First Hand Tailor - Historic Clothing & Dress

Open To External And Internal Candidates•Williamsburg, VA

22d

About The Position

The First Hand Tailor reports directly to the Cutter/Draper/Patternmaker. The person in this role assists the Cutter/Draper in fittings, takes detailed notes to facilitate action from the fitting. The Firsthand Tailor acts as a lead to employees in lower level roles with in Historic Clothing and Dress, providing general day-to-day guidance and mentoring. The First Hand Tailor is responsible for assisting in the preparation and distribution of “work bundles” for which they will notate, explain, and direct other Tailors to sew. This employee may serve as a Tailor based on business need and is responsible for assisting with cutting, preparation of fabric, and pattern making as directed by the Cutter/Draper. The Firsthand Tailor may conduct clothing-related research and study as directed by the manager of the Department of Historical Clothing & Dress. The person in this role is also responsible for maintaining records of supplies/notions in Operations and confirming orders/approval of orders.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Minimum 3 years’ experience in a professional sewing environment, such as a Professional Costume shop, Tailor shop, or Clothing Factory; personal online shops and home sewing environments do not qualify.
Ability to work in a fast paced, creative environment.
Familiar with pattern making, sewing, and historical clothing terminology.
Proficient in hand sewing with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
Excellent Machine sewing skills on both commercial and domestic sewing machines with an emphasis on speed and accuracy
Standing between 2-5 hrs per shift
Sitting for prolonged periods of time
Using Hands constantly
Stooping, crouching, and kneeling up to 2 hours per shift

Nice To Haves

Bachelors’ degree in textiles, historical clothing or related field.
Working knowledge of historical clothing with a preferred emphasis on the late 18th century.
Working knowledge of research practices to create academic-style presentations about material culture.

Responsibilities

Take direction from the Cutter/Draper to take notes, plan and calendar workflow, and is responsible for preparing and cutting fabric.
Collaborate with the Cutter/Draper to complete all pattern making, cutting, and prep work.
Records and documents instructions from the Cutter/Draper for each project and provide daily direction and guidance to Tailors to execute the work, ensuring Tailors understand instructions and answer questions as needed.
Assists Cutter/Draper with fittings, including, but not limited to handing the Cutter/Draper pins during the fitting, taking detailed notes, and photographing to record the fitting.
Responsible for setting up and preparing the fitting room for client visits to include tasks such as: providing pins, marking chalk, measuring equipment, clean dressing room, necessary and prepared clothing items to ensure a timely and smooth fitting appointment.
Responsible for notating fitting photos, measurement sheets, and fitting notes digitally and upload to CW OneDrive for access by the department.
Promptly communicate complications, textile issues, garment construction problems, or needs to Tailors and Cutter/Draper.
Perform analysis of garment construction methods in accordance with the textile selected and its specific needs in relation to the historical accuracy of the period represented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. If more efficient or historically accurate methods are discovered, notify the Cutter/Draper, or Manager for approval.
Consult with manager, specialized fashion trades people, and the Historical Clothing and Dress Committee to further knowledge/skills regarding technique and skill development.
Perform repairs/mending as needed of garments to keep them in top quality.
Other duties as requested.