Thank you everyone who shares their stories in the comments and those who compliments Eric’s and our work. There are more videos about craft people and artists to come! They’ll be telling their inspiring stories and showing their beautiful craft. Consider subscribing if you like this kind of content ❤ If you are a craft person/artist with a story to tell, don’t hesitate to write us an email on livenewyorkcity@gmail.com
Hey man! I’m from NY too!! Upstate though I’m looking for someone small to buy my clothing from I have a HVAC business and I’m tired of this Chinese and imported junk. I’m looking for American craftsman’s to give business to. For boots, jeans, tee shirts everything. These other countries don’t know how the hell clothing fits us Americans. Nothing fits its either baggy as all hell or to tight or the sleeves are to long, to short, belly hangs out when you lift your arms up but if you go up a size it’s too baggy an I HATE loose clothing it’s just another thing to get caught on stuff. I’d love to hand me THICK REAL THICK 100% cotton Tee’s that FIX that I can have my lettering guy get all stitched up with are logo on them.
@@Ramcat_Vlogs I am in Central NY and have a deep interest in creating clothing from hand woven cloth. I also know others who are interested in locally grown fibers and craftsmen using traditional hand weaving methods to create clothing. My husband shares the same frustration you do! I am just starting on this journey though I've been weaving for 30 years, clothing from scratch is a new project. I know others interested in doing so and even intend to have a visiting instructor come this year and give a class in weaving your fabric for sewing clothing.
I’ve been sewing for 53 years. I’ve worked for three fashion houses and have just loved to sew. My Aunt initially taught me to sew clothes at 7. My grandmother taught me to hand stitch tiny quilting blocks and the importance of quality tools and materials starting when I was 9. The sound his scissors made make me smile. Grand said the best scissors sound like music to your ears when they cut good fabric. To this day I always have a small sewing project with me when I know I’m going to be facing long lines. I completely loved this video. Thank you!
Well everything you said there is absolutely true. And for you and other people here who started long ago and learned from their grandma or auntie, it's a shame that young women aren't still sewing and young men too and passing it down. Because sewing is an exceptional thing to do! I still sew, my 40-year-old machine just gave up and I bought a new machine and I plan on unboxing it today, it's not a juki or anything like that, But it's nice enough and it'll be fine for what I do. But it's nice enough and it'll be fine for what I do For those of you who can quilt, I do envy you. I don't think I have the patience for that. This guy has exceptional patience
I went from sewing about 90% of my clothing, including my gowns, to sewing wedding gowns and formals. I too worked in accounting/finance. After about 1.5 years, I returned to accounting. I could not deal with the controlling "mothers of the brides." After that, I made costumes (competition & just fun). In my retirement, I primarily sew & quilt for my family and gifting. I loved watching the industrial machines in action. Such a great craftsman! The best medicine for stress relief 😊
I do leatherwork, and having a hard time selling. It's more of a hobby but I want to build it big. This guy here is amazing, he has definitely inspired me, and made me realize that making wallets, purses, shofar straps, hats, is NOTHING compared to this guy making jeans. I have a laser to cut the leather sometimes, and a Harbor Freight press to cut the leather with dies, and most of the time I use scissors to hand cut the leather, but I use nowhere near as many machines as needed for jeans. So impressed.
Amazing video....very inspirational. There are no real mistakes, friend. They refine our character. I heard echos of Steven pressfield....the war of art when he spoke. Great book to read. I'm definitely gonna watch again as, EVERYTHING about it is what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you. The film itself....chefs kiss❤
I do both leather & garment sewing. You really dont need all of those machines to make jeans. You only need a sewing machine & a serger-that's it. He mentioned that he inadvertently ended up buying all those machines.
Follow the money. Go buy a book of postal stamps create 20 business post cards with the items you create and selling or do sell. Find a zip code with the clients you think will spend the money on your items. Donate some items to an organization you believe. You got this,
His last words got me teary! “Always find the reason WHY” you’ll get through the most difficult times in pursuing your goal, but if you know why you do this then everything is worthwhile. ❤ He is one of my new favorite artisan now. More power to him and his brand! 👍🏻👏
I have worked in finance for 20+ years......bought an industrial machine 2 years ago to make my my own patio/outdoor covers/sailboat items, etc (commercially available don't stand up to our sun in the South so I can make everything with marine grade fabric if I make it myself)...pivoted to teaching myself garment sewing earlier this year and randomly started my first pair of jeans yesterday...saw your video this morning - relatable & very inspiring on every level - I completely agree with the comment "no one will likely ever notice but I know it's there"...keep up the good work - you're crushing it! And I'll be reaching out to order a pair of women's jeans!
This was an amazing story and interview. I can’t believe how many specialized machines there were and they all looked older. The quality and durability of the older machines is quite amazing. The precision when sewing was so nice to see.
