Hi I’m Ruby Dalziel from Rushcliffe Sixth Form and over the last 3 days I have been doing some work experience with Rachael and Jenny from Bridge and Stitch. They had very kindly produced a very structured list of small projects for me to work on along with some interesting smaller jobs too when I arrived.
I was extremely keen to get started and on Monday, I began by cutting, sticking and labelling fabrics by mounting them onto A4 paper. I enjoyed this task as it meant I was able to structure the page in my own way meaning I was able to be creative. After this, Jenny taught me how to distinguish between different label types. I then sorted their labels into groups in order to display them on A4 paper. This means that clients choosing a label in future will be more able to access and understand the different types more efficiently, and can even inspire design ideas.
Fabric organising. These in particular are performance fabrics used in sportswear.
A selection of swing tickets and leather labels
Range of labels, including Damask woven, satin woven, Taffeta woven and some interesting special woven labels!
After an exciting first day, on Tuesday Rachael allowed me to sit in on a meeting with 3 clients looking for some new uniform. This was a very interesting, first hand way to explore the business. I was able to take notes and then contact a number of suppliers to help find the clients something that matched their requirements. I also helped Rachael alter a pattern for a design one of their clients wanted adjusting and Rachael patiently taught me how to do this.
Pattern cutting a collar following feedback from a first sample
I then began researching into ‘vintage Britain’ for a client who is looking into producing clothes for premature babies. I made an A2 moodboard of all my ideas and had a huge amount of fun being creative and mounting and exploring all the pictures in a unique way.
Me and my moodboard!
My final designs!!
On Wednesday, I began developing my ideas from my moodboard. I started choosing the pictures I had found the day before that would be suitable for baby clothes. I sketched these out and painted some in. Some worked better than others. After this, Rachael showed me how to use Photoshop. She scanned my paintings onto her computer and we began editing them. Rachael then showed me how to produce a repeat pattern and we added these to some sample tops on specification sheets. I was extremely impressed with this process and Rachael’s kind, patient manner with me!
I wish I could have stayed longer because it has been so enjoyable! The office is so friendly and the atmosphere is great. It’s a quiet space meaning it is a brilliant working environment. Both Rachael and Jenny have been so welcoming and friendly. I genuinely feel so honoured to have spent a few days here with them and wish them both all the best as Bridge and Stitch grows!
Thankyou!!
