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Day in the life of a Colette Patterns Intern

Behind the scenes photo by Anja Louise Verdugo.

Interning at Colette Patterns is a dream come true. I feel so lucky to spend two days a week playing with fabric, ogling vintage notions, planning photo shoots, modeling dainties, testing new patterns, chatting with Sarai, creating sewing tutorials, blogging and providing input on many aspects of this awesome little business! Here’s a look at a typical day as a Colette Patterns intern…

Sarai always looks adorable at work, and has inspired me to dress up for days at the studio. She also has a very strong sense for color and patterns, which I like to believe has been rubbing off on me, too! I’m drawn to shades of red and pink to brighten up the bus ride on grey Portland days.

I typically hang at the studio from 11:30 am to 5 or 6 in the evening…I really like being there! I make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast before I say goodbye to this little sweetie, Stella.

Of course, cupcakes from Saint Cupcake are sometimes a necessity as an afternoon surprise for the Colette Pattern ladies!

I love arriving to work at the Ford Building. The little cafe is always bursting with activity downstairs, art hangs in hallways, and creative businesses thrive all around!

Sarai’s nail polish is always a different color! I’m always impressed with the way she manipulates fabric using her fingers.

Vintage pattern show and tell! I’m borrowing a few interesting patterns from a friend who has over a thousand…oh, the possibilities!

We stay hydrated thanks to our lovely monogramed mugs.

Dreaming up tutorials is usually a collaborative effort between me and Sarai…we consider upcoming seasons, holidays, soon to be released patterns, and interesting techniques found in vintage sewing books. We often get absorbed with choosing fabrics and trims from our stash…it’s fun to have so much to choose from!

Tutorial in the works!

Thank goodness for Bernina’s free-hand system that lets you raise the presser foot with a knee lever! This odd object is so convient and allows my hands to be free while sewing.

The natural light pouring in from our factory style windows is a great motivator. We dread having to use the florescent overhead lights at dusk.

Cutie pie Sarai at work writing pattern instructions!

Sketch, snip, sew, photograph, and repeat for an awesome Colette Patterns approved tutorial. :)

xo,

Rachel

Rachel Rector

Comments

Tiphaine

April 7, 2011 #

so nice to share thoses little moments…..would love to see those patterns closer !!!!

Pip pip

April 8, 2011 #

wonderful post, also reminds me i have a partially finished 1950s day dress to complete :)

jaime

April 8, 2011 #

What a great place to be! Thanks for the behind the scenes sneak peak, and great work on the tutorials you’ve been rocking out.

Hillary

April 9, 2011 #

Loved this post, so much fun to read! Great pictures, give such a wonderful sense of place.