Comments on: Pattern maker’s employment question http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/ How to start a clothing line or run the one you have, better. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:49:13 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: mrhyand http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-19524 mrhyand Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:30:12 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-19524 I think you are doing well to work for a company that you do sample cutting and patternmaking. I started out working for a very small company and got lots of experience doing all of what you are doing. About five years into my career and three jobs later,I landed a job with a top designer.My first really good paying job.I found that each time I moved to a new job I could get more money,But I also had more experience to offer.When you feel you have nothing more to learn on the job move on. Move to get benefits and more money every two years. Settle only for money, benefits and fun. Don't stay longer than two years where you are,and demand vacations,and bonuses when the company does well. Otherwise leave for greener pastures.good luck and enjoy your carrer.ITS THE BEST!!!! I think you are doing well to work for a company that you do sample cutting and patternmaking.
I started out working for a very small company and got lots of experience doing all of what you are doing. About five years into my career and three jobs later,I landed a job with a top designer.My first really good paying job.I found that each time I moved to a new job I could get more money,But I also had more experience to offer.When you feel you have nothing more to learn on the job move on. Move to get benefits and more money every two years. Settle only for money, benefits and fun. Don’t stay longer than two years where you are,and demand vacations,and bonuses when the company does well.
Otherwise leave for greener pastures.good luck and enjoy your carrer.ITS THE BEST!!!!

]]> By: sonya pardo http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3346 sonya pardo Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:20:17 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3346 Hello, I'm a patternmaker now since the year 1989 I went to a fashion designing school. I love working with patterns of all kinds. I'm a free lance patternmaker now as well as a free lance sign language interpreter. Sonya Pardo Hello, I’m a patternmaker now since the year 1989
I went to a fashion designing school. I love working with patterns of all kinds. I’m a free lance patternmaker now as well as a free lance sign language interpreter.
Sonya Pardo

]]> By: Teray http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3345 Teray Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:14:50 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3345 Hi Christy, I was reading the article you wrote and I thought it would be agreat idea to work under a Patternmaker in the Fashion Industry. It's called moving up and you don't want to be stuck at that place doing all that work for a little bit of money. They won't be mad at you for trying to make your life better by getting benefits, paid vacation, etc. It's obviously something they can't provide for you. I really don't want you to pass up an opportunity like this. Also, as far as working for 2 companies that is an honor. Karl Lagerfeld designs for his own line, Chanel and Fendi. You have an oportunity to maybe work for 2 companies and you just finished school. That's great. Even if you don't want to upset the people you are working for, you can let them down easy. You can tell them that you found this great job and thank them for everything. If you want to tell them you will work for them until they can find a replace ment and you would love to come back and work with them in the futrue, but don't stick around because you don't want to upset them. You are paying more attention to the needs of that company (which isn't yours) and not thinking about what is good for yourself. I know your family loves you and they are telling you what they think is a good idea, but I think in your heart you know what you want to do and you don't need anybody to tell you that. People interview while they have another job all the time. It's the smart thing to do. You're not a bad person for doing that either. Vacations, benefits, coworkers, that's what you want and I think that's what you should go get. My teeth hurt right now and I wish I could find a job with benefits. In Atlanta Fashion Design jobs are not abundant. Well, I hope I helped. Best Wishes! Hi Christy,

I was reading the article you wrote and I thought it would be agreat idea to work under a Patternmaker in the Fashion Industry. It’s called moving up and you don’t want to be stuck at that place doing all that work for a little bit of money. They won’t be mad at you for trying to make your life better by getting benefits, paid vacation, etc. It’s obviously something they can’t provide for you. I really don’t want you to pass up an opportunity like this. Also, as far as working for 2 companies that is an honor. Karl Lagerfeld designs for his own line, Chanel and Fendi. You have an oportunity to maybe work for 2 companies and you just finished school. That’s great. Even if you don’t want to upset the people you are working for, you can let them down easy. You can tell them that you found this great job and thank them for everything. If you want to tell them you will work for them until they can find a replace ment and you would love to come back and work with them in the futrue, but don’t stick around because you don’t want to upset them. You are paying more attention to the needs of that company (which isn’t yours) and not thinking about what is good for yourself. I know your family loves you and they are telling you what they think is a good idea, but I think in your heart you know what you want to do and you don’t need anybody to tell you that. People interview while they have another job all the time. It’s the smart thing to do. You’re not a bad person for doing that either. Vacations, benefits, coworkers, that’s what you want and I think that’s what you should go get. My teeth hurt right now and I wish I could find a job with benefits. In Atlanta Fashion Design jobs are not abundant. Well, I hope I helped. Best Wishes!