So happy to see Eric getting some much deserved attention for his work. I've owned about 5 pairs of jeans made by Eric - both custom & off the rack with some minor tailoring. And I love every pair for different reasons. At the end of the day the thing I enjoy most is connecting with handmade goods and with the people that create. It's worth every penny. And if you're not buying directly from Eric I highly recommend buying from Brooklyn Denim Co., also in Wburg. They carry Eric's FITTED NYC line and also some other designers that are pretty dope. Can't wait to get my hands on one of your shirts Eric! Thanks again for the darn good jeans.
Home sewer here. Such an interesting video. I can’t get going in the morning either but just watch me fly late afternoons and evenings into the late night. Thank you for saying that.
Watching this as a home sewist is giving me serious machine and tool envy. I've been using toys while you've got the real deal. This video is great because the camera angles really show what we need to see and I learned things I didn't know. Best video I've seen in a long time. Thank you!
I worked for 8 1/2 years at a Lee Jeans factory before it closed. When it closed I had done 28 different jobs for all the styles we made. Nice jeans by the way. The attention to detail is great!! ❤
I had planned on working at the London fog factory until retirement but after I was there for 2 years they sold it and it moved to Mexico and all the women who work there lost their jobs.
Wow learning without being an apprentice to a senior seamstress is hard. I am impressed and inspired that he learned on his own and built a successful business at the same time. Congratulations man, you did that!
That's awesome ! I design and sew my own cotton/linen shirts and trousers for a daily basis and I feel like I'm good at it. But launching a « slow fashion » business in this crazy world is at another level !
I started sewing because I had 3 little girls I wanted to dress up.....that turned into a small children's clothing business.....then I moved across country and worked for a alteration shop for four years , that led me to meet my next gig which was sewing dance outfits for a group of about ten little girls. After that I started making oxygen carry bags for the elderly to travel with their mini oxygen tanks. Moved again across country found another dance studio to do alterations on costumes as well as getting my own customer's. Then life happened and I didn't sew for years until the lock down of the world happened. I started hand sewing flowers , hundreds of flowers . I turned those into key chains that I gave away . I know now it was my way of trying to bring hope and life back into my friends and family. With the key chains I had left I decided to make pouches to hang them from and that led me into learning and mastering bag making . Now I'm a bag designer and I love it !!!!! ........everybody's. Sewing journey is sew interesting to learn about . I always say I know I was sewing in my past life and will be in my next.....I JUST LOVE IT !!!
For some reason i truly understand his story. Working a white color job is mentally stressful, but being creative with textiles is very relaxing and feels so free.
Love your story. When I look for pants I find that nothing fits me well so I make my own pants and found out that there is nothing better than customized cloth. I consider that each pant that I make is a piece of art and like you I am still learning
This is art at the highest level. Mr. Steffen's dedication, humility, willingness and ability to listen and share is awe-inspiring. (And that he refused to bow to fear.)
I’ve been sewing my own jeans for 10 years now. I get a perfect fit and the exact look I want every time-it’s empowering (been sewing since I was 11; I’m now 67) And Japanese denim is just the best!❤ knowing what it takes to sew a pair of jeans from start to finish makes him amazing that he does it on that scale and custom ordered.
I just recently started to sew and can appreciate the level of skill here. Just sewing a perfect curved seam is not as easy as it looks. The attention to every detail is amazing. Beautiful work. ❤️
I have been sewing for about 60 years and I dream sewing. I recycle denim into totes and purses to sell at craft fairs and for private customers. I am super proud of you. Keep up the great work and I will follow your progress. Love peace and happiness to you and your family, Happy new year. 😊
Beautiful work. I enjoyed watching this completely over my cup of coffee. A great start to my day. I worked in a clothing factory here in the US starting at 14 every summer. I learned so much. The owner let me work there starting out marking buttons. My mother worked at the factory as a seamstress with specialized parts of the work. I did not work there when I got older but I learned so much. I work full time and just started my embroidery business about 3 years ago. It's part time for now. It will be my retirement business in about 5 years. I'm honing in on that craft and eventually want to have my own alteration and embroidery business. This is such an inspiration. So encouraging. Thank you for posting. Many Blessings to you!
Eric you are brave and meticulous! I hope you have faith too! I like how you use the different machines, I know that you was cutting one piece of denim, but the funny part was that looks like you was cutting two!😂 One upside down which will alter how the fabric will age! Blessings and don't give up, and remember to play music when you don't have the energy required to do the work. It's what we use in factories to make a living! 🙏
4:05 "...it seemed like a crazy thing, 'cause I was going from something that I was pretty good at to something that I knew nothing about." Except for one important detail: you had an obvious PASSION about your next venture. And passion is a wonderful motivator. Most people live their work lives doing something they might be good at, or doing something that pays them nicely, or both, or even neither. But when you work somewhere that allows you to release your passions, it's almost as if the work itself is the reward. And when you create something wonderful that's full of passion, the success will follow.
