Inspecting Construction Samples

Just under a week ago I received new construction samples. This was a significant milestone for me because the last time I received samples was back in October 2019. Can we just pause…October 2019, about a year and a half ago! When I first looked into starting Mummy’s Muse, I planned on producing with a factory in China. My reason for this? I had a friend of a friend that works with factories out there. I figured it would be a good place to start, working with someone I knew through someone else. While my contact was great – a really nice guy – I soon learned that the MOQs, required for me to produce in China were just too high to begin with.

That’s what led me in 2019 to Sewport to look for alternative manufacturers that could work with me to produce fewer MOQs. Following those samples I received, I found one I like, went to see them and then began the journey of production. However when COVID hit, everything went on hold. While I still heard from the manufacturer from time to time, something has clearly happened and they’re no longer responding to me. I think I need to write an article on being ghosted because this is the THIRD TIME this has happened to me on this journey.

New Beginnings

So I went back to look for new manufacturers – this time armed with a lot more info about the process and I’ve now received production samples from this new team. The samples are good. However, I’m now at the stage where I need to give feedback. I knew that I needed to check measurements, check for any design amends however this video was a useful guide. It alerted me to the fact that I also need to check stitching as well as getting a ‘model’ to try on the garments to inspect how they fall. I guess I knew I should have a baby try on the garments for size, but it’s clear that I also need to do this for form too.

Key Steps in Inspecting Construction Samples

1. Check measurements against your tech pack.
   • Remember there’s tolerance allowed, but lay the garment flat on a surface and measure correctly as outlined on the measurement guide on the tech pack.
2. Check seams and construction.
   • Are the seams and joins neat and as expected?
3. Check for overall fit.
   • This is where you need to find a model. Put the garment on your model – in my case a baby aged 3-6 months and 6-9 months. Does it fit? It is easy for the person putting the baby in the outfit to get them in and out.
4. Write comments.
   • Write comments and attach photos.

I think I generally have good attention to detail. It’s becoming clear to me in this process that I need to have EXCELLENT attention to detail. Techpacks should be the absolute blueprint of your garment. You should be able to give them to any factory and they should be able to take the tech pack, follow it accurately and get to the same garment.

There were some things that came back on these construction samples that I’d like to alter but they’re because my tech pack needs to be clearer. Also any amends we might make need to be noted on that tech pack. It’s got to be up to date and accurate. The whole point of doing this is to avoid costly mistakes down the line.