]]> By: sonya pardo http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3344 sonya pardo Sat, 02 Jun 2007 03:29:42 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3344 I have enjoyed reading all of the different comments. I have worked as a patternmarker for over 15 years now, I love the job. I'm now working with the Deaf and hard of hearing. If I could combine the two that would be a dream job. I have enjoyed reading all of the different comments. I have worked as a patternmarker for over 15 years now, I love the job. I’m now working with the Deaf and hard of hearing. If I could combine the two that would be a dream job.

]]> By: Kathleen http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3343 Kathleen Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:48:28 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3343 Me too. They're all over this site, in comments, entries, sidebars, forum, everywhere. This place is teeming with pattern makers for sure. Debra, Page didn't look around and didn't read anything. A lot of people (okay, generation-me kids) just post stuff like that rather than orienting and looking around. Usually I delete these comments, people ignore them. They kind of remind me of Eddie Murphey in that movie Trading Places, where as a bum, he's being manhandled in the private club, being escorted out and he yells out "is there a lawyer in the house" and of course there are, the place is packed with attorneys, all of whom raise their papers to hide or look away since Eddie is obviously not a winning proposition. He's got no money, doesn't have a fight to fight, has the wrong expectations, doesn't know much, and doesn't know enough to know he's surrounded by lawyers. Who would want a lot of grief like that, and for what? Hide Debra, hide. :) Me too. They’re all over this site, in comments, entries, sidebars, forum, everywhere. This place is teeming with pattern makers for sure.

Debra, Page didn’t look around and didn’t read anything. A lot of people (okay, generation-me kids) just post stuff like that rather than orienting and looking around. Usually I delete these comments, people ignore them. They kind of remind me of Eddie Murphey in that movie Trading Places, where as a bum, he’s being manhandled in the private club, being escorted out and he yells out “is there a lawyer in the house” and of course there are, the place is packed with attorneys, all of whom raise their papers to hide or look away since Eddie is obviously not a winning proposition. He’s got no money, doesn’t have a fight to fight, has the wrong expectations, doesn’t know much, and doesn’t know enough to know he’s surrounded by lawyers. Who would want a lot of grief like that, and for what?
Hide Debra, hide. :)

]]> By: Debra http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3342 Debra Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:30:54 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3342 Hi Page, I'm a independent patternmaker. You found me. Hi Page,

I’m a independent patternmaker.
You found me.

]]> By: Page http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3341 Page Sat, 26 May 2007 23:09:10 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3341 Hi, i am looking for a patternmaker for clothing and i don't know where to begin to search for one. can you give me some information on how to go about finding one. Hi, i am looking for a patternmaker for clothing and i don’t know where to begin to search for one. can you give me some information on how to go about finding one.

]]> By: RK http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3340 RK Mon, 05 Jun 2006 02:02:07 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3340 Im new to this site but Kathleen's book is my bible. Im a freelance sample maker and I work with my mother who is a patternmaker. I would like to comment on Mia's question. I really think you need to address the issue with your employer that you are doing patterns. Patternmakers make many times as more than sample makers and it sounds like your boss is getting a really good deal. You can choose to continue doing patterns for your boss if you feel you need the experience and/or for your resume. But your boss should know that you are completely aware that he/she is getting this practically for free. I would also ask for a patternmaker title as well as a raise but I wouldnt expect a regular patternmaker salary from this employer. Keep in mind that when you accept a much lower pay for a job you are in a way sabotaging the industry because of two reasons: a) Employers will start cutting down the salary of highly professional people if they think they can get the same service for less even when the quality is not nearly the same. b) You raise the standard of the seamstress unreasonably high. This does sound like it could be a good situation for you if you stay at the job only as long as you need to then move on and get paid your worth. Im new to this site but Kathleen’s book is my bible. Im a freelance sample maker and I work with my mother who is a patternmaker. I would like to comment on Mia’s question. I really think you need to address the issue with your employer that you are doing patterns. Patternmakers make many times as more than sample makers and it sounds like your boss is getting a really good deal. You can choose to continue doing patterns for your boss if you feel you need the experience and/or for your resume. But your boss should know that you are completely aware that he/she is getting this practically for free. I would also ask for a patternmaker title as well as a raise but I wouldnt expect a regular patternmaker salary from this employer. Keep in mind that when you accept a much lower pay for a job you are in a way sabotaging the industry because of two reasons: a) Employers will start cutting down the salary of highly professional people if they think they can get the same service for less even when the quality is not nearly the same. b) You raise the standard of the seamstress unreasonably high. This does sound like it could be a good situation for you if you stay at the job only as long as you need to then move on and get paid your worth.

