May 2, 2008
3 Lessons
First Samples opened its doors in January of 2005. It was created in response to the interest people were showing to learn how to sew apparel and the lack of places to learn at. It's main goal is to nurture and propagate the art and craft of garment construction. We live every day from the day we are born to the day we die wearing sewn products. We have become so removed from our clothes that most of us have trouble sewing a button on. Our sewing is all outsourced. First Samplesâ„¢ wants to bring it back home.
Shauna Smith:
Shauna is a pattern maker, seamstress and designer. She graduated from FIDM in '92. Since then, she has held positions that have given her experience in nearly every phase of a sewn garment: design, patternmaking, spec technician, factory liaison, production sewing, q.c., retail buying, retail sales, and alterations. Now she is embarking upon a new adventure to create a place that approaches the cottage industry of sewing in a way that is intended to connect designers, sewing enthusiasts, patternmakers and other potential industry professionals in the community. She would like to bring people out of their kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, attics and basements to share their special skills and knowledge with each other.