Morgan, our intern

Hello All! I’ve been at Portland Color for about a month now, spending time with staff members and learning about their jobs. I’ve primarily been working with the finishing department where prints are cut, trimmed, hemmed, laminated, assembled, folded etc. etc. etc. and then packaged and shipped out to clients. If there’s one thing I’ve learned while working with the finishing crew it’s the importance of working with poise and accuracy. Brian, who IS the fabric finishing crew is a very thoughtful and highly skilled individual. At times I’ve found myself super excited to start cutting and pinning fabrics without thinking through each step of the process. Rushing through a job could decrease efficiency and ultimately sacrifice quality. Brian is quick to remind me about a fabric’s stretch and shrinkage factor as well as a print job’s measurements for hemming and possibly pull pockets. With his guidance I’ve made sure to check (and re-check) my measurements before cutting a print, as well as handle prints with care in order to prevent unwanted creases in the fabric. These points are simple, but very important to the success of Portland Color. If you ever see one of Brian’s banners hanging in a store you’ll be sure to notice the quality craftsmanship that went into making it.

Brian Cronin, Fabric Finishing