5 Steps to Sampling your products.

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I have been working on some sampling for the re-brand launch. To those of you who don't know the ins and outs of the fashion industry or the sampling process. Look no further...

There is a pretty long list of things that need to be organised before you get to the sampling stage. However, I will dedicate another post to this. As Scotch Bonnet has been in my head for a while now, I have already reached the sampling stage.

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Pattern cutting for garments and accessories

1. The Paper Pattern

So once you have decided what your final collection looks like (this could be a rough line-up at this point) you will need to create a template for the product. This template is called a pattern and at this point, you just want to work with paper to create the template. Once the sample is approved then you will want to turn this pattern into a card piece so that you can re-use it and it will last longer.

Basic toile to check pattern

2. The Toile

This is where you practice sewing up the pattern you have created to check if the pattern is correct. This stage may start as something very basic, with no linings or finishes. It is best to choose a fabric that is less expensive but represents the same composition as the final fabric you will be using. The first toile may be a quick run-up. This is what I usually do, my first toile, usually has marks all over it for edits I would like to make to the pattern.

Then, when you are more certain about the shape and fit, you can make up a full toile with lining and finishing. This gives you a lot of information to do with the process of making the product. It is also useful as you might still make mistakes but you know you are not going to ruin the final good quality expensive fabrics. The toiling stage may be quite straight forward but more often than not, it will go back and fourth until you feel you have the right shape/ fit and it matches your design.

3. The First Sample

This is the first fully made sample using the chosen fabrics. Once this is complete it can be checked over and tried out, you want to check fit, structure, findings, etc. If you are a small business start-up and you are looking to keep costs down. You may take on this role yourself. However, if you have some funds to invest in your start-up or you don't possess the skills required, then you will hire a sample machinist to do this part of the process for you. They will send you the first finished sample and you can then compare this with your designs and initial ideas. If you are working on this stage yourself, it is a little easier to quickly make changes, but it is one of the most time-consuming stages.

I have a sample machinist who has been working on some of my designs, but I have also been making some. This is a combination of putting the right people on the job early and keeping costs down at this point in re-launching my business.

4. The Checks and Edits

When the sample is ready for checks, you want to look at several factors. With one of my recent designs, my sample machinist sent it back to me with a guide of how the fabric was, how well the pattern was translated, how long each step of construction took, and if they would recommend any changes. We considered at this point making a change to one of the fabrics. It is a beautiful boucle boiled wool, but there was a real spongey feel to the fabric that started to stretch when the machinist was working with it. It also needed a pre-wash as it was wool and I hadn't prepped that so it did shrink a lot under the steam iron. So the fabric got a pre-steam to help. I then make changes to fabrics, findings, and patterns as per requirements and we go again with another sample.

5. The Finished Sample

Once I am 100% happy with the product then It can be ticked off as complete. Usually in industry, you would now bag it and seal the bag, this is how a sealed sample is named. It is ready to be sent for production and needs no further edits.

Follow my journey to launching a new accessories brand

Hello, how lovely it is for you to have joined me here. I have decided to start a blog- how very 2010 of me. But Why? You may ask, and this is a valid question. I will explain in a roundabout way as I am terrible for not getting to the point quicker, but rather telling every detail.

Over the years, I have embarked on the exhilarating journey of creating a number of businesses, ranging from a few small-scale ventures that allowed me to dip my toes into entrepreneurship to one medium-sized business that unexpectedly grew arms and legs at a rapid rate, surpassing my initial expectations. Each of these businesses has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the intricacies of running a successful enterprise. While I may very well come back to reflect on those experiences and the insights gained from them at a later date, my current focus is on a brand new endeavor that I am about to launch—an accessories business named Scotch Bonnet. I find myself right at the very beginning of this exciting new venture, filled with anticipation and enthusiasm to get going.

Scotch Bonnet. - A new accessories brand.

However, amidst the thrill, there has been a persistent niggling feeling that has surfaced every time I sit down to concentrate on the project. After some introspection, I have come to realize what this niggle represents. It stems from a deeply rooted concern: I do not want to start a company that contributes to the alarming levels of fashion waste that are currently polluting our world. The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, and I am acutely aware of the role that businesses play in this crisis. At the same time, I don’t want to create a brand that comes across as overly preachy about sustainability, either. I believe that such an approach can often feel overwhelming and counterproductive. If we place too much pressure on entrepreneurs to conform to stringent sustainability standards right from the get-go, it may discourage them from even attempting to launch their ideas in the first place. This is a sentiment I feel strongly about because I believe that the path to sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it is a journey that requires thoughtful consideration and gradual progress.

Quote by Simon Sinek

Each entrepreneur must make the best choices for themselves and their business in a way that aligns with their own ethos and values, recognizing that this process is ongoing and evolving. I envision Scotch Bonnet as a part of that journey—one that seeks to strike a balance between stylish accessories and mindful practices. I want to invite you to come along on this journey with me as I navigate the challenges and triumphs of creating Scotch Bonnet. Although I consider myself quite a private person, I feel compelled to share as much as I can about this venture—the pivotal moments, the lessons learned, and the important decisions made along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire and encourage other new fashion entrepreneurs who may be grappling with similar dilemmas. It is entirely possible to build a business that not only thrives in the marketplace but also contributes positively to the environment and society. Together, we can explore the ways in which we can innovate and create responsibly, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future in the fashion industry.

Follow my journey to launching a new accessories brand.