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March 6, 2007
I'm not Verbal Croquis
This post has been amended in order to recycle it as an "About Us" page. Originally, I wrote it because visitors kept confusing me and Zoe (Verbal Croquis). We sound alike, it can only be our voice that is similar because heaven knows, she's a lot younger and better looking than I am. I'm Kathleen Fasanella, I write most of the entries on this site. I have three others who help out from time to time. The cast of characters writing here are:
Zoe Hong (Verbal Croquis) is a designer based in San Francisco. Recently unemployed, she's decided to launch a line. She also has her own blog which is great so you can readily see why I appreciate it when she can post here (2% of all entries). Zoe is a pistol and you will enjoy her as much as I do. Personally, Zoe is newly married, no children and loves to prepare authentic Korean barbecue. Zoe is available if you're looking for a freelance designer.
Mike Cerny is a DE based in Houston. He and his wife Amy run a company called Fit Couture. We met several years ago after they bought my book and then hired me to consult with them at their location. I consider them to be one of my success stories, I am quite pleased with their progress. Mike is our newest author. He posts (.5% of all entries) on the travails of manufacturing. He hasn't written in awhile, I have to nag him about that. On a personal note, Amy and Mike have no children -yet- other than their hyperactive sheltie.
Miracle Wanzo is an internet retailer and product developer of women's lingerie based in the Bay Area. As a buyer, she writes about how to establish and manage your retail relationships, PR, fulfillment, merchandising and marketing. She used to be in the clothing brokering business and even wrote a book about it. You may notice from entries and comments that Miracle and I quarrel a lot, seemingly disparagingly. We think you have much to gain from our disagreements. Don't be fooled by our stridency, after my husband, I talk to her more than anyone else and admire her immensely. We've never met, becoming friends after she read my book and emailed me. Miracle is single with three children and as such, needs no pets. She is available for consulting too.
I'm Kathleen Fasanella, I write nearly all of the material on this site. I've been working in the apparel industry for 27 years. I started this site after being dismayed by the rampant mythinformation and predatory pricing directed at entrepreneurs. Still, I have to make a living too. I am a pattern maker, specializing in suits, lined garments, leather products (mostly coats) and outerwear. Also, anything unusual, requiring a high degree of precision and engineering. I'm also a consultant (comparatively very inexpensive), offering specialized classes at your site or mine. Many know me as the author of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing* which is the most highly rated book in the business (table of contents and sample chapters, select "my book"). Personally, I'm 46, relatively newly (re)married with one adult child (he's 20) and five cats.
People are complex individuals, we wonder what makes people tick, particularly those we admire. Thus, with equal parts temerity and diffidence, I reluctantly disclose that I have a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) affecting communication (a paradox considering I write) and all aspects of one's life. Paradoxically, it is not without its gifts and explains my sustained focus, reading rapidity and analytical ability -as well as my myriad voracious intellectual appetites, quirky interests and proclivities. Not all people with Asperger's are cognitively gifted but many are. We're not mentally ill or dangerous; you already know (undiagnosed) autistic people like me. Autistics are common among college professors, engineers, programmers, doctors, attorneys and others with intellectually demanding careers or with arcane areas of study. Classically, we're most easily described as "geeks" with less than stellar social skills and we tend to dress poorly (I'm no exception). Einstein was diagnosed autistic in childhood (you don't grow out of it). Steven Spielberg and Dan Akroyd have both publicly stated they have Asperger's syndrome. Still, it's a disorder for a reason. It affects my ability to travel and earn a living. What you're most likely to notice here is my lack of modulation. My writing sounds far more critical or harsh than I intend or even feel. It's an issue of modulation.
My rates:
Pattern making: $50 an hour.
Consulting: $100 an hour, charged in 15 minute increments
Classes: my location, $500-$1,000 a day*
Classes or consulting at your location: $1,250 a day (includes seminars and speaking engagements) plus reasonable travel expenses.
You can pay by visa/mc, paypal or check.
Regarding classes here, there is some pricing flexibility for a maximum of three persons. I can't handle more than that at once and do a quality job. I realize the rate may seem high but it takes a great deal of preparation (at least two days) to design a class for your needs. If you are interested, feel free to contact me. Be advised I don't take on many classes and nothing for beginners. Your needs are better served less expensively by others. I'll try to help you find someone if I can.
I have two other sites that I never visit or update. One is for my business and the other is personal. An outdated bio (three years old) and information on Asperger's is here. Oh, another site I have is the discussion forum. It's a place for vetted members. You must have the book to join. You have to have the book so that the forum isn't clogged with all the beginner stuff; it's for people ready to move up another level and who need access to referrals and resources from others.
Advertising
If you want to advertise on this site, my contact info is below. I have (as of 6/27/07) five to eight thousand visitors a day. The average time spent on a site on the internet is less than 30 seconds. the average site visit on F-I is six minutes. Eighteen to twenty-four percent of visitors spend an hour or more on site. I don't know how long because my stats only track up to an hour. If you place an ad, unlike other sites, it will appear on every single page save two (archives and search results). With over 900 pages on this site, this represents unparalleled value.
My contact information:
Kathleen Fasanella
Apparel Technical Svcs
1149 West Picacho Dr
Las Cruces NM 88005
505-525-1577
cell: 505-635-8131 (don't hesitate to use this number f I'm not answering the office phone during regular hours)
Email
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Shameless plug:
*This blog does not replace the book, the sales of which support this site. If you're looking to get started in the business, buy it, that's why I wrote it. To those who send fan mail, I'm glad you like the blog but buying the book (or sending a donation, upper right sidebar) is the best way to show your gratitude and get off to a good start to boot. I am available to answer occasional questions from blog visitors but usually only if you have it (your questions are easier to answer because we're on the same page; actually, you most likely won't need to write with questions if you have it). All of the authors on this site have it and think you need it too. They believe in the mission of what I'm trying to accomplish and this is their way of contributing and supporting this site -and you too. And this doesn't include the legions of commentors who have it, leaving their comments to encourage you. With all of these people plugging for you, perhaps it's time for you to support the site too? All of us want you to succeed and look forward to watching you grow.
Posted by Kathleen Fasanella at March 6, 2007 2:46 PM | Email to a friend
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Comments
I love you Kathleen!!! :)
Talk soonish?
Posted by: verbalcroquis at March 7, 2007 10:15 AM
Mike is a DE based in Houston. He and his wife Amy run a company called Fit Couture. I consider them to be one of my success stories. Mike is our newest author. He posts (.5% of all entries) on the travails of manufacturing. I think he has a blog too but he's never given me the url. He is not looking for a job and also, hasn't written a book (yet).
Nope, I don't have an active blog. From time to time I've played with the format, but mostly just out of curiosity.
I've considered adding a blog for Fit Couture, but I just can't trust that we'll be able to keep it fresh and current and regularly updated. Better to blog here which gives me the opportunity to write fewer, but better thought out, postings.
Posted by: Mike C at March 7, 2007 4:04 PM
Wow you are a plethera of information I can see! Thanks for posting on my blog - I love that you write about your industry with such honesty. Since posting those 'posts' on my blog about plagarism, copying - the whole thing I got some interesting emails and even a phone call. I agree with you and I do not think there is a creative idea out there - I would like to think by me NOT being quiet about it I won't be ripped off. It is frustrating - and I do not think it is the highest form of flattery.
Posted by: Jamie Lentzner at November 11, 2007 11:31 AM