Now this, is true artisanship. Lines "Straight", perfect stitching, dedication to a quality product. And yes, I can also stitch... the odd button that is....But I fully appreciate the dedication to his craft. If I had the money, I would rather buy handmade, custom products like shoes, denims etc. It is just so much better.
How AMAZING you are, what drive, perseverance, and remembering why you started this project in the first place. To quit a job when you didn't know the first thing about sewing. Wow, just wow..... 100% cotton denim is extremely hard to find for purchase. I detest spandex.....old school moma here.💚💚💚. Truly lifted my spirits with this video....peace, love and light to all.
I don't know if 100% Cotton is hard to find as much as it is very expensive. Levi's still make a 550, 505 & 527 in 100 percent Cotton, all the rest of their lines are Elastane.
I’ve been designing and sewing since 2012 building nylon tactical gear. I learned the basics from RUclips University, the rest was by putting in the hours. Keep up the grind!
I like this story I make jeans and I just begun like this guy,but I went to fashion college, my first years I did jeans full time I am happy to see, this story watched from Kenya 🇰🇪.
This is amazing! I LOVE the care & craftsmanship of the work. Bravo! 👏👏👏👏 …. And, amazing score on the wonderful old machines. You could never find any as well-made and durable these days.
Eric had such great spirit and a since of calmness about himself. I'm a crafter who has Embroidery Machines. Sitting in my space is very peaceful, and when I'm creating, Im in another world. I have always wanted to make slacks/jeans. Eric is 100 percent correct, it's not something you can just sit down and do. . it's patience and skill. Well done Eric. Keep being GREAT!!! Don't change!♥♥
I got my little shed , I’ve been sewing for 20 + years and i love it , my style is more like hippie , I too go in a circle to get going in the mornings to get organized , but look at your amazing work … i love the sound of a sewing machine , i have a juki straight stitch and a overlock … these are my babies
Beautiful craftsmanship. I loved seeing all the little steps from using scissors, silk screening, the old machines...wonderful. All the perfect little details. Filmed great too!
Awesome video, thanks for making it. It would be cool to see another episode of Eric (or other people who make different stuff) making what they make with tools most "regular people" would have at home. For example: could Eric make a good pair of jeans using a heavy duty home sewing machine? It would be awesome to see another video of that.
I so and I've sewn for a long time and I used to work in a London fog factory that made raincoats. This level of knowledge is pretty uncanny, and being able to run all of those different machines is also very unusual and truly extraordinary. Isn't it a shame that the USA doesn't make denim like they used to because we used to be the number one producer of denim in the world. We made all the denim for all the Levi Strauss jeans! Thank goodness Japan still makes decent denim. But back to this guy. I'm not sure how he can make it, although his pieces are exceptional and I hope that he is making a good living. I think you need to be a very unusual person to be able to handle the situation that he has created for himself and the business that he has created. I don't wear jeans because I don't think they're flattering on women, but the ones that he has made there are beautiful. Just pieces of art. I hope sir that you continue to thrive. I think all these extra steps and silk screens and everything that you do are beautiful and that you're actually creating works of art with your sewing machines, I hope you never run out of customers and I hope you're charging enough for your products. Your shop is a wonder and so are you.
My mom used to be a seamstress she worked for Maiden Form. She then worked Mel’s children sewing kids clothes. Then she went to work for small Jewish factory there they taught her to be a Tailor and also a pattern maker. They taught her to make several sizes out of one pattern. My mom knew how to sew all the different sewing machines.
This is SO incredibly cool. A speak easy for denim ❤it! Leaving anything corporate to learn an art is just a life well spent imo. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
I admire the work of the former Lee factory worker, and his. My friends mothers wipped out this quality of jeans at Levi’s before they removed ops from original SF factory. Sadly the cheap labor and people wanting cheap products forced Levi’s to move production and decrease quality and oversight. Years later this opened the door for this guy’s cottage industry. I applaud his bravery. Also thanks to the Mills in Japan for creating the quality raw denim we crave.
Love everything about this video, many thanks. Beautiful craftsmanship and I like his life’s philosophy. People who dare to set out and create their own life are an inspiration ❤️
It's nice seeing you sewing Erick I'm sewing for a long time I really love that skill, my mom used to sew so learn from her , good job you are doing great pleasure watching 😂
What!?! I'm so thankful I accidentally came across this video! The story, and the way you filmed it, is fabulous! I've sewn things for many, many years and Eric's drive and commitment to build his business is inspirational. Thank you! Now, on to Eric's website.
