Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to meet Kathleen Fasanella in person and visit her work space through the Material Girls group. Kathleen writes the Fashion Incubator blog; although it is oriented towards manufacturing, it often covers topics of interest to home sewers as well. She also literally wrote the book: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing.
Quite a facility! It's not a factory, per se, more of a manufacturing lab. I found it an interesting peek into a world of sewing different from my hobbyist's setup.
Some of Kathleen's assortment of industrial machines. We had the opportunity to give them a spin. Industrials definitely take some getting used to!
Pay attention to the foot setup on this machine. You don't have to change the feet, just spin to the next type.
This is the industrial serger. I liked how the surface was flush with the tabletop. There was also a scrap catcher that went straight to the waste basket.
My favorite machine. This is a commercial buttonholer with numerous types programmed in. Once you've set the fabric in the machine and hit the pedal, it does it all in seconds--from sewing the buttonhole to trimming the threads to cutting the fabric. Beautiful! If they ever manufacture a home version of this puppy, I will be the first in line.
Many thanks to Kathleen for inviting us to her work space!
12 comments:
So cool! I love Kathleen's blog.
She does have an great set up, doesn't she. I was in town last year for the Day of the Tread bike ride and was able to meet her. She is a great resource to the entrepreneurial community.
Theresa in Tucson
I love this post -- thanks for the peek inside. The commercial sewing machine is interesting -- makes you wonder if we should merely have one of these commercial machines instead of the Bernina's!
Sweeeet. Especially that buttonhole machine!
What a treat! I would say Kathleen is a great resource for the home sewing community as well...
What a fun trip.
It was my sincere pleasure to host you. Doesn't everyone like to show off their toys?
Pam: all of my industrials combined, new, cost less than what my MIL paid for her top of the line Bernina.
Theresa: I have you down for a return on Day of the Tread. Eric is biking the 50 miler. I'll be running, such as it is.
Wow, I really enjoyed seeing inside Kathleen's studio! Thanks for sharing all the photos and fun details.
Oh, what a treat!
Kathleen, you have some great toys!
I like to share them too. We should make some coats for kids. I used to do that when I lived here before. Free coat sewing class provided the projects were donated.
This is so cool! I am insanely jealous. Thank you so much for sharing!
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