I studied apparel design and pattern making at a community college in Dallas, Texas. The program stressed technical skills, as well as design artistry. Classes included industrial garment construction and tailoring, textiles, history of costume, various aspects of design, and a full two years of pattern drafting and draping.
My first job after college was in 1983, making patterns for a Dallas dress manufacturer. Since then I have made patterns for a number of large companies, including Haggar, J.C. Penney, and Fossil Group, as well as many small businesses and individual designers. As a Technical Designer, my responsibilities included fitting and evaluating sample garments, creating detailed technical illustrations and sewing instructions, calculating graded sizes, and perfecting fit for mass production. The labels I supplied patterns for included both men’s wear and women’s wear, in various fits and size ranges, including junior, plus, and petite. I also enjoyed contributing to one of a kind garments for special customers.
In recent years I have also added leather accessories such as handbags and backpacks to my pattern drafting skills. It’s very satisfying to see a woman or man wearing something I have helped create, or carrying a handbag that I played a part in producing. I also enjoy assisting a designer take a concept from his or her imagination, and turn it into an actual garment or bag that can be held and worn. Via email and the internet, I can provide pattern making services to designers anywhere in the world, and computer pattern making software, has allowed me to do it faster, more accurately, and charge my customers less. I hope soon to expand my services to include 3D rendering, production marker making, and printing.