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Grader and Design Technology Manager
Wacoal America
New York, NY
Jul 2017 - Jul 2024 (7 years)
Grading responsibilities-
▪ Analyze basic size first patterns, and determine what improvements are needed to ensure patterns and garments are ready for mass production.
▪ Grade full size range and fit on 6-8 models in various sizes throughout the size range to ensure consistent fit and aesthetic for all sizes.
▪ Create measurement spec sheets for all sizes.
▪ Communicate with vendors to develop new underwires and molded bra cups as needed to fulfill design intent.
▪ Communicate with engineering team and factory partners to establish pattern and construction standards and troubleshoot any issues in production.
Tech responsibilities & projects-
▪ Serve as Lectra Modaris “super user”—troubleshoot issues for colleagues, and liaise with training and support teams at Lectra.
▪ Create 3D digital twins of our garments in Browzwear to show fashion color.
▪ Create internal training on Lectra, Excel, Outlook, PLM, and Smartsheet functionality.
▪ Purchase and maintain plotter/cutters for the design studio in NY and factory in Dominican Rep.
▪ Key member of My.Bra.FitTM algorithm development team, a mobile body scanning and wardrobing solution.
▪ Automated the spec sheet creation process so that spec sheets were generated directly from pattern measurements in Lectra rather than input manually to reduce errors.
▪ Designed and implemented a new system for requesting and tracking sample garments.
▪ Created a new tool in Smartsheet to manage the Fit & Grade schedule and drive accountability and schedule adherence among designers and graders.
▪ Created reference libraries for components including wires and pads, to help streamline the development process.
▪ Created a pattern catalog to categorize successful styles as reference for future development
▪ Developed new standards for the garment sketches included in our spec sheets Created Yammer channel for the design department to share articles, trends, etc. related to the intimates industry
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Pattern Systems Associate
ONE Jeanswear Group
New York, NY
Apr 2017 - Jul 2017 (3 months)
- Updated existing block patterns in Lectra Modaris and worked on creating new blocks.
- Checked factory grading to ensure all sizes correctly preserve pattern shape and maintain fit consistency; recommend updates to our standard grade rules to improve fit for all sizes.
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Assistant Technical Designer
Talbots
New York, NY
Mar 2016 - Mar 2017 (1 year)
- Made pattern corrections and issue fit comments on for skirt and sleepwear styles
- Communicated with vendors regarding grading, fit, and workmanship issues.
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Patternmaker/stitcher
The Workroom Productions
Aug 2012 - May 2015 (2 years 9 months)
• Adapted costume patterns based on new sizing specifications
Built costumes for a variety of professional performers including Blue Man Group, and US figure skater Ross Miner.
• Created patterns and constructed custom slipcovers, cushions, and window treatments pillows for interior design and editorial photography clients.
Collaborated with upholstery team to construct custom couches and ottomans and to reupholster antique pieces.
• Worked with a large variety of fabrics, sewing techniques and sewing equipment including cover stitch, pearl stitch, serger, safety stitch, blind hem and walking foot machines.
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Patternmaker/Stitcher
TenFab Design
Oct 2011 - Aug 2012 (10 months)
• Created patterns for custom fabric covers by draping or measuring and drafting based on customer specifications.
• Laid out, cut, and stitched frame covers for corporate displays and trade shows.
• Worked in a team environment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven industry.
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Alterations Manager
David's Bridal
Jan 2007 - Oct 2011 (4 years 9 months)
• Oversaw and executed bridal and special occaision gown alterations process from beginning to end including, consultation, fitting, stitching, quality control, presssing, and final fitting.
• Typically completed alterations on two to three wedding gowns or six to eight special occaision dresses per day.
• Consistently exceeded company productivity and revenue standards.
• Received praise from customers for excellent customer service.
• Maintained schedule and training to ensure that work was being done on time and of excellent quality.
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Patternmaker
Tempo Ballroom Dance Studio
Jan 2010 - Jan 2011 (1 year)
• Created patterns and samples based on sketches and discussions with studio owner
• Worked with stretch fabrics to determine appropriate fit and scaled patterns to different sizes (S-XL)
• Created detailed sewing instructions for other stitchers
Costume construction experience
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Implementation
Epic
Mar 2007 - Apr 2008 (1 year 1 month)
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Costume intern
McCarter Theatre Centre
Jan 2004 - Jan 2005 (1 year)
Cutting, stitching (including period costumes and outerwear), costume crafts, dyeing, distressing, assisting with fittings, wardrobe. Also spent one week of the internship assisting at Eric Winterling Costumes in New York.