Sew What? Star of the Month - March 2010

Meet Susana, Sewing Machine Operator

Susana has been with Sew What? for 5 years.

If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?  I would go to the Holy Land (Jerusalem) to learn more about where Jesus walked.

Who is your favorite recording artist?  Marc Anthony.  All romance music, cumbia, and all other kinds.

Do you have a special talent?  I like sewing a lot!  And dancing.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?  I like horror movies, science fiction, and suspense.  Also, I like Spanish soaps.

What is your favorite memory from Sew What?  The day I came for an interview.  If my car hadn’t broken down in the parking lot, I probably wouldn’t have been as memorable, and I wouldn’t have gotten hired.  It’s a good thing they felt sorry for me!

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  We worked on honeycomb swag drapes for a major entertainment industry awards show that required that onesie velcro cuffs be sewn onto the individual swags, in order to rig/attach these drapes to a 35′ h x 80′ w frame. Attaching these cuffs in just the right place allowed for these drapes to hang in a precise location that would allow this bi-parting drape to intertwine and look like a solid drape when it is drawn closed. 

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Sew What? Star of the Month - Feb. 2010

Meet Guillermina, Sewing Machine Operator

Guillermina has been with Sew What? for four years

If you could take a vacation to any place in the world, where would you go, and why?  I’d go to Africa to help as many malnourished children as I could.

Who is your favorite recording artist?  No one in particular - I like all kinds of music.

No you have a special talent?  No.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?  The news.

What is your favorite memory from Sew What?  When I first started working here.  I was so nervous because I didn’t know how to place a single pin!

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  I had the opportunity to work on a project that used 8,000 yards of powder pink crushed fabric, for drapes that were being expedited to Doha, Qater, to be used at a wedding there.

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January Anniversaries

January seems to be the time for new beginnings.  The holidays are over and the new year has begun.  I guess one of the “new beginnings” at Sew What? includes hiring employees. 

After the slow anniversary month of December, I am happy to report that we have THREE anniversaries in January.

Shane, Account Manager / Creative Director - 5 years

Veronica, Sewing Machine Operator - 4 years

Vicente, Assistant Cutter - 3 years

Happy Anniversary to all!  We are so glad to have you as part of the team.

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Sew What? Star of the Month - Jan. 2010

Meet Gloria, Sewing Machine Operator. 

Gloria has been with Sew What? for two years.

Do you have any children?  Yes, three boys, ages 6, 1 1/2, and 8 months.

Do you have any pets?  What kind?  No pets.

What is your favorite food?  Chiles Rellenos.

What is your hobby?  Shopping!

What is your hometown?  Aguascalientes, Mexico.

What is your favorite sports team?  Chivas (Mexican soccer team)

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  The one project that was both interesting and challenging was the sunglasses printed on clear vinyl.  After that job, I knew I could accomplish anything.  I did it!

(Note:  The project that Gloria is referring to is the Soulja Boy Mixed Media Backdrop that Lynda blogged about in September).

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Happy New Year!

Well, here we are, the first day of 2010.  It has been a challenging year for many of us, given the state of the economy, but I am proud to say that Sew What? has weathered the storm and come out strong.

One of the elements that has really helped Sew What? in this tough economy is the implementation of lean manufacturing principles.  While other companies faced red ink, our ability to become more efficient through lean manufacturing has allowed us to cut costs (without cutting staff) and remain profitable.  The assistance of our lean manufacturing consultant, Angel De Sevilla, and all of the folks at CMTC (California Manufacturing Technology Consulting) has been invaluable.  CMTC really is a terrific resource for small manufacturing businesses like Sew What?

Even more important, in my opinion, is the dedication of the staff here at Sew What?  Everyone here has contributed to the continuing success of the company, from the cutters and sewing machine operators, to the quality control team and project managers, from the Shipping & Receiving Coordinator to the Production Manager and Director of Operations, to the Sales Team, Bookkeeper, Purchasing Agent, Human Resources Manager, Sales Support, and the Sew What? Management team.

Do you remember that old cliche (I think it came out during the Clinton administration) - it takes a village to raise a child?  Well, Sew What? reminds me of that.  The products we produce - custom stage curtains, digitally printed backdrops, exhibit booth drapery - aren’t produced by just one person, or even one department.  It takes the entire team to make this company shine, and I am proud to say that (despite the occasional squabble, as will occur from time to time in any family), we really are a family.

So, from our family to yours, here’s wishing you a Happy and Successful 2010!

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December Anniversaries

It seems that December is a slow month for hiring.  In looking at my employee anniversary list, I realized that we have only one anniversary this month.

With the holidays this month and the year ending, I guess that hiring is a low priority in December.  However, even one anniversary is special to us!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO…

Susana Lopez, Sewing Machine Operator - 4 years

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Sew What? Star of the Month - Dec. 2009

Meet Maria, Sewing Machine Operator

Maria has been with Sew What? for 3 1/2 years.

If you could take a vacation to any place in the world, where would you go, and why? I would go to Nicaragua to visit my kids.

Who is your favorite music artist?  Guille Avila - Christian music.

Do you have a special talent?  I counsel the youth surrounding me.  I tell them about how God loves them and wishes them well.  This way I gain their respect.

What is your favorite movie/show?  Para de Sufrir - Religious Testament Show.

What is your favorite memory from Sew What?  When I had to make some white pillow covers when I first started here.  I knew my job depended on it, but I hadn’t sewn zippers in several years.  It was quite a challenge!

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  When we worked on some yellow fine vinyl drapes that had angled cuts that were very tedious, but we approached the task with a positive outlook and a patient eye, and we accomplished it in the allotted time.

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Happy Anniversary!

We are so proud of the fact that we have minimal turnover here at Sew What?  I guess we are doing something right, since our staff tends to stick around!  A couple of our staff members have even been here 10 or more years.  I myself started at Sew What? in 2003.

To celebrate, I will be posting employee anniversaries every month or two.  This month, please join me in wishing the following employees a happy anniversary!

Maria de Jesus, Sewing Machine Operator - 2 years in October 2009

Daniel, Quality Control - 2 years in October 2009

Guillermina, Project Manager - 4 years in November 2009

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Sew What? Star of the Month - Nov. 2009

Meet Lola, Project Manager

Lola has been with Sew What? for 8 years

If you could take a vacation to any place in the world, where would you go, and why?  I would like to visit Australia.  I like places that have beautiful landscape scenery.

Who is your favorite music artist?  Group Aventura.

Do you have a special talent?  I like to cook.

What is your favorite music/show?  I like action flicks.

What is your favorite memory from Sew What?  When we first came to visit the new building.

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  I consider each and every job a challenge.  I make sure it goes out on time, and in good quality condition.

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Sew What? Star of the Month - Oct. 2009

Meet Alberto, Sewing Machine Operator

Alberto has been with Sew What? for 7 years

If you could take a vacation to any place in the world, where would you go, and why?  I would go to Mexico, because I haven’t been in a long time, and I’d like to go remember the good times I had in Mexico City D. F.  I’d also like to go visit the graves of my loved ones who have passed there.

Who is your favorite music artist?  Ray Conniff and Santana

Do you have a special talent?  I sew.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?  The Six O’Clock News in Spanish.  I never miss it.

What is your favorite memory from Sew What?  When I went to a job in Las Vegas, because I won $600 from $20 I had.

What project have you worked on recently that was interesting or challenging?  The one we worked on last week where we had to glue acrylic pieces on soft goods.  It was tedious and required lots of manuevering, but I thought it was different and I loved it. (Note: Alberto is referring to a mixed media project using mirrors that we did for the Maxwell tour).

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