Interview: Sewing Factory Owner & Pattern Maker Kathleen Fasanella Part 1 

I don't want to be the designer- so I am happy to hear there is a need for sewers. I just want to sew.

This is more real than Alexa Chung's half assed fashion documentary! Thanks 😚

She's amazing. I have her book and have been a member of her forum. Her blog post about lean manufacturing are amazing. She also talks about starting your own manufacturing plant on a small scale. She's amazing. Can't wait for part 2. Thanks for this video

I aspire to disrupt the most toxic aspects of the fashion industry. This interview has reinforced most of my core values. Thank you both for your wisdom!!!! #respect

Kathleen is known all the way over here in Dallas, TX! Everything she said is 100% spot-on when it comes to how the industry actually works. After hearing her speak about the lack of working knowledge that designers and pattern makers have, I feel very thankful that I can be a pattern maker somewhere that also does cutting & sewing. Definitely alot of hard truths that more people need to hear!

It is 2019 and I just found this video now. Where have i beeeeeeen? Kathleen is a vessel of knowledge and insight. Oh and I could listen to her speak all day.

Notes: 10:40 Small companies 12:09 Pattern makers sell time 13:20 Actionable list 17:08 On landscape changes (political) 19:20 Marketing Pie (Allocating resources) 23:46 On sustainability (Bamboo, trans cotton) 25:43 THE CHALLENGE 27:43 Wallmart (I'm no a Wally fan... but don't be surprised WM's "green" supply chain logistics... is an interesting case study) To the interviewr: Zoe: I love you. I really do. Meaning: I want to support your journey ... God. I'm glad to be alive in an age that allows us to watch...to have access to this kind of endeavors... so because I want the best for you: *you have to improve your interviewing skills*. Fast. Seriously. I know we youngsters want to show our breath and depth... but the reality is we haven't been around long enough to fill the vessel, independently of how smart we are... and at 29:40 you can see Kathleen annoyed (angered actually). So, because I like picking, poking and prodding wise and more knowledgeable brains too... this is what I do: I just shut up. As hard as it is. I clam up the desire to show off and just keep on asking questions and try to make the other person tell their story or comb their arguments to untangle the parts I don't get. You won't believe the kind of things you can dig up just by listening actively. I mean it's better than gold.. it's something more valuable than even time itself. Keep up the good work and thank you. Thank You for sharing this. Cheers from Colombia ;).

What a treat! I’ve been on the forum since at least 2006 and Kathleen never fails to keep me on the edge of my design/sewing chair with her expertise ✂️❤️✂️

Love Kathleen. I've talked to her on the phone and have been a member of her incubator. She is so knowledgeable and full of heart. Thank you so much for featuring her. I'm.new to your channel and it's in my top 3.

Oh wow, I just realised this is Kathleen from fashion incubator! Kathleen you’re a legend and have been super helpful so many times over the years for me whilst starting out as a freelance technical designer. Thank you!!!

Thank you so much, Zoe. I am so grateful for this opportunity to watch my "mentor" speaking. Looking forward to the next part- any designer entrepreneur cannot have enough advice and insight from industry leaders like Kathleen Fasanella.

This is the best info I encountered and it is so honest and valuable. I think it is important to hear this side of the story,because usually all we hear are small designers complaining about how manufacturers wont do small productions and they are not even interested to communicate. When you hear a real experience like this,then you really get why. It's very hard to start small in the industry because of that, but I don't think we should get discouraged. The key seems to be to earn respect and then establish and maintain a good relationship. And always be kind😊Thank you Zoe! The best interview!

This what i need to know.. this is awesome! thank you sooo much miss zoe for picturing this interview. This is a very big help for me. You're amazing!!! God bless you more! ❤❤❤

I am only a customer of the industry. I found this interview fascinating. Zoe and Kathleen gave me just a glimpse into the behind the scenes world of pattern making processes. Thank you.

Zoe you do such a great job at being in your viewers shoes. Thank you you're truly a wonderful teacher

Wow, this interview is a gem. My whole idea of sustainable fashion has been changed. thank you so much for this. I think I'm in love with Kathleen. I really like people who keep it real and tell it like it is.

very informative, thank you for taking the time out and recording this interview!!

