about me
I am a graduate from the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. I received a Bachelors of Science in Fashion and Textile Design with a concentration in Fashion Design and a minor in Textile Technology. My interests lie in sustainable apparel design and pattern making. The way flat patterns are like a puzzle that fit together to form different shapes and silhouettes to fall on the body intrigues me. I enjoy the way fashion implores people to express themselves through both the technical fit of a garment and the emotional inspiration behind it. I hope to continue to work in the fashion industry as a pattern-maker, supporting sustainable efforts.
contact me at: maraharris0@gmail.com
based in: raleigh, nc
education
North Carolina State University 2018-2022
B.S. in Fashion & Textile Design with a concentration in Fashion Design
Minor in Textile Technology
experience
Production Assistant Jan. 2022-Oct. 2022
Designed for Joy - Production Team
Assisted in the production of accessories by managing stock, worked with patterns and cut materials to be constructed as a volunteer with the production team.
Zero/Low Waste Pattern Making Jan. 2022-May 2022
Wilson College of Textiles - Independent Study
Created a collection of women's and men’s apparel using various zero/low waste pattern making methods. Researched and tested different techniques in order to create the six look, eleven piece collection.
Pattern Maker Intern June 2021-Aug. 2021
Adidas - Product Operations, CCP
Worked with the design, pattern-making, and development teams to see the process of creating a line of apparel at Adidas from ideation, to design, to sourcing, and to sampling and fitting. Worked towards creating a basic pattern library for design and development purposes.
Undergraduate Research Assistant Sept 2020-May 2021
NC State University - Wilson College of Textiles
Conducted research in 3D apparel simulation by creating 3D designs and carrying out experiments in CLO, Gerber and Optitex 3D software.
Platform Magazine Stylist Aug 2018- Aug 2020
NC State University - Wilson College of Textiles
Assisted the lead stylist in planning themes for photoshoots and styling different looks for the models.
Made By Mara Designs July 2012-June 2018
Personal Business
Designed, created, and/or embroidered bags and clothing items to sell locally.
Managed finances, marketing, social media accounts, and communicated with customers.
involvement
Wilson College of Textiles Mentorship 2022
Mentee
Summit College 2019-2022
Student Leader
AATS Fashion Show 2021
Designer
Awarded first place for designing a four look collection of athletic apparel for men and women using CLO technology.
ITAA Anual Conference 2019
Nominee
Textile designs nominated by professor and board of judges for display
Kids Helping Wish Kids Aug 2016-June 2018
Make A Wish Foundation
Planned annual fundraising event, facilitated communications with MAW Foundation, and managed donations.
Textile Design Job Shadowing Feb 2017
Glen Raven Design Department
Shadowed within the textile design department to learn about how the designers work as a team to create and pick final designs to then present to buyers.
skills
Pattern-making
Garment Construction
Technical Design
3D Apparel Design
Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
Concept Development