Computer Pattern Making, FIDM, important information

1. Value Mode: be in value mode when you want to use measurements, distance, or length.
2. Curser Mode: be in curser mode when you want to manipulate something that is already on the screen.
3. Control: When you are opening pattern pieces, control lets you select more than one pattern piece at a time, even if the files are not adjacent to each other.
4. Shift: When you are opening pattern pieces, shift allows you to select more than one piece at a time that are adjacent to each other.
5. You trace a piece in the clockwise direction.
7. internal line: grainline
8. F10 clears the screen.
9. You can tell a piece is mirrored by the dotted perforated line.
10. 3 different ways to make a piece bigger on your screen:
a. zoom in (tool box)
b. full scale (tool box)
c. go to view and select zoom in

11. edit: point: info: this lets the computer know which point you want to edit
12. Why do all pieces have a separate category? So you won't get them mixed up, some pieces look a like
13. How do you apply grade rules to collars? grade 1/2" per size
14. How do you apply grade rules to cuffs? grade 1/4" per size

How much would YOU pay for a necktie?

Hey guys, or gals that purchase neckties for their guy, please tell me how much you pay for neckties. Also, what is the MOST you have ever paid for a necktie?

New Apparel Manufacturing Business Start Up

 Are you starting an apparel manufacturing business? Consider Infinity Business Solutions. I recently contacted them regarding forming a new company. My husband, Allen, accompanied me. 
Infinity Business Solutions is a small-business consulting firm that specializes in working with business owners at every stage of their business development. Whether you are just beginning or are already up and running, Infinity Business Solutions will help you START, FUND, AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS! Lily told us that "Today’s businesses operate in an environment marked with challenges at nearly every turn. Infinity Business Solutions works with you to establish a solid and thriving business environment. By partnering with Infinity Business Solutions, you can focus on growing your business while systems, design, compliance, structural, and strategy matters are handled by Infinity Business Solutions."

The Attraction:
We were attracted to Infinity Business Solutions because we had heard that women owned businesses are now recognized as minority owned businesses and can qualify for government set asides if structured properly. We are very happy that we invested the time with Lily so that we will be mindful of thestructure.

The Meeting Highlights:
We discussed name choices, entity creation...sole proprietorship, C-Corp, Sub Chapter S-Corp a or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Lily was careful to point our that each entity has legal, tax, and compliance issues that should be further discussed with accounting and legal advisors. Additionally we discussed procuring a tax ID number, a Dunn and Bradstreet rating (important for government work), and the nature of distribution channels, manufacturing processes, etc. Lily's services are billed on an "ad-hoc" basis which is important as the hourly bills aren't accumulated.

Personal Experience:
Lily and her husband DeShawn recently formed a chocolatier called"Grandma Betty's". Lily was a wealth of information on the "dos and don'ts of creating amanufacturing business. Please contact Lily. I know that you won't be disappointed! She can be reached at the below listed places:

Infinity Business Solutions
7327 Walnut Ave #A
Buena Park, CA 90620
United States of America
Bus: (714) 670-8941
E-mail: lotieno@ibsusaonline.com
(located in Orange County, CA, near Disneyland)

Lilly and DeShawn

Helpful Websites

Apparel Manufacturing Helpful Websites


1. American Apparel & Footwear Association:
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.

2. Apparel Resources: .SPECIALIZING IN THE AREAS OF CONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE, EMPLOYEE LEASING, COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT, WORKER'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE, EMPLOYER COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

3. International Trade Administration: : import/export news

4. SEARCH FOR APPAREL, FASHION, CLOTHING, MODELS:
Apparel Search is an apparel industry directory providing members of the fashion industry with links to virtually every aspect of apparel, fashion, textiles, and clothing.

5. US Department of Labor: OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. There are OSHA standards for Construction work, Maritime operations, and General Industry, which is the set that applies to most worksites. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Examples of OSHA standards include requirements to: provide fall protection, prevent trenching cave ins, prevent infectious diseases, assure that workers safely enter confined spaces, prevent exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, put guards on machines, provide respirators or other safety equipment, and provide training for certain dangerous jobs.

Factory in Zhejiang, ZHEJIANG S&F FOREIGN TRADE CO.,LTD

I received a nice response to my global inquiry. This looks like a nice factory in Zhejiang. However, I would suggest that they put the garments on rolling racks when transporting the garments from one worker to the next. I am impressed how clean the facility is.
Here is the information and an image of the plant, and a garment that they produce.
Weiwei Zhang
email:pjuoovo@hotmail.com   pjuoovo@gmail.com
msn:pjuoovo@msn.cn
tel:0086-571-87829638
cell: 0086-13685796310
ZHEJIANG S&F FOREIGN TRADE CO.,LTD

Notice how clean everything is. Rolling carts, or racks, would increase productivity and help keep the garments from becoming wrinkled.

This is an image of the garment that they sent to me. It is an example of what they can produce.

Doing Business In India, Proper Gestures and Body Language

I found this on executiveplanet.com

Feet are considered unclean in India, so avoid pointing your feet at another person. In the case that your feet or shoes touch another person, you are expected to apologize by saying 'sorry.'

Indians do not maintain continuous eye-contact while talking with others. Direct eye-contact may be seen as intrusive. On the other hand, do not feel uncomfortable if you find an Indian gazing at you; this is because Indians are curious--to the extent of sometimes being intrusive--about foreigners.

The comfortable distance to be maintained during an interaction is much closer in India than in most Western countries. In general, a distance of about 2 or 2 ½ feet is seen as comfortable. However, since India has very high population density, in public spaces [e.g., public transport, a queue, etc.], don't be surprised if you find people almost rubbing against you.

The public spaces [e.g., markets, roads, public transportation, etc.] in India are far more crowded than in the West. You need to be careful while crossing roads, and of pick-pockets who can steal your purse/ wallet.

Being a poor country, you are likely to find beggars in most public places. It is advisable to ignore them, since if you give them alms, you are likely to be pestered by many others.

Most Indians are very courteous to foreigners. However, many also see foreigners as a target for being swindled. You need to be careful about people who try to give you 'great deals'--do check their credentials before giving them money.

Doing Business in Turkey, Proper Gestures and Body Language

I found this on businessinturkey.com

Proper Gestures & Body Language

Shake hands firmly when greeting or being introduced to a Turkish man. It is not customary to shake hands again upon departure. It is not common to say things like “Hi” or “Good Morning” to people you don’t know, while passing them in hallways or streets. They may get the wrong impression since they are not used to it. Turks may greet a close friend of either sex with a two-handed handshake and/or a kiss on both cheeks. Elders are highly respected in Turkey. If you are seated, rise to greet them when they enter a room. When being introduced to a group of men, shake hands with each one, starting with the one who appears to be oldest. Keep both feet flat on the ground when sitting. Displaying the soles of your shoes or feet to someone is insulting. It is generally impolite for women to cross their legs while facing another person. Try not to cross your arms or put your hands in your pockets while facing or talking to someone. The U.S. gesture for ‘no’ [wagging the head from side to side] is a common Turkish gesture for ‘I don’t understand.’ Usually, Turks will wave the head vertically, and backwards to say no. It is considered rude to point your finger directly at someone.