Comments on: Trip to LA

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:07:55 +0000

Hi James, I’m glad to hear you say that about the photos, especially the track. This is the sort of thing I don’t think people realize is going to be incredibly helpful -indispensable really- down the road but they won’t know it at the time. It’s what I would want to see, knowing what I know.

Spreading machines are another story. We just came back from a show with a lot of those. That would have been the place to be (SPESA). I’ve taken a few apart and put a few back together. It helps that I know what they’re supposed to do and I’ve seen them work but I’d just wing it. It wouldn’t occur to me to think this would be on the internet. I think it is not. An old sewing machine mechanic could help the same way (better) than I could.

By: James Trusler

James Trusler — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:56:24 +0000

We purchased a fabric cutting table (2 sections) and manual spreading machine – very similar to the one in your photos above. The information on your site is excellent, it provides me with exactly the images I was hoping to find – especially the track photo.
We’ve just set it up and we’re trying to figure out how to use it – as it had no instructions with it. Can you post any info about manufacturers of 6′ cutting tables and spreading machines? I could send you photos of the unit if that would help.

Thanks!

James

By: Timo Rissanen

Timo Rissanen — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:04:45 +0000

Thank you for the wonderful post! Just before, I’d finished reading another awful report about exploitation in our industry; you can get it from here:
http://www.behindthelabel.org/infocus.php?infocus_id=92
So, to read of a place where people are encouraged to expand their skills base – just wonderful! If Patricia ever reads this: a sample maker friend decided some five years ago she wanted to learn patternmaking, but decided to study computer grading first. No need to say it but by the time she got to making patterns, everything she already knew from sewing other people’s patterns (sometimes abominable, other times very good – a machinist is too often the first to know with the former) proved very helpful. So, encouragement from me all the way!

By: Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY

Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:54:34 +0000

here’s a good buy if you’re in Santa Monica…2 industrial tables for a starting bid of $75:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CUTTING-PACKING-TABLE_W0QQitemZ120232814212QQihZ002QQcategoryZ45036QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and look what I found on Craigslist in Brooklyn:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bfs/601038679.html

Although I’d love to inquire, I really must stop myself…LOL

HTH
With friendship,
Lisa

By: Natasha Estrada

Natasha Estrada — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:26:27 +0000

Sorry I missed seeing you. I think I was even holed up in a hotel in downtown that weekend. Which Japanese store did you go to ( I can think of at least 6 in the LA area so if your ever looking for a book let me know since I’m chummy with the owners despite being as white as casper)

By: Mike C

Mike C — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:17:47 +0000

Who sells the pattern cutting machines and how much do they cost?

By: Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY

Lisa DOWNTOWN JOEY — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:49:28 +0000

Great post!

Re: Professional Cutting tables…I was able to score four 4′ x 6′ cutting tables at a mere $60 each on ebay. Yes, it was a major task to disassemble and move them, but certainly a bargain. I am now hoping to find a manual fabric spreader like the one pictured. I’ll be searching ebay and craigslist in hopes of finding a used one.

The overhead electric bus picture is what I’ve been trying to explain to my electrician…I can’t wait to get one installed.

Patternworks looks like a wonderful place! Thanks for sharing!

With friendship,
Lisa