AIBI Fashion Lab - 1st Peek!

Finally!

While current events have certainly thrown a lot of things for a spin (our move to a new location included), we can finally announce that we are fully moved in!

Now, that doesn't mean that we're about to throw a huge opening party, as much as we'd love to. We're still factoring health concerns and working on new safety procedures. And there's some flotsam and jetsam to clear out and reorganize to keep work flow smooth. But in the mean time...

Let's walk you through the progress at the new AIBI Fashion Lab!

You've already seen a bit of the conference area, on the left as you first enter. On the right, will be the Patterning Stations. The Digitizer and the Plotter are assigned their own computers, also loaded with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

The first cutting table, nearby, is large enough to roll out several yards of 60" wide fabric, or lay out multiple garments next to each other to better visualize your process.

The second cutting table is the one most AIBI members will be familiar with. The top is covered in a mat that can be used with a rotary cutter, and underneath is storage for tools - rulers for patterning, rolls of patterning paper (available for sale by the yard), 'tailors hams" for use with the pressing station, and... TWO knitting machines!!

We have our gravity feed iron up and running, but as you can see the water reservoir still needs to be properly affixed to the wall. That, and the art and mirrors, will have to wait until we can coordinate with building maintenance.

The third cutting table (yes three!) has a solid wood surface, and the mannequins are currently standing where we are planning to put lockers (available for members to rent for longer, onsite, storage).

The industrial sewing machines are are still being arranged and plugged in... They're set to be fully serviced by the end of the month. AND!!! Our machine repair man will be bringing us something new when he comes in!

This last view may have to satisfy you until you can visit in person, but I can assure you, we're all looking forward to it.