8:30 AM - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
My day always starts with the comforting ritual of making coffee- a double shot of espresso with a splash of chocolate oat milk. After a couple sips, I leash up my sweet little dog Frankie, for our morning walk. This is one of my favorite parts of the day- the crisp morning air and busyness of Seattle streets wakes me up and gets me ready for an active day.
9:30 AM - Heading to the FXRY Office
Once Frankie is settled in at home and I have a bite of breakfast, I head over to the FXRY office. At FXRY, we specialize in alterations and repairs for a variety of items, from designer dresses to worn-in jeans. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by Calley, founder and CEO of FXRY. We catch up briefly before diving into the details of today's projects.
Calley and I discuss each item that needs attention. From hemming pants to repairing zippers and adjusting seams, each piece has a unique problem and backstory. We go over the specific alterations and repairs needed, ensuring we understand the clients' requests perfectly. This collaborative start to the day ensures that I have a clear plan and all the necessary materials before heading to my personal sewing studio.
10:30 AM - Arriving at My Personal Sewing Studio
Once I’ve gathered all the items, I head over to my personal sewing studio in a beautiful old building filled with artist lofts. This is my creative sanctuary, where I work on my own personal projects under the brand name BauerRyanCo and my FXRY items. Working in my own studio allows me to fully immerse myself in each project, at my own pace, and with full control over the environment. It also gives me the freedom to take plenty of coffee and snack breaks, and listen to anything I want (usually true crime podcasts or murder mystery novels!)
11:00 AM - Getting to Work
I start by organizing the items based on the complexity and type of work required. Some days, I might begin with simple tasks like sewing on buttons or minor repairs to get into the flow. Other times, I dive straight into more intricate alterations like taking in a waist or darning holes. In between projects, I take breaks to work on pieces from my personal brand, like upcycling a vintage quilt into a one of a kind coat, or turning a well-loved tablecloth into a button-up shirt. I love being able to balance my time between FXRY and personal sewing, it keeps my day interesting and keeps my passion for sewing alive.
4:00 PM - Final Touches and Quality Check
As the afternoon progresses, I start putting the final touches on the items. Each piece is carefully inspected for quality assurance. I make sure every stitch is in place, every hem is even, and every repair is sturdy. Once satisfied, I prepare the items for their return journey to the FXRY office.
5:00 PM - Returning to the FXRY Office
With all the alterations and repairs completed, I head back to the FXRY office. Calley and the team take over from here, packing up the items and preparing them for delivery back to our clients. Seeing the completed projects ready to go back to their owners gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done.
Final Thoughts
Being a fixer is more than just a job; it's a blend of art, skill, and passion. From the first sip of coffee in the morning to the final stitch in the afternoon, every moment is a step in a journey of creativity and service. As someone who loves to upcycle vintage textiles, altering and repairing peoples clothes is a fulfilling way to make a difference, knowing that I’m helping people keep their favorite clothes in their closets and out of the landfill.
