SAF-T-POCKETS Patterns
15942 SE Brooklyn Street
Portland OR 97236-2049
503-761-6460 (phone)
503-762-1617 (fax)
sales@saf-t-pockets.com
 
 
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THE INSIDE POCKETchronicles of an independent pattern company owner |
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Off to Puyallup
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We leave in the morning for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA. It is just a 2 1/2 hour drive for us, but we spent all day loading a cargo van with merchandise and samples.
The Plenty of Pockets Pants pattern has arrived and is ready for purchase now. The Flounce About Jacket will be available by March 15. You can pre-order it now and be one of the first to receive this pattern.
I'll give you a full report on Puyallup when I get back.
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posted by Marsha
on February 27, 2008
at 00:28
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What are you currently making?
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I am wondering what kind of things you are all working on right now. Most of us are inside due to weather conditions making this the perfect time to get things made for spring and summer.
I am sewing test samples for my two new patterns that will be released next month. I've tested the 3XL and medium but cannot find a fit model small enough for the XS pant. There are not many of us out there with a 34 hip but small customers often tell me how much they appreciate us carrying the smaller sizes.
Garments need to be made for the Sewing & Stitchery Show coming up at the end of the month so the sewing machine will be going at high speed for the next couple of weeks.
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posted by Marsha
on February 11, 2008
at 07:36
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Back from Vacation
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My husband and I just returned from a long awaited vacation in Mexico. It was great to get away from the cold weather and bask in the sun. In fact, while we were gone it snowed in Portland so I think we picked the perfect time to get away.
Now it's time to start preparing for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA. It is the largest sewing show in the US. There is always so much to do and so little time. Now back to work.
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posted by Marsha
on February 5, 2008
at 20:43
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Writing Guidesheets
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Recently, I've spent many hours writing and rewriting guide sheets for our two new patterns. As I construct the first sample, I have my laptop nearby and write the steps as I go. I also take digital pictures which my artist will use as a base for the drawings on the guide sheets. Once this is done, I go over the instructions again and do some rewriting. When I make the second sample, I follow the instructions and make additions or clarifications where necessary. Next, I send this information to the man who produces the guide sheets. He not only does the art, but also edits as he goes along since he is an expert in this field. I've had others do this job, but his technical eye really adds a lot and makes him invaluable. He's worth his weight in gold! Once he gets it all in the computer, I receive a copy, which I go over, edit and check for errors. It takes time and lots of work, but the end results are well-written and well-illustrated instructions that help my customers sew successful garments. Thanks to all of you who have complimented us on our guide sheet detail.
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posted by Marsha
on January 24, 2008
at 21:33
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Sample Sewing
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Currently, I am working on the samples to check the new patterns. We start with a medium pattern and, when that is correct, we grade the pattern to our full size range. Next, we make a sample of the XS and the 3XL to confirm that the grade is right for both ends of the sizing. Sometimes we make the XL to check further. This is not a quick process, but we feel it is essential to ensure the quality and fit of our patterns.
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posted by Marsha
on January 17, 2008
at 10:41
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Patterns in the Works
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Right now I am working on two new patterns that are coming out this spring. One is a cute jacket and the other is pants with a large assortment of interesting pockets. The pattern work is done and I've written the instructions so now I'm working on samples while the guide sheets are being created. I'm not the best artist so as I am making samples I take pictures of the steps then my artist can draw from the photos on the computer. It seems to work and he does a great job of showing the steps. Now back to the machine.
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posted by Marsha
on January 5, 2008
at 16:42
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Happy Holidays
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I am sure you are all busy finalizing your plans for the holidays. We are so blessed to have family and friends nearby so we can spend this special time of year together. This is a great time to look back and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a free country where we have the rights to worship, think and live without fear. Our hearts go out to all the families who will not be together due to distance, especially those with loved ones serving in our military.
Thank you so much for your continued support of SAF-T-POCKETS. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year of peace and prosperity.
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posted by Marsha
on December 21, 2007
at 08:18
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Drinking Glasses in Hotels
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Today, I saw a report on the condition of drinking glasses in hotel rooms. It's scary! Hidden cameras found maids wiping out the glasses with glass cleaner, wearing rubber gloves that had just been in the toilet and drying the glasses with a dirty towel off the floor. I will be looking for individually wrapped plastic glasses from now on. For the whole report, go to: The Hidden Truth Behind Hotel Drinking Glasses
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posted by Marsha
on December 6, 2007
at 15:56
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Luggage Damage
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When I arrived in Minneapolis on my last trip, I found my suitcase with garment samples mangled. I showed this to the airline employee and he took pictures to show his boss. Due to the damage we were delayed and missed our hotel shuttle so we had to pay $28 for a taxi.
The following day I called to speak with the boss. He said according to his employee the damage was "normal wear and tear". I explained the employee said the boss would make the call and the boss said the person on shift had to make the call. He had not seen the pictures either. This was frustrating as both blamed the other. He said he would have someone call me but after 5 days I filed a formal complaint. After going up the chain of command, finally central baggage said they could not reimburse me for the suitcase but would give me a voucher for $200 for future travel. I accepted this as it was worth more than my suitcase and I had already spent a great deal of time. I did write a letter to the director of central baggage explaining how his employees treated this situation so we'll see if they ever respond.
If this happens to you, be sure to get the names of anyone you speak with and document your conversations in writing. This way they will take your complaint more seriously.
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posted by Marsha
on December 1, 2007
at 17:42
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Happy Thanksgiving
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I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you will be able to spend the day with those you love. Our family is gathering at my oldest son's home for the first time. It's wonderful to have a daughter-in-law that makes your son happy, is carrying our first grandchild and actually seems to enjoy being with her in-laws. We feel very blessed.
Happy Turkey Day!
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posted by Marsha
on November 21, 2007
at 13:18
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SAF-T-POCKETs featured in Threads article
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On Friday, I received my January issue of Threads magazine. As I was thumbing through the pages, I stumbled onto the Reader's Closet article on Page 70. Much to my surprise, there I was pictured modeling my mother-of-the-groom dress and Getting to the Point Jacket. The biggest surprise was it was a pretty good picture of me! That happens rarely and I was amazed I was even smiling in the picture as I was so nervous. Modeling is not something that comes naturally to most of us and to get up in front of 800 sewing enthusiasts is always a challenge. I'm going to see if I can get a copy of the picture to feature on the web site. A big thank you to Threads magazine for including me.
EDIT:
Here it is! Marsha McClintock, SAF-T-POCKETS owner, modeling at the national ASG conference in Sacramento, CA - July 2007.
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posted by Marsha
on November 5, 2007
at 00:23
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Sewing Samples
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This past week I have been making new samples to take to the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This will be a new show for our company, so, if you live in the area, please stop by and introduce yourself.
I made a new Flight Jacket sample in size 3XL out of a water-resistant teal green satin. It turned out very nice. Today, I finished a black wool Town & Country skirt to go with the black and white T&C vest, which was made using the fold-over elastic as trim. Both of these garments will be shown in the Expo fashion show.
I have several more samples I want to finish before I leave next Tuesday. It will be nice to have some new ones to add to our collection.
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posted by Marsha
on October 31, 2007
at 20:12
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