Work Experience with ERIBÉ

Prem-usa Sapaiwan (Pom)

Studying: BA (HONs) Fashion Knitwear Design
Northumbria University
Newcastle –upon-Tyne

Work Placement Period: Feb – April 2007

The placement period at Eribe has giving me opportunities to learn many skills that I had never learned before. This has helped me to build up my own ability in Knitwear Design as well as enhance my knowledge and understanding of the knitwear process.

I did get the responsibility to get involve in design and production. For example: making tassels as if in a production line. I had the responsibility of checking that garments were sized and labeled correctly, and packed with the correct details before sending out to customers. All the garments and accessories had the same system. I was given some interesting projects to do during the placement. For instance, I designed a pair of gloves with a ring and crochet detail. I also designed an Arran patterned house-sock. I sewed together hand knitted cashmere toys. I knitted swatches on machine and by hand to help customers understand patterns and the handle of the yarn. This helped to prepare for pattern writing of garments. I made flower brooches. I mended gloves, hats, socks, etc.

Further more, I got to know how a company is run as a business which has taught me business management.  What I have learned here will help me for my future career.
 
I was made to feel at home as I lived with Rosemary in a Victorian house and the few housemates. We all come from different backgrounds so we could share many things. We did a lot of cooking (everyone is a good cook not sure about myself). As the studio is attached to the house I could go to work with my slippers on (I always did that). People I work with at Eribe are friendly even if they have their own jobs to do, but we always talk about things and solving problems together. I got help with my English and we shared our life stories and ups and downs. So, I have made good friends here as well as learning the Scottish culture. I would definitely come back to visit them and help them winding the yarn (lol).

Pom

Working at Eribe...

Students at Eribé

Michelle Legere
studying BA (HONS) Fashion Knitwear Design  
Nottingham Trent University

I started my year in industry with a six-week placement at Eribe Knitwear in August. At this time many of Eribe’s Autumn Winter Garments were ready to be despatched to customers. I had the responsibility of checking the garments were sized correctly and labelled and packed with the correct details.
Working in the Eribe studio environment gave me a great insight to the fashion/textile industry. Meeting clients and customers and understanding their needs and standards is something I can take away from Eribe.

It was a great experience for me as a student being involved in Eribe’s 20th anniversary event. Meeting the hand knitters, machine knitters and spinners was very interesting. I understand that it is important to understand all aspects of the Knitting industry and those involved in making designs come to life. The fashion show at the event was an unforgettable experience also. Seeing how a designers trends and fabrics have developed over the past twenty years is something you rarely see in one fashion show.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Eribe, and have learned so much in such a short space of time. Working with such friendly and welcoming people within such a demanding industry has made me less nervous about finding a design position when I graduate.

Thanks Eribe x

JUDY HOLLIS:

Degree: BA (Hons) Fashion (specialising in textiles and knitwear)
              Northumbria University
              Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Work Placement Period:- 14 Weeks 4th July 2005 ~ 7th October 2005

I arrived and started work at Eribe Knitwear at the height of production. Deadliness had to be met and quality control of the garments had to be guaranteed at an exceptionally high standard.  From day one I was treated as a member of the Eribe team and not as a 'Student'.  This immediately made me feel at home and I suppose it is home as I am living with Rosemary at Bylands where Eribe Knitwear is based.

Production and quality control are two of the areas where I worked for my first two weeks.  I was taught how to attach various finishes and trims to the Accessories Collection ready for distribution for Autumn/Winter 05.  I progressed to working in quality control where each garment or knitted piece (e.g. novelty items, corsages etc.) have to be checked against specifications.  This work is ongoing and applies to everything that Eribe sells.

I was given the opportunity after a few weeks to be able to work solely on production of a range of scarves.  These scarves consisted of appliqué, laying in, putting together colourways and machine embroidery. This work continued for 4 weeks where I made 6 Tinkerbell Scarves, 4 Butterfly Scarves and a run of 13 and 35 Scatter Snowflake Scarves (see picture).

Once these have been completed and I have met my specific deadlines and dispatch dates, I will be starting work on a design project for Autumn/Winter 2006/07.  Although a lot of hard work and time management is needed to be able to fulfill the work that is required, working at Eribe gives me a good general understanding of all aspects of knitwear, textiles, and fashion, which will be helpful to my project. The 'buzz' of dispatch equals out the hard work that is put into the garments.

I feel that if you have drive and ambition to get into 'the trade' then a placement at Eribe Knitwear can give plenty of knowledge and skill that is there for the taking.  I am 8 weeks into my placement and wish it didn't have to come to an end but like most good things it must.

Rosemary and the team have provided me with a truly unique experience which I will never forget and hopefully I can reflect the knowledge, skill and experiences I have had in my placement assignment.

KLARA KAMORA:

Age - 18

From - Czech Republic

I have found my time at Eribe Knitwear very interesting, it has taught me to be more patient. I have met interesting and funny people with lots of experiences. These lovely people helped me with my English, and made me more fluent. At work I learnt how to sew on tassles, buttons (man made and hand made), how to correct holes in jumpers and scarves. I sewed on labels by machine and by hand. I learned how to use the linking machine for a jumper which Rosemary named after me! It was enjoyable during my stay and I'm pleased I worked with everyone at Eribe.

SARAH MOYES: 

During my work placement at Eribe, I feel I have gained not only friendship but have also enhanced my knowledge and understanding.  I have found this experience invaluable and most enjoyable and with the help of my colleagues, I have learnt about a successful business working in the international knitwear sector. In addition to this, the relaxed atmosphere, great teamwork and rapport built up with my colleagues have made my time very special and one to remember. Thank you Eribe!

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