Gracie Matthews Email and Phone Number

A well rounded costumier who is experienced in all facets of design, manufacture and workroom management plus bespoke and short run commercial work. Initially trained as a pattern grader with intimate apparel, I have since taken this skillset to improve the durability in costume design for the end wearer. I have managed staff in retail and design room scenarios. Have travelled O/S for work and presented at textile conferences and seminars. I enjoy the adrenalin of deadlines, and relish in specialised work using intricate pattern making techniques for apparel production. I have a strong passion to pass on tacit knowledge through practical work placement and/or mentoring opportunities. Am keen to broaden my technical knowledge with apparel, textile products, machinery and manufacturing techniques to add value to my current credentials. Ideal situation would be to enable peoples practical skills to develop, while sharing knowledge through textile experiences using traditional technologies.Specialties: Creative, can problem solve through critical thinking processes, adaptable, approachable, great customer service and sales abilities. Ability to take an initial design concept through the production process including patternmaking, grading, sampling, fittings, sizing and QA processes to a finished product ready for distribution.In mid 2020 I took on an Ambassadorship role with Singer Sewing Machines New Zealand, where I run-in-store demonstrations and assist with sales enquiries reporting to the national administration manager as needed. This role sits comfortably along side with my current part time role as a sales rep with Nutex textiles.In my spare time I teach sewing, machine mechanics and pattern making for all ages, and manufacturing small production runs at the home studio. I also do the odd costume hire and alteration. I just love working with textiles and inspiring others to learn.