Sweet Dreams Project

My name is Nancy and I joined the Co-Op about 4-5 months ago, but it’s my first time writing a blog with Sweet Dreams.

Today I went to the DMV to take my 5th test for my 2nd permit to drive. I was embarrassed to think how many times I been there! It was embarrassing, and I was hoping that the workers at the DMV couldn’t see that on the computer when I registered. So I passed my test with 2 errors, and now I have a whole year to practice my driving.

In a way, this experience made me think about sewing, and how it takes time to get the stitch or project right…most importantly it made me realize that i need to be patient, we all learn at different paces. Everything in this life is a learning process.

At Sweet Dreams, we have bumped in to “critical errors” as it says on the driving test, for example, when we make a smaller seam allowence, have an invisible stitch that is not so invisible, cut the fabric an inch too short, or even over filling the eye pillows! Luckly here, our mentors and peers have patience with us and say something like “that’s ok, it happens!” Unlike at the DMV, where  its an ” I TOLD YOU LEFT!” which makes one even more nervous and prone to keep making mistakes.

Atten-TION! All boot campers report to your sewing machines immediately.

Well that was a small insight to my mind as to what I think of our new members to the co-op. They were part of our sewing boot camp for the past 4 weeks and have now been promoted to Sweet Dreamers. Oh but all good things have a bittersweet side. Because of college and what not I am sad to announce that as soon as college starts I will have to leave the co-op. But on the bright side we have new members to keep the orders flowing.

We have five new girls; Aida, Samantha L.,  Susana, Paula, and Stephanie. All of them were part of our boot camp program which as I said before consisted of four intense weeks where they learned how to sew, cut fabric, and get a machine going.

And a sweet almost congrats for college we’re going on a field trip to either Fort Funston or Lake Merced. With some picnic style lunches, this will be the nicest “party” I will have been to this summer.

Hello subscribers!

   Although not as fabulous, I’m Samantha (not Orisa as listed). I’m writing to give you a little insight on the roles a person from Sweet Dreams can have that has recently helped me in a new position I have taken on.

    In the financial department, I work with the lovely Orisa to regulate and calculate the hours and pay of each member. Fortunately, this experience has helped me transfer quick counting and organizational skills to improve proficiency in my new job. The financial department has also helped me become more direct. With that newly found confidence I am able to approach customers with professionalism and politeness I had not used before. Don’t get me wrong, Sweet Dreams Co-Op is no miracle fix-it cream, but it has definitely sharpened my job readiness in the experience it provides.

   Another department I am a part of is the production department. This position is one that is meant to check and facilitate over work that has been done within the span of a Co-Op session. It is also lets you see the importance of attention to detail. You can imagine the need for such a skill in a retail position (which I have recently embarked on).

   Lastly, I am responsible for calling our clients and filling in orders that they request. This has easily been the clearest  transfer of skills in knowledge of customer service and the importance of communication.

   Honestly, I didn’t think that this small Co-Op with great people and even greater products could help me gain the skills necessary to cope with the real world and all its various responsibilities. Thanks Sweet Dreams!

Love,

Samantha

What a lovely day it is outside today! i just got back from Yosemite and the weather in San Francisco is hotter than what it was over there. i didn’t get to sleep much but when i got the news that an order just came in from Australia i was excited! WE ARE INTERNATIONAL!!!! what a surprise from a lil mighty studio in a 7 mile wide city! we also got an order from Moraga.  (Not saying we aren’t fond of you Moraga but when something comes from Australia we just get a bit more enthusiastic!)

Last week we added to our group a new person. i am proud to say that wonderful Nancy is our new co-op member. WAHOO! we are saved, thank Goodness.  She came following the Oasis girls that visited our studio. Welcome our dearest Nancy, enjoy your stay!

As i got dropped off this afternoon at 12:30, i sat and waited for Jane to appear around 1:30. it was a tedious wait but none the less i was here at the studio. upon walking in i  grabbed myself  a bagel out of the freezer and defrosted it in our newly mini oven! P.S it was very delightful!

In recent up and coming t news, 12 girls from a non-profit organization called Oasis for girls is coming today at 5 o’clock  sharp. This lovely program empowers young women with their everyday lives and creates leaders their communities.

Hopefully some of these girls will be so enthralled by our sewing  program, they will join our Sweet Dreams co-operative upon completing the necessary training and replace those of us  (such as myself and others) heading off to college who can no longer attend the program.=(

We are so eager about these girls arriving, Jane and i replaced the old paper underneath  the mega mat (we all use to cut fabric on) and put clean white paper and taped it all down neatly. We even swept the floor to a notable sparkle!

Just in! Carnival is coming up soon in late May and costumes for a dance teacher at the marsh theater are needed and guess what, there is a possibility of that project falling into our hands, isn’t that exciting?Any-who that’s all the news i got so far, until next time my friends… ciao!