Today I went to a pattern grader and maker and was able to see a few steps in the design and manufacturing process. Every retailer has to go through this manufacturing process to ensure the sizes are proportionate to the original design and pattern and to eliminate waste in the fabric by puzzling every pattern in an efficient manner. Fit is so important in the fashion industry and is essential to every retailer. No one buys clothing that doesn’t fit no matter how expensive or inexpensive it is. As a future merchandiser it is essential to understand all the steps to create a garment and how to transfer it to mass production.
Mood Designer Fabrics got its fame from the tv show, Project Runway and that is where I first learned about the famous fabric store. Mood fabrics bring inspiration to designers and students as they cary a wide assortment of stock. Many of their fabrics had very glamorous details and prints which plays an important part of the design process in the fashion industry. Many large retailers don’t buy fabric for their entire collection as Mood buys overstock and would not have enough fabric for retailers to manufacture 1,000s of products. However, it plays a vital role in inspiring designers with reasonably priced fabric. I may use this experience in my future career because of the industry I will be going into. Fabric is a huge part of the apparel industry and makes up a huge portion of the cost of the product. It is essential that both a designer and merchandiser understand the hand, feel, weight, and drape of fabric and how that influences the silhouette and the entire collection. 
New York Study Tour 