What's it like to work with AIBI?

Q: Do I have to be a Member to use the Fashion Lab?

 

A: No, you do not have to be an AIBI Member to use the resources in the Fashion Lab. However Members DO get a discount on Day Passes, on top of 1 FREE Day Pass a month. You can purchase your Day Pass here.

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Q: I bought a Day Pass to the Fashion Lab… Now what?

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A: Congratulations and welcome! If this will be your first time using the AIBI Fashion Lab, the first half hour or so of your time will be spent in an Orientation. 

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In the Orientation, we will cover the policies and safety procedures, and establish which of the resources you are confident in and which you might need tutoring in before using (i.e. the industrial sewing machines and the Gerber software).

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You will also be asked to sign a User Agreement (indicating that you have read and understand the policies), an Intake Form (which helps us with grant reporting), and a Liability Waiver.
 

Q: I bought a Day Pass! Now how to do I get to the Lab...?

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A:  The AIBI Fashion Lab is located within the ICNC Make City Incubator at 2021 W Fulton St (Suite K-111) here in the near west side of Chicago. The closest intersection is Damen and Fulton.

 

By Public Transit: The #50 Damen bus (north-shoth) stops on our corner,at Damen and Fulton. A Green Line station also opened in August of 2024 two blocks south, at Damen and Lake.

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By Car:

From 290: Exit at Damen, and go north 8 blocks (past the United Center), turn left on Fulton Ave.

From 90/94: Exit at Division, and go west on Division almost 1 mile. Then turn left on Damen for 1 mile, turn right on Fulton St.

 

FREE Parking is available on the street, but it can be quite busy. Please allow yourself enough time to find parking and arrive at the Lab for your appointment.

 

When you arrive, please use the door marked 2031 W Fulton St. That is the door closest to the Fashion Lab. Please use the call box next to the door, which will let us buzz you in. Our unit is located directly across from the large exterior garage door. If you have any questions, or cannot find us, call the office number (312-836-1041).

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Q: If I have a Membership + Monthly Unlimited Pass, does that cover bringing in someone to work with/for me?

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A: No. A Pass (Day or Monthly) only covers the one person whose name is on the pass (along with their signed paperwork).  A Member can purchase an additional day pass for their employee at the Non-member rate, or purchase an "Additional Employee" discounted 1-year Membership for them. 

 

Members who are hosting an in-person meeting or fitting at the Fashion Lab do not need a Pass for their guest(s), but the guest is not allow to do any labor (including, but not limited to, cutting and stitching).
 

Q: What kind of machines do you have in the Lab?

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A: We have several different industrial sewing machines in the AIBI Fashion Lab, all of which are available under a Day or Monthly Pass, provided you have a basic proficiency in operating it. A full list of the machines and their descriptions can be found on the AIBI Fashion Lab page.

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Q: What do I do if the machine I’m using doesn’t work properly?

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A: If you are in the Lab with a Monitor or AIBI Staff member, please alert them right away. It may be something as simple as adjusting the needle or rethreading the machine. But if it is not, you may need to switch to using one of the other machines until it can be corrected.

 

If you are in the Lab with a Monthly Pass, during off hours, please 1) stop using the machine, 2) place the “Emergency Sign” on top of the machine that is not working, and 3) email memberservices@aibi.com to alert us to the trouble. 

 

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Q: Do I need to bring my own... (thread, machine needles, shears, etc)?

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A: It is a good idea to bring your own tools, especially those you know you will need to complete your tasks. 

 

There are some tools at the Lab that are available for general use, such as: 

• Rulers for pattern making

• Measuring Tapes

• Pattern Weights

• Pressing Tools

• A small amount of pins, tailors chalk, and other miscellaneous tools

• all-purpose polyester thread cones in black and white

• Bobbins to fit the each sewing machine

 

There are a few items that can be borrowed from the AIBI Lab monitor:

• Motorized Rotary Cutter (ideal for cutting multiple layers at one time)

• Miscellaneous Office Supplies

 

If you are cutting, you will want to bring your own fabric scissors, shears, and/or rotary cutter. We cannot guarantee what we will have on hand, and how sharp they will be. 

 

You will also want to bring thread to match whatever you are working on. We do not have colors to match your material. We do have extra empty bobbins available at cost, for you to purchase when matching thread colors.

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Q: Is there anywhere I can store my materials or projects?

 

A: Storage space is limited at the Fashion Lab and all materials should be taken with you at the end of the day. There are a few large lockers (red) for longer term project storage, limited to Monthly Pass holding members. As of August 2024, there are a few small lockers for Day Pass holders to store their bags, purses, etc, while they are using the Fashion Lab. Other wise, all materials must be taken with you at the end of the day.

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Q: I’m worried about Covid. What are you doing to keep people safe?

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A: While people are no longer required to mask in the Fashion Lab, we do always recommend having a mask with you, in case it gets busy and you prefer to mask. Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes are readily available. 

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