]]> By: J C Sprowls http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3339 J C Sprowls Sat, 27 May 2006 17:03:16 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3339 "Industry knowledge" is the result of exposure and practice over a period of time, which is part of what makes a prospective employee more appealing. As an employee in today's market, you have the responsibility of managing your career path in addition to your potential employer's best interest. My recommendation is that you make sure you can bring value (i.e. expertise) to the new employer in exchange for an advancement opportunity. I rarely recommend lateral moves for a modicum of cash (~$5K) unless there is a specific reason to leave a company behind (e.g. hostile work environment). Cutting your teeth for a cheaper price isn't such a bad thing. Eventually, you will reach a point where the exhange has stymied. Then is the right time to look outward for your own growth. It will take some time, yet, until you learn the local landscape and each specific company. I'd probably stay put for at least 18-24 months. Sherry raises a point of employment 'at will', which is all the rage in today's market. My practice has been that this is the exiting process. If a company reserves the right to terminate without notice, then I don't feel bad about giving less than 2-weeks notice. If an employer has been particularly gracious or generous, I give more time (5-6 weeks notice) and offer to train the replacement. Oh... and never accept a retention offer - when it's time to go, it's time to go. If the company you're leaving really wants you, they'll invest the time and effort of trying to hire you away from the company you accepted an offer from. Make them wait at least one year, though. “Industry knowledge” is the result of exposure and practice over a period of time, which is part of what makes a prospective employee more appealing. As an employee in today’s market, you have the responsibility of managing your career path in addition to your potential employer’s best interest. My recommendation is that you make sure you can bring value (i.e. expertise) to the new employer in exchange for an advancement opportunity. I rarely recommend lateral moves for a modicum of cash (~$5K) unless there is a specific reason to leave a company behind (e.g. hostile work environment).

Cutting your teeth for a cheaper price isn’t such a bad thing. Eventually, you will reach a point where the exhange has stymied. Then is the right time to look outward for your own growth. It will take some time, yet, until you learn the local landscape and each specific company. I’d probably stay put for at least 18-24 months.

Sherry raises a point of employment ‘at will’, which is all the rage in today’s market. My practice has been that this is the exiting process. If a company reserves the right to terminate without notice, then I don’t feel bad about giving less than 2-weeks notice. If an employer has been particularly gracious or generous, I give more time (5-6 weeks notice) and offer to train the replacement.

Oh… and never accept a retention offer – when it’s time to go, it’s time to go. If the company you’re leaving really wants you, they’ll invest the time and effort of trying to hire you away from the company you accepted an offer from. Make them wait at least one year, though.

]]> By: Kathleen http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/pattern_makers_employment_question/comment-page-1/#comment-3338 Kathleen Fri, 26 May 2006 19:10:16 +0000 http://www.fashion-incubator.com/2006/05/pattern_makers_employment_question/#comment-3338 I have no intention of beating a dead horse but include the following for others who may face a similar situation. From <a href="http://www.marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2006/05/getty_lucky_on_.html" rel="nofollow">Marginal Revolution</a> (an economics blog): <i>These data confirm that people essentially cannot close the wage gap by working their way up the company hierarchy. While they may work their way up, the people who started above them do, too. They don't catch up. The recession graduates who actually do catch up tend to be the ones who forget about rising up the ladder and, instead, jump ship to other employers.</i> I have no intention of beating a dead horse but include the following for others who may face a similar situation. From Marginal Revolution (an economics blog):
These data confirm that people essentially cannot close the wage gap by working their way up the company hierarchy. While they may work their way up, the people who started above them do, too. They don’t catch up. The recession graduates who actually do catch up tend to be the ones who forget about rising up the ladder and, instead, jump ship to other employers.

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