JOB OPENING, FALL 2024

Studio Assistant/ Shop Sewist

with Katrina Rodabaugh Studios in Germantown, NY

Katrina Rodabaugh Studios is the creative business founded and directed by author and artist, Katrina Rodabaugh. The studio works at the intersection of fiber arts, craft, and sustainable design. Most recently, it’s focused on mending textiles, growing and working with plant dyes, and pushing the boundaries of redesign for earth-centered living. Rodabaugh has written three books including Make Thrift Mend (2021), Mending Matters (2018), and The Paper Playhouse (2015). Ongoing studio activities including teaching online and in-person; hosting annual retreats; and designing products for the online shop. Rodabaugh publishes regularly through her newsletter, Instagram, and various magazines, newspapers, and websites. The studio is based in Germantown, NY in a converted 1800s carriage barn.

Katrina Rodabaugh Studios is searching for a Studio Assistant to begin work in fall 2024. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in contemporary craft, online shops, and/or running a small, sustainable design business. The position will provide critical support for the online shop as the Shop Sewist by sewing textile goods like patchwork zipper pouches, tote bags, and needle books. Initially, sewing will be the main focus of this position with a monthly goal of production. There will be additional opportunities to help build capacity for the online shop; assist in packaging and shipping (if local); contribute to new product designs; and support teaching activities. The Studio Assistant will work part-time, remotely, as an independent contractor for 5-10 hours/ week for an initial six months. After six months, there will be a review to consider extension, hourly rate, and added responsibilities. This position will report directly to Rodabaugh via weekly Zooms and monthly (potentially in-person) meetings.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepping, cutting, and sewing textile goods like lined zipper pouches, tote bags, and/or needle books

• Constructing textile goods with various offcut, hand-dyed, or specialty fabrics

• Finishing sewing production and delivering by deadline

• Weekly brief meetings via Zoom regarding priorities and progress

• Monthly meetings (potentially in-person) to support design of upcoming products

• Maintaining private work space and necessary machinery as an independent consultant

• Supporting expansion of Katrina Rodabaugh Studio online shop and products

• Assisting with packaging and shipping as needed (if available in-person)

• Supporting online classes and events, as agreed upon

• Supporting publication activities, as agreed upon

Qualifications include:

• General knowledge and competency of machine sewing

• Technical skill to read a sewing pattern and fully construct a lined zipper pouch

• Ability to self-manage and stay on deadline

• Capacity to collaborate in a small, intimate, creative environment

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to problem solve independently and ask for support as needed

• Ability to maintain confidence/ privacy about upcoming studio activities

• Work or personal experience in a creative, start-up, or design setting

• Sense of humor and willingness to embrace inevitable challenges

• Ideal candidate will have some experience with contemporary craft, online shops, and/or assisting fiber artists and an enthusiasm for patchwork and sustainable design.

Studio Assistant will set their own hours and, primarily, work remotely. Ideally, they’d be within the Hudson Valley region for monthly in-person meetings but qualified applicants outside the region are encouraged to apply. The bulk of this work is supporting the online shop through sewing, constructing, and building textile goods for craft kits. Other opportunities for sewing limited-edition products will be available and there will be opportunities for input, expansion, and creativity on future designs.

PLEASE NOTE: The position is not an employee position and will not provide benefits, paid time off, sick leave, or vacation. Perks include flexible hours, remote or hybrid work, and in-person access to studio materials like dye plants, select fabric remnants, and studio library loans as agreed upon. Studio assistant will be paid as an independent contract at the rate of $20-$25/ hour and will be responsible for their own employment taxes. After six months, the position will be reviewed for possible extension, hourly rate, and added responsibilities. Katrina Rodabaugh Studios is a woman-led business that welcomes applications from all identities regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or ability.

To Apply: Please respond with your resume, cover letter, 3-5 clear images of relevant work samples, and contact information for two professional references familiar with your work. Position will remain open until October 1, 2024 or until filled. Please send application materials as attachments via email to: katrina@katrinarodabaugh.com Thank you!