TCI’s Skilled Training Education Manager Sarah Stone in the Makers’ Space sewing area at The Industrial Commons.
The Makers’ Space area at The Industrial Commons on Hopewell Road in Morganton.
The Makers’ Space program hosted by The Industrial Commons does more than offer the use of industrial-grade sewing machines to local artists and crafters.
Instead, according to TIC’s Skilled Training Education Manager Sarah Stone, Makers’ Space provides a friendly and supportive space to share ideas, to develop new skills, and to be part of a helpful and caring community.
“We want this to be a place with an atmosphere of supportive learning,” Stone said. “A space where beginners are welcome, where there is help with problem solving and troubleshooting. A space where you may work as cooperatively or as independently as you like.”
The next open sessions of Makers’ Space at The Industrial Commons location on Hopewell Road in Morganton will be Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
That time includes two mandatory 20-minute breaks and a mandatory 30-minute lunch.
At a Makers’ Space session, participants have access to:
- Four types of industrial sewing machines: single-needle, walking-foot, serger, and cover-stitch
- Machine thread and sewing tools (participants must bring their own fabric)
- Three large cutting tables to fit pattern pieces — no more cutting on the floor
- A facilitator to help troubleshoot machine issues
“You bring the fabric and the patterns, and we provide the rest,” Stone said.
In order to participate in Makers’ Space, an attendee must have experience using industrial sewing machines.
“Graduates of the Industrial Sewing Program hosted by The Industrial Commons automatically qualify,” Stone said. “For those who are not graduates of the program, they may qualify by passing a quick industrial sewing assessment to demonstrate their experience.”
Stone added that first-time participants must participate in a mandatory introduction to the single-needle machine and must obtain the facilitator’s approval before accessing any of the other types of machines. Participants who have already attended a Makers’ Space or graduated from the Industrial Sewing Program can start on their projects when they arrive.
So, what’s the cost for utilizing the Makers’ Space program?
“We operate on a ‘pay what you can,’ basis,” Stone responded. “Participants should remember that closed-toed shoes are required and that it will take about an hour for paperwork and assessment.”
“Coming to our facility also gives people the opportunity to see what an actual modern factory looks like,” Jones concluded. “It’s clean, it’s well-lighted, and our equipment is designed to be ergonomically functional.”
Anyone wanting more information about the Makers’ Space should email isp@theindustrialcommons.com.
