Posts by sampleroom
Take Your Measure
Whether you are manufacturing locally or offshore there are some consistant pieces of information that are needed so a pattern maker can accuratly translate the picture you are drawn with the picture in your mind. Although we work mainly from sketches, discussions and inspiration images, key measurement points are also something to include in your design brief.
Read MoreMorning bike rides and Niche markets
I have just come back from a morning bike ride. I have just started riding with a group of wonderful girls with Breeze on the Boulie. A new years resolution to move a bit more.
Read MoreOff-Shore Manufacturing – Will I save money?
We have met a number of new designers the last season who have fallen into this trap. It is so sad to hear the stories of someone who has put $10,000 of their heart, soul and cold hard cash into their passion only to receive a shipment of disaster.
Read MoreFast Fashion or Great Fit – Which will triumph?
There is a lot of press at the moment about the big International retailers coming to town to take everyone’s retail dollar and shut down every local small label that ever dared to think yeah I could survive in our market. Well, I’ve had enough of this… There are a few points of view I think need to be told.
Read MoreFinding a Good Patternmaker
Firstly, I would like to say that I am sorry for the long spaces of time between blogs lately. We have been very busy at Sample Room. We have also been caught up in the employment process, looking for a new pattern maker for our team. It has been long and drawn out process, with a false start.
Read MorePre-Production Sample Follow Up
A few months ago you may have received a post from me about Pre-production samples. In the past few weeks it has come to light that this subject may need to be expanded upon.
Read MoreUnusual Designs: RnD
I’m not sure if you guys know this but I am a very keen snowboarder. For anyone who knows anything about the snow we get here in Australia compared to the overseas snowfields, we don’t get a very good deal.
Read MoreWhat I Learnt From an Armani Jacket
I am not sure if many of you know but I am a Saturday 7am Lycra clad, Beach Rd cyclist. I love it because it de-stresses me and I also get the chance to ride down the Paris end of Collins St while everyone sleeps.
Read MoreYou can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
This week we met with a lovely lady, Jessica who is a fabric agent for a range or amazing men’s suiting fabrics. These fabrics are some of the finest in the world famed for dressing the likes of Prince Charles. As a long time fabric collector just touching these supper fine wool and silk/linen fabrics made my go all gooey inside. At $300 a meter it is not something I am likely to work with on a regular basis.
Read MoreOffshore V’s Onshore Production- The Pros and Cons
Of all the enquiries we receive at Sample Room the most heartbreaking involve offshore production. Whether it is the money lost, the time lost or the frustration. On the flip side we love creating a smoother development process that involves offshore production BUT with pattern and sample development locally so you can ensure the right product is made the first time, saving time, money and frustration.
Read MorePre-production samples- your last line of defence!
Hi all! We thought we’d make the subject of today’s post, the pre-production sample. That’s a sample made after you’ve got your fabrics and trims, just before you go to production. We work together with you and your choice of manufacturer to get a garment that will work perfectly on the production line.
Read MoreSome of these things are not like the others: Creating a Range
This one is for those designers just starting out who would like to know a little bit more about the bones of a range.
Read MoreOrientation of a Design
Every customer who comes to our business to create a pattern, a sample or a specification has a different end goal in mind. The design brief process helps us understand what that goal is for you.
Read MoreWhat is your target market?
When you start working with a pattern maker, you’ll need to be really clear about your target market. It’s helpful to do some thinking about this before your first meeting.
Read MoreOne of these pattern makers is not like the other!
The relationship between a designer and a pattern maker is a unique and close one – it can make or break a range. And as with all relationships, you need to establish great communication.
Read MoreIf you know what can go wrong, there is more chance of avoiding it!
You might remember that last month we talked about how patternmaking is different for different manufacturing methods. This month we want to talk about our favourite topic… selling! Everybody loves a payday, but did you know that the way you sell will change your patternmaking?
Read MorePattern making isn’t just about making patterns!
One of the first questions we are asked is what do we do. You might think that would be an easy question for us to answer, but in fact it’s different for every customer who walks through our doors! The answer is, “it depends on what you need!”.
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