Day 12: Finished Market Research, Cleaning and a Little Sewing

(12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

Today at PLA we started the day off by cleaning the store. I started off by sweeping the floors while Shannon moped. After that I started to clean the windows, mirrors and dusted the bottom of the racks. Then I cut down all the printed paper and spools of thread that was hanging in the window.

After cleaning up, I finished my research on Markets and Trade Shows in the United States. Then told Shannon everything I found, she was actually surprised at all the information I found. Doing this research really helped me find out more about Markets and what Trade Shows were really all about. 

The last thing I did was start sewing together about six tops. I didn't finish them completely but the only thing I had to do was hem them and sew on the labels. I guess that will be the first thing I do next week. 

Brittney C.

Day 11: Sewing Tags, Market Research and Tea Time

(12 p.m - 5 p.m.)

Today was a good day, I started off sewing tags onto five garments. The first two garments didn't take me long to do but the last three didn't happen as fast. After I had sewn the tags on two of the last three, I noticed that they were crooked. So I asked Shannon how does she sew her tags on straight and she told me that I should line them up with the center back seam. That made everything a whole lot easier. After applying all the tags, I ironed all the garments while Shannon put the price tags on them and hung them up. 

After all that sewing Shannon and I took a little tea break. The tea was so good and I needed it because I was feeling a little sick. So we sat and talked about school and my collection, it was a real nice talk. After the break Shannon wanted me to look up some things on markets and trade show. I didn't know there were as many markets and trade shows. I saw trade shows not only in New York and California but in Kansas City, Detroit and Las Vegas. I was shocked, I looked at a lot of videos about the different markets. It was very interesting just because my school Fashion Association is planning a trip to Atlanta Mart. 

Well five o'clock came before I could finish looking up more places who have markets and trade show but I am sure I will finish tomorrow.

Brittney C.

Day 10: Ironing, Sewing Crop Tops and Tags!!!!!

(12 p.m. - 5p.m.)

 Today was a really fun day, I started off the day doing what I always do, iron. I ironed all the pieces that were heat set and washed yesterday. After I ironed all the pieces it was time for Shannon to show me how to sew them together. I was so nervous when I started, Shannon gave me an scrap piece to practice on. When I sewed the first crop top, I felt like I had graduated again. Well maybe not that but I felt like I accomplished something. Then I found out that I had to sew in the care labels and the PLA label. Thats when I became nervous all over again. I absolutely hate using zigzag stitching, it never works for me. Either the zigzags are too wide or they are too far apart, they just don't like me. After a few failed try's it started to come together and look nice. Then after three crop tops down I was professional crop top maker, well not really but I had one crop top left. Shannon was so excited and couldn't believe I have sewn together four crop tops, she didn't even think I would have finished one top today. Shannon told me that she was really proud of me and that made me feel really good. After I finished them al we made price tags then I got to hang them on the rack. I can say that today was a good day.

Brittney C.

Day 9: Heat Setting and Taxes

(12 p.m -5 p.m.)

Today was a heat setting day, I think I heat set thirty- six pieces. That was the first thing Shannon wanted me to do when I got there. It seemed to take hours to heat set all those pieces. I have never used an iron so much in my life.I have know become an ironing professional. Today was a light day so after heat setting everything I had a little down time so I did some of my spanish homework. While Shannon did some computer work, then after that she told me a little about filing taxes for a business. I honestly can't remember everything she said but I do remember helping her organize all those receipts. Then after we were done organizing, we counted up everything and that was it for today. Tomorrow I have a feeling we are going to be sewing because of all the pieces I heat sett. Who knows what I will be doing but I just know I can not wait. 

Brittney C 

Day 8: Ironing, Washing and Sergeing.......

(12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

 To start off the day Shannon had me ironing all the pieces that we resist dyed yesterday so she could wash them one more time. I also ironed one of the pieces that we would be sewing together today. After I ironed all the pieces for a second time, Shannon wanted me to help her wash the pieces. So I put on some gloves and jumped right in, I mostly did all the rinsing. When we finished all the washing Shannon showed me how she sews the pieces together. She mainly uses 4 and 3 thread serger but she might be doing some new things this time. I also learned how to thread the serger because I will be changing thread a lot. I made sure I asked a lot of questions, because I wanted to make sure that I understood everything. I would start sewing everything together next week and I don't want to mess up anything. We also talked a little bit about finding a jobs, also how photoshop and illustrator are things people who want to go into the fashion profession should know. We talked for a long time, I really enjoyed that and I appreciate Shannon talking to me. After our talk I just worked on the Grunge Deco Treasury that I didn't finish until five. Next week I will be making prints and sewing the pieces together. I cant wait next week couldn't come any faster.

Brittney C. 

Day 7: Ironing, dying and Warm Tones.......

(12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

Today was a busy day, my first task of the day was to come up with a new board for PLA's (People Like Arts) Pinterest. Shannon came up with the name "Warm Tones". In this board I pinned photos of the colors that she is using for her 2014 Spring collection. I actually had fun doing this board, finding the colors using different types of photographs. 

The next thing she did was show me how she dyes her fabrics, it was actually cool how she did it but the process is kept a secret so I am sworn to secrecy.  The next thing she had me do today was heat set all the pieces that she painted on, so she can wash them. Heat setting is a long process especial y when you are using an iron to do it. I probably spent almost ten minutes on each piece and after I got done heat setting them Shannon washed every piece. The she layer them out to dry for tomorrow. 

Tomorrow Shannon says we will be making the prints and I can't wait. Just to know that one of my print ideas might be used in her collection makes me feel really good. I can't wait for tomorrow, see you then.

Brittney C.