Matthew Stone's Journey: From Self-Taught to Career-Ready in Industrial Sewing

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew Stone, a recent graduate of the ISAIC Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production (FISP) program. Matthew's story is one of self-driven passion, commitment to learning, and the exciting transition from self-taught sewing to a promising career in industrial sewing and production. 
 
Before FISP, Matthew was self-taught in sewing, exploring his craft through YouTube tutorials and online resources. His journey was marked by a period of freelancing, engaging in activities like DoorDash while running his own home studio equipped with basic machines. Matthew's decision to pursue a career in fashion was solidified when he realized his ability to bring his creative visions to life. 
 
His search for manufacturers led him to ISAIC, where he discovered FISP. Intrigued by the opportunity to work with advanced industrial machines and refine his skills, Matthew decided to enroll, a choice that would soon set him on a transformative path. 
 
Matthew spoke highly of the program's structure, praising the curriculum and the teaching style of Maeve, the instructor. He explains the format as “resembling a college course”, providing a “comprehensive and immersive learning experience. The cohort-style learning allowed collaboration with fellow students, fostering an environment where ideas could be shared and constructive criticism welcomed.” 
 
Through the program, Matthew honed his technical sewing skills, learning proper techniques and operations that were previously self-taught. Beyond the technical aspects, he gained valuable insights into the “workings of a clothing factory and manufacturing processes.” 
 
Matthew entered the program with a clear goal – to “secure a job in the industry” and transition from self-employment to a fulfilling career. His primary focus was on making a meaningful impact through his work rather than merely chasing financial gains. 
 
His job search led him to York Soft Goods that aligned with his interests in high-quality knitwear. Matthew secured an interview, where he expressed his passion for the craft and eagerness to learn. The interview turned out to be a success, and he landed a role that involves a range of responsibilities, from “sewing Shinola tags to learning every aspect of the production process.” 
 
Reflecting on his journey, Matthew offered advice to future ISAIC students. He emphasized the importance of patience, especially for those new to sewing. Acknowledging that “sewing isn't something that comes naturally”, he encouraged aspiring students to “trust the process, be patient with themselves, and rely on the guidance of ISAIC's dedicated instructors.” 
 
In describing ISAIC, Matthew chose three words: fun, resourceful, and knowledgeable. These words capture the essence of his experience, highlighting the enjoyable learning atmosphere, the program's resourcefulness in providing tools and guidance, and the instructors' depth of knowledge. 
 
Matthew Stone's journey exemplifies the transformative impact of ISAIC's Training and Development program. As he takes his first steps into a new career, we look forward to witnessing his continued growth and success in the world of industrial sewing and production. Stay tuned for more success stories from our talented ISAIC community!