June 20th, 2018
In my previous Maker’s Row post, 4 Ways To Make Your Brand More Sustainable, I mentioned that using sustainable fabrics can really help…
April 12th, 2017
When picking a fabric, there are many considerations to take in. When you’re looking at fabric and you may see “70d” labeled on it, what does that mean? Well, the “d”…
December 15th, 2015
Rule of thumb Before we get into this, I want to make one comment. An arsenic tee shirt made in a factory that is local leaves less of a carbon footprint than the occasional organic…
November 10th, 2015
USPS delivers the package you have been eagerly awaiting. You ordered the scarf online so you haven’t felt or even seen it in person….
November 9th, 2015
Taking a garment to a point where it can be factory-produced requires the completion of several critical tasks. This pre-production…
November 1st, 2015
If you’re looking to start a knitwear line or incorporate wool into your designs, you need to make sure you understand what to look for…
October 22nd, 2015
Finding a factory is the first big step to your sourcing process. Before you begin this search, make sure you have an idea of your budget and the kind of capabilities you need your manufacturer…
October 9th, 2015
I have a friend who was an indie designer. She started back in 2004. Dynamic vision. Highest standards. Gorgeous prototypes. A designer with allure and personality to spare. What happened? Right…
September 27th, 2015
In the current design landscape, where there’s a trend in limited pieces and customized one-offs, it’s nearly impossible for designers…
September 26th, 2015
There’s nothing we love more than getting to know the designer behind the product: their voice, their interests, their passions. And…
September 25th, 2015
With costs of labor and fabric soaring, budget-conscious designers are cutting costs wherever possible, especially in the early years of a…
September 24th, 2015
Let’s get into the time machine and fast forward to the point where you’re going to a factory and putting your ideas into work. If you don’t have EVERYTHING available and ready to go for…
September 10th, 2015
Exclusively Kristen was born out of necessity: there were few brands that made quality shirts for large-busted women. I had a great…
August 25th, 2015
Strawberries and apples? No, we’re not talking about fruit salad – it’s the last installment of our Designing For Common…
August 13th, 2015
Sourcing at MAGIC is looming again! We’ve taken you through survival tips for the trade show, but now we’ve got a whole other kettle of fish: How To Kill It At Sourcing at MAGIC. Here’s…
August 11th, 2015
It’s that time of year again – Sourcing at MAGIC in Las Vegas. It’s where we’re in our element, but surviving the endless days – not to mention the heat – can be a trial we…
August 10th, 2015
New to the fabric sourcing game, or maybe you just need a refresher? Here are some key things to keep in mind before you get to the…
August 5th, 2015
Want to avoid major production disasters and those small, niggling design flaws that keep you up at night? Of course you do –…
July 24th, 2015
Embarking on an entirely new design venture is often straight-up terrifying, but you don’t have to be completely unprepared as you start…
July 21st, 2015
So, you know the ropes of working with contractors. But what’s the deal with materials suppliers? Do you need an agent or a broker? And…
July 15th, 2015
Hands-free handbags? You betcha. The 21st century take on fanny packs – that 90s staple that’s still the most secure way to tote…
October 6th, 2014
In design school, your inner design diva is nurtured to not restrict your creative freedom, to help you grasp your inner vision, and to get…
September 8th, 2014
Fabrics are both inspiring and innovative. They help to set the theme of each line. Each season, fabric designers and mills create new…