I learned so much listening to This interview. Thanks for sharing and get this information out to see the reality of the industry. The sustainability part was the best. Will look up more on her blog to continue researching

WOW. This was just fantastic. I wish I’d found it a few months ago- but thankfully most of Kathleen’s advice is in line with what I’ve done so far. I’m going to be much more patient with my pattern design & prototyping company after watching this!

I grew up in manufacturing, so true on the old school sites and photos of products (networking, etiquette too, super old school.) Electronics for us, but all the legit factories and warehouses I have used or dealt with purchasing or quoting are like that for us. The main reason I didn't get into fashion industry was from growing up on the contract manufacturing side of making and having no rose colored glasses to look through. My friends think I am a buzzkill when they have an idea but no idea how factories work or the costs. Or like, have no idea of politeness with quotes and samples including process/follow-through. Love your channel!

Wow what an interview. So much information, knowledge and experience she has. Such a big industry too

This is so RAW. Thank you very much for this Zoe

항상 좋은 동영상 올려주셔서 감사합니다! 😍 I cannot wait till the next one!!

I really like this interview! Thanks for taking the time. xxx

Fascinating! She's has so much integrity.

Yay can't wait for part 2! can she give any advice on pricing for sewing. How to price per piece and or per hour. I'm a freelance seamstress and pricing my services is a challenge I don't want to over price or under. any advice would be much appreciated Thank you!

Great interview Zoe! I've been following Kathleen's website for along time.

you are the most awesome person sharing information critical as this for the need to know individual such as myself

Kinda off topic, but I love how you let her yell. Idk makes this interview feels more authentic.

Thank you so much! This is one of the most important and informative videos I have ever watched on garment development. You are doing a great job :) God bless you ❤️

Thank you for this interview Kathleen and Zoe, it was so insightful!!!

Omg. I really enjoy this interview,the great info and advieces that your sharing. Love it very instructive.

Very, very interesting thank you Zoe, thank you Kathleen.

Thank you so much for this! It was really insightful and I'm getting a lot of knowledge.. it makes me excited!

I love this lady!

Love your videos 💕 I’m learning a lot Keep it up 👍🏽

amazing insight ladies, truly a multi faceted beast. Kathleen you got write a book, love your wit and backbone.

Great interview! I love her and I am not even in any sort of fashion industry.

Ugh can't believe I missed this when you first posted! You're both amazing.

I could listen to her all day

Yah! Kathleen. Love her. She's so effing smart. The best blog and book on the subject.

She really nice, thanks for showing her in your channel

I have her book. It's very informative. Must have for young designers who wants to figure out how things actually works in fashion/production.

It's really interesting when they mentioned allocation of finances has been moved to marketing. Considering the consumption habits of the largest market now (Gen Y-Z) especially in terms of fast fashion, the internet launching everything into hyperspeed, and the democratisation of being "stylish", you can trace why the quality of the production has been sacrificed. Kids don't care nor know what well-made looks like, all they want is something that's "cute" and cheap. So consumption has to be redefined if we want to return to sustainable and quality production.

Hi Zoe i'm so glad that you show us the different aspects of the fashion industry. I don't have a clue of what happens besides the designing part. So your vlogs are so inpirational and it wakes me up that i have to learn a lot about how it all works in the fashion industry. We see only the "nice" parts like the designs on the catwalk. And i'am curious if it works the same in Europe what Kathleen explains in the interview. I can't wait to see the next part.

Best part the environmental information. I will only shop at the moment at Walmart for fabrics because they are being the change I wanna see in the world 🌎

Oh I'm so proud I know what transitional cotton is ;D

Very very good points.

Thank you so much for this information

Thank you for mentioning Bamboo and the faux sustainable fabrics. When I studied weaving and spinning I learned a lot about fiber and was shocked about the damage made by bamboo. I also have done a lot of research about trash made by fashion and the made to order is such a good idea. Thanks for the discussion on transitional cotton, I will be researching that more just to learn about it.

Wow...this video is 2 years old and I am just seeing now it? I watched a few of your videos and I'm liking the contents so far. Definitely subscriber now! My question for Kathleen is how does one get into a pattern making job??

Hello Zoe! Thank you for your work. Where can I find the article about the bamboo “controversy” about sustainability please? (I can’t find it on her blog)

I really appreciated her reply to the potential tariff changes. The information about transitional cotton was super interesting! It makes me wonder what those organic versus standard certifications is now. What were the regional shows she mentioned? Cannot wait for part two, thank you, Zoe! And Kathleen!

