![]() Hands were critical to every stage of the production process, with women hand spinning the yarns used for weaving and then dying them using natural indigo and other plants native to the area. Within each village home was a loom, where every woman had grown up learning how to weave. Once it Laos, Jennifer familiarized herself with the artisans, surrounding community, and craft itself. Given that Jennifer would be working with the metric system instead of the familiar inches and yards she was accustomed to, she prepared conversion charts and ordered drafting supplies (like specific rulers including the French and hip curve) to leave behind with the artisans. Jennifer further set about gathering her own slopers (basic blocks) for the women’s bodice, skirt, and sleeves, all closely aligned to the measurements Ma Té Sai was currently using as their size “medium.” She pooled together her instructions, handouts, and samples, equipping herself with a small library of visuals to show the artisans once in Laos. She also began developing the basic casual shirt style in size 38. While at home in Massachusetts, Jennifer drafted three men’s basic blocks (or slopers) in size 36 (small), 38 (med), and 40 (large). She explains: “It takes time to achieve accurate measurements, fit and shaping – making preparation key to ensuring a productive experience onsite.” Jennifer’s vast experience in pattern making prompted her to begin her work prior to hitting the ground in Lao. If time allowed, Jennifer would also assist in developing a handful of new patterns alongside the artisan business. This was particularly important for the men’s garments whose sizing had previously seen inconsistencies. ![]() ![]() Its goals are not only to transport the value of Laos’ ancient craft traditions to contemporary fashion and home design consumers, but also to ensure fair and sustainable livelihoods to the artisans it employs.Īs she prepared for her fellowship in Laos, Jennifer’s goal was firstly to assess Ma Té Sai’s patterns and help optimize garment fit by grading sizes accurately and appropriately. Translating to “where is it from?” in Lao, Ma Té Sai is committed to connecting consumers to the remote craftspeople of Lao who produce its textiles and homewares by hand. For her recent Nest Professional Fellowship, Fashion Designer and Professor in Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Fashion and Design, Jennifer Varekamp, visited Ma Té Sai in Laos. ![]()
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