Experience

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  David nieper limited, alfreton, derbyshire

  Jul 2012 - Nov 2018

  Pattern & grading technician

  ResponsibilitiesWorking with the grading team to create a production sample for each styleWorking with the Head of Design to create first patterns for new samplesDigitising and grading patterns on the Lectra systemCreating size charts for each styleExceptional knowledge of pattern cutting and gradingExceptional knowledge of garment constructionWorking very closely with machinists and production workersMeasuring mini lays against measurement specsWorking closely with all departmentsVery good knowledge of the Lectra Modaris grading systemFollow the grading plan each season to keep work loads prioritised and to meet deadlines for each seasonVery good communication skills and good rapport and relationships with other members of staffAlways willing to learn and train in different areasOrganise and take the lead of fit meetings with Design & TechnicalCheck development sheets from the sample machinists and raise awareness of issues during meetingsTest fabrics, fusing and trims and source new suppliers when necessaryMake sure that all sample patterns that come into technical are correctHelp develop manufacturing methods that may help production and keep up to date with construction methods and liaising with suppliersUndertake any other activity that may be required by senior management Taking ownership of students and interns - giving talks about garment technology and leading mini projects from design concept, pattern cutting, digitising/grading to manufacture, quality, fit and finished productWorking with womens' outerwear including tailored garments Administrative roles - updating make up sheets, creating and updating spec sheets, liaising with suppliers, researching fabric, components and musingsKeeping the office and factory environments clean and tidy and also keeping up to date with H&S regulations Show less

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  Laura worthington designs

  May 2015 - now

  Founder, designer, pattern cutter, machinist

  ResponsibilitiesDesigning, pattern cutting, grading by hand and manufacturing high quality womenswearPerfect fit is essentialMaking sure graded sizes fit perfectly togetherAlways keeping on top of the customer baseUnderstanding the marketVery business minded, keeping on top with payments and financialsExtremely good communication skillsExtremely experienced in manufactureConstantly conducting quality checks on high street productsUnderstanding costings and price points within budgetAlways researching new suppliersAlways researching for trends, colours and fabricsMaintaining industrial sewing machinesPracticing traditional and modern methods of pattern cutting Show less

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  Navabi gmbh

  Dec 2018 - Nov 2019

  Womenswear designer and product developer

  ResponsibilitiesTaking ownership, creating collections and being the lead Garment Tech for two separate brands: Isolde Roth YOONAWorking with plus size women’s wear including outerwear and tailored garmentsEnsuring both collections are in line with the critical path and follow the merchandise category planPresenting mood boards, trends and key designs to the design, buying and merchandising teamsTaking ownership for brand fabric and production suppliers in Germany, Poland, Italy, France and ChinaCreating new designs and creatively buying for each brandSourcing fabrics, conducting research on manufacturing techniques, pattern cutting and new stylesAttending trade fairs in Munich, Düsseldorf and ItalyLeading sample fit meetings and fitting all samples for own brands and other team members brandsCreating tech packs for all styles including technical drawings, size charts and creating grading sheets and checkingSending out fitting comments for each style, including technical diagrams if needed to assist the supplier with alterationsDelegating work to working students and assistants and training where neededVisiting Poland, South Germany and Italy suppliers to creatively buy unique styles for the collections Working with the merchandise team to re buy/develop bestsellers for the next seasonsAttending the In Season Meetings with Merchandise to understand which styles are selling or notConducting deep dives into styles or categories that are not performing well and finding solutionsChecking quality at sample stage and working with the warehouse manager to ensure quality at bulk stageMaking sure suppliers and factories understand the companies care label policies Making sure suppliers understand the companies packaging and delivery policies Show less

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  De montfort university

  Mar 2020 - Sept 2024

  Technical instructor (fashion)
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  Falmouth university

  Oct 2024 - now

  Senior technician for sustainable garment construction