"would you like to introduce yourself to my viewer" nope. DEAD.

I like her great business mind

I love it!!! Don't be a jerk! I love Kathleen F!

Dang, This was good!

I would come and learn to be a pattern maker but not so good at mathematical stuff lol but I would be loyal she is a darling love her work ethic

Really enjoyed this! When is part 2 coming?

I really enjoyed watching this video. I want to do pattern-making and technical design but it's really hard to do here in Argentina. I'm originally from Uruguay (non-existent fashion careers) and I'm having a lot of trouble finding a good school or place to learn the skills, especially for lingerie which is what I'm really into. Any recommendations of online courses or resources? Thanks for the video by the way!

Do all pattern makers charge for cutting and sewing on the basis of time? Like per hour?

I am wondering if Kathleen’s ideas about how the import tariffs and economy are playing out the way she worried they might, or if it’s created a renewed interest and opportunities for her market, and small US based ventures? Especially in pattern drafting, which is what I’m considering as a mid-life career change possibility. I can find a ton of info about DEs but not entrepreneurial pattern drafters, graders, samples and markers. I’d love your thoughts on that as well. Thank you for such an informative, interesting, resource and community! (And yes, I have her book, love it, and am exploring her online community 😉).

Can you bring Ms. Kathleen Fasanella with you to the LA meet up. I love her lol too funny

Very Informative.. So would you advise solo designers to digitize the patterns they make in order to make the hand off easier to manufacturers?

I Love this Lady.... All I Want to do is Learn How To Sew.. With Sewing Patterns for Dummies.. A.K.A = Me..

Amazing info I keep researching for pattern makers manufacturers but they mainly promote there services by showing there own brand and have heaps of sort of fake profiles showing other brands but it's there's too 😉

I'm a student in Perth Western Australia and I'm currently studying my certificate 4 in fashion and probably will go on to complete my diploma (basically university). I have always liked pattern making (not as much as construction) but to earn some money on the side once I have finished the relevant units in pattern making (grading, basically all of the pattern making units in my course) and I wanted do pattern make stuff for clients. Is it a good idea to have pictures of my own work that is not the work of my clients (same if I did something similar in construction)?

I'd love to sew garments and make patterns.

Kathleen fasanella!!!! OMG

I LOVE this interview! I have always felt super uncomfortable about posting work I do for clients and this interview has solidified my belief on this. I’m currently doing a lot of “mock” work just to have something to prove my skills... but I can post without fretting about being ripped off and copied. The realness here is great.

hi I really enjoy your content you are the best tfs!

Is there anywhere there is a good list of regional shows for newbies?

Hi Zoe, do I need to be present with a pattern maker? Or I could just forward my tech pack and rest. Also, based on your experience in the business, could you pls recommend a manufacturing factory in Europe that are good. I’am having a hard time finding manufacturers in Europe. I am a start up brand. Looking to produce my designs. A recommendation from you, believe it or not will go a long way & will very much be appreciated. Trust me I have done so much research online already.

Are you still in business? I’m a pro patternmaker originally studied/worked upstairs women’s clothing in L A Thanks

Enable english cc (free) pretty please.

Deep Sh*t!

I have manufacturing in small scale in mumbai.but i am not success.dont have order.

If you have experience in B2B and are willing to pay for the extra time in help, is it still bad to ask?

I think it’s interesting she thinks patternmakers should have no images of their work. In all other fields you would showcase what you’ve done, tastefully of course so not to let any trade secrets out. I think recommending that you find a patternmaker with an old website is sort of bizarre to me.

I would pay for your expertise I am a beginner but I hope that someone out there will help me I won't be a jerk lol

When j tell my friends that bamboo isn’t organic they don’t believe me

lol she be yelling in Spanish

even though she sounds like she is in the market for a long time and understands the business,she also comes as a bit arrogant and unpleasant to deal with!!

Designers need to know how to make patterns they claim to be contour designers and they don’t even know how to make a pattern or measure properly. I do understand they just woman name, but they can’t do nothing, right

Sounds like you guys are speaking mandarin 😭

I have not done any research on the person that hosts this blog.... but this video is horribly negative & depressing.... this woman seems to be bitter, over worked & bugged... she is so uninspiring....