “few” contacts. How do we network that info? Maybe if we created a database that we were all able to add to, and could also send out emails to our contacts asking them to do the same. As for putting the good ones and skipping the bad ones, there could be a rating system by customers.

By: Rachel D.E.

Rachel D.E. — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:08:52 +0000

It might also, be worth while to check with local theatre professional and university level (costumes). They are usually really good about keeping this type of information, and may have something to add, also some universities art departments also might have this information in their sculptural arts programs.

By: Lisa B. in Portland

Lisa B. in Portland — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:14:14 +0000

I’ve seen on craigslist.org occasionally people asking for the contact info of contractors and seamstresses so they can put them on a free database, but I never joined or bookmarked it, unfortunately. Look in relevant creative-type categories.

You know how they have shows/conventions/whatever with seminars for quilters and home sewers (like there’s a huge one in Puyallup, WA)? And groups like the custom clothiers associations probably have similar. Are there any for people who are DE’s/seamstresses/tailors (not home sewers)?

By: Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY

Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:49:03 +0000

Great idea Kathleen! The list that I PAID for (and was luckily credited back) is no where I list I HAVE that I put together in my search for a sewing contractor, suppliers, etc.

My only reservation of doing the same if I’d hate to list shoddy companies, KWIM? Unfortunately, there is not enough time in my day to visit each. Wait…the NYC Fashion District has a database, but not all of them are good companies and would you believe they only had 3 contractors in Queens when I asked the person doing the database searches to find me all the childrenswear sewing manufacturers in the NYC area. At least I know better now and realize many sewing shops can do children..LOL

By: Leslie Y.

Leslie Y. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:23:11 +0000

While you’re working on the website, why don’t you start with creating a Google Map of all sewing contractors in El Paso? That’ll show how many of you there are, and it’s easy access for folks shopping around for one.

I made a color-coded one of crafty spots in San Francisco, it’s pretty easy. You can also have collaborators add to the map if you like. You just need a Gmail/Google account to set one up.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=107487932892997649162.00043bdeb44f8bc08b205&om=1&ll=37.733797,-122.436447&spn=0.162913,0.239296&z=12

By: Mary Lombard

Mary Lombard — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:01:53 +0000

I’ve been thinking of something like this for a good while, not so much as a contractor resource but as a networking/support group for OC garmentos and techs.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:45:11 +0000

Great idea! I have been looking for just such a list in the Houston area and haven’t found one yet.

By: Rosalee

Rosalee — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:07:42 +0000

I have heard there is a large manufacturing community in El Paso and I would be interested in learning about the various sewing contractors available, thanks for undertaking this effort.

By: April Femrite

April Femrite — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:26:38 +0000

Hurray for you Kathleen – you go girl!

I find the same frustrations. You know local people are out there that need the work and money (contractors, suppliers, service providers), but there is no good way to get everyone linked together. I mostly find out about things through word of mouth. I think I shall contact some Minnesota government agencies to see if they have some type of sewing manufacturing database or if they can create one. In these times right now, you would think that each state, county or city would encourage unity to support local organizations and try making the information more accessible.

Btw – I will give you a ring tomorrow – today was crazy – my 2 year old was in day surgery for knocking out his front tooth. I honestly don’t know if I wanted to deal with that today or another day in the life as an apparel manufacturer……..