Lessons Learned

The idea for cut and sew centers in rural Colorado came very naturally – and was conceived as a genuine way to promote economic development in small towns.  It is an idea of a way to create jobs in rural areas where secondary jobs are almost non-existent.  

Every rural community has vacant buildings on Main Street; and there are men and women in small towns who possess the domestic skills needed to work in a cut and sew center.  In a small town you can usually find a former grand champion 4-H seamstress, quilters and church ladies, and stay-at-home-Moms who may all like to work a few hours a day doing something they enjoy.  And a few jobs paying a livable wage are always welcome in any little town.  

Additionally, the establishment of apparel and sewn goods “cluster industries” in the rural areas is something yet to be seen.  However, the opportunity does offer potential for small communities to house other types of manufacturing, i.e. tie-dye facilities; fabric weaving; apparel accessory distribution terminals; shipping and courier services, and cut centers, to name a few. 

This grassroots effort is only beginning, and the growth is unknown at this time.  However, excitement and anticipation are rippling through small towns in the Northeast and Southeast parts of Colorado – at the thought of possibility housing an RCAM-cut and sew center in their community in the not-too-distant-future.