Seamstress Research

In this assignment, I was supposed to research a job in the fashion industry. I was supposed to find the requirements and resources that would be needed or helpful to get an actual job. The resources were supposed to be a newsletter and an association that I could join as I had the job of my choice. I chose to research being a Seamstress.

Seamstress:

In Park City Utah, there is an opening for a part time seamstress or tailor at a retail store called Buckle. The pay is around $18- $20 an hour. In order to get this job, you are required to know how to use a sewing machine and have experience in sewing. The seamstress position involves all types of alterations and hemming at the store. The individual skills required for alterations etc. are: Measuring and marking alteration lines, pin or mark folds to show the progress in the alterations of a piece, removing stitches from a garment, resew merchandise by hand or machine, launder each item of clothing, record work done, be able to complete four jean alterations an hour, and maintain all standards of quality. The education requirement in order to be a seamstress is: a High School diploma, General Education, or at least three months of training sewing and altering. This job requires a flexible worker who can work on the weekends and/or evenings because the orders placed are out of the control of the employer and rely on the time that the alterations are placed. All work must be satisfactory to the employer and maintain the standards of quality represented by the store. If a potential employee has disabilities, many disabilities can be accommodated in order for them to fulfill the basic requirements of the job. However, a person must be able to hear, see, stand, actively use arms and hands, and be able to carry at least 30 lbs. in order to accomplish the necessary tasks. The benefits that come with being a seamstress is: variety of many textiles and items, skill growth, and creative freedom. A seamstress is a creative and necessary part of a retail store because of the variety in consumers body types. This is also a great steppingstone to a larger and more focused career that gives you the necessary skills for the fashion industry’s hands-on work.

Part two:

I could join the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals if I pursue the career of a seamstress. This association is open to all fashion or sewing professionals, and is focused on helping them grow their business and skill level. The standards and ethics are part of the membership requirements, and exist to create a sense of companionship and similar ethics within the creative community. These standards include basic rules of professionalism between the customers, public, and each other, that maintain balance within. There are also certificates offered to the members that can boost their skill levels and give them more opportunities. Joining this group would be beneficial to grow myself into a more accomplished seamstress if I decide to follow this career path.

Cost: $200

For inspiration resources, I can subscribe to Threads. Threads is a sewing publication all for different parts of the fashion profession. It has a podcast, discussing various sides of fashion and sewing. It has helpful tutorials and videos. There are so many different helpful forms of media that are available to choose from. From individual pieces and new looks to applications for fabrics and textures, Threads seems to be a complete and helpful guide for a seamstress and/or any other designer.

Cost: $59.95