Fascinating. I can so see myself apprenticeing. I grew up with seamstress in my grandmother and mother. I sewed as a kid and some quilting. Worked hard for 37 years following my passion in food, owning and actively running my restaurant and working my mom's restaurant early on. Now retired I found my passion for sewing. I made heirloom quilts for all my family. The pride i felt when tears were shed. Keep doing you. Thankyou.
Thank you for this lovely video. As a lover of vintage industrial sewing machines, and of passionately well-crafted objects, I loved watching the interview!
I am a big fan of Japanese denim. This is a very satisfying process of making a great pair of jeans. Welldone! I will search for his brand. Cheers from Malaysia
Beautiful jeans! I don't sew for others, but I do make my clothes. I love working with denim, especially making jean jackets. I've made a few pairs of jeans too. It's such a satisfying process.
The finnal product is beautiful and and seeing how you work and explaing your process just feels good : No rush, no busrting, no hidden sales pitch. I haver been watching japanise videos on non waste and how they find creative ways to revive clothes that would, otherwise, end up in the dump. But just now, watching this video by an American, I realised what a great thing is to have these unlikely encounters with people who are po creating stuff with a very human, very good vibe, no playing for the social media camera, and more: no bullshit politics of moral superiority or shaming the ones going in a different path. Anyway, watching real people, doing real things, with no hidden agenda is a really positive experience and I can just say: thank you creater of the video, thank you crafter and thank you RUclips algaristhm that with my 'addiction' and guidence' has lead me to another great video❣️ 🩷🕉️☯️🛐🥰👾😍🤖🙏
I admire everything you have done. It takes talent, creativity, and patience to accomplish what you have achieved so far. You have taken a loss art and perfected it in our modern world. I hope you continue to succeed for many years to come and keep producing quality jeans like yours. What an inspiration 😎!
this is awesome , been kind of off with what i want to do. and this type of craftsmanship is what ive been looking into for quite some time now. great video
I loved this presentation so much and for many reasons. Your craftsmanship is a wonder. Your gentle personality is like a drink of water in the dessert. My French last name means ‘tailor’. This runs in my blood. As a young girl, I watched my mom create patterns on butcher paper and sew stunning clothes for a Vegas show girl. She made my prom dress from the living room drapes. I feel you. After seeing your workplace, what I want for you is more sunlight. I bet there’s a way to bring that light in from the roof. It would do you good. The next thing to empower you would be ‘earthing/grounding’. There are mats that will bring Mother Earths frequencies to you while creating a shield from the EMFs being produced by your machinery and lighting. Best wishes for your continued success. You’re a Gem.
Watching you work to fulfill your dreams has inspired me to continue on my goals towards becoming a bespoke tailor/alteration shop for men’s clothing. I used to work in IT and emerging technologies. However I have always loved to work with creative outlets and sewing is my mission that not only allows me to express my own ideas but helps me overcome battles with depression (since loosing both parents)
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your inspiration is important and also it’s crucial to be ready to work when you don’t have it. Just for the sake of practice and craft
This is impressive. There's so much care in each step of the process, and the small incorporation of meditation. I see so many documentaries of people going from finance to something more Human. Is it just a numbers game where most people are in a finance-related career, is there really something soul-crushing about finance, or do those just make the best stories for tv?
@@FITTED.Underground I love that you even care about the parts that people may never look at. I love finding hidden treasures like that. Looking forward to the day I have my own pairs of FITTED. Underground ❤
Which model was the one shown at 20:06? I've always wanted to try a pair of raw denim, like literally for a decade just the thought flees and I forget. But now I've been watching YT videos on it again and feel like supporting a small business like this would be the way to go
I admire how much knowledge he has acquired over time and he obviously is serious about quality. As an avid seamstress who has made everything from wedding dresses to gun holsters, I don't have the motivation to make the same item over and over. He is so attuned to detail! Curious -- how many hours does it take him to complete a pair of jeans? And how are they "custom" fitted to the customer? Love seeing the return of fine craftsmen.
At times it’s felt overwhelming but never monotonous. Always learning, always improving. And I have introduced shirts and jackets as well. Cutting is maybe an hour. Sewing start to finish is 2, uninterrupted. But when you have your own business things always come up!
Loved watching this. I have worked in a garment factory and worked at the Levi's factory in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I'm now retired and will be sewing as a hobby. I have a Husqvarna Opal. I really want a Juki. But I will never have all the specialty machines that you have. Congratulations to you. Thank you for posting this.
Incredible fabric! Congratulations on the work ❤ I have been working with sewing for 20 years, I also love creating, I call it sewing therapy🩷 Prière Atelier in Brazil 🇧🇷
💙I love your outlook. It’s real, you’re humble, you’re one of us. I too suffered with depression and it’s so difficult to crawl out of but easy to dive back into. I see English paper piecing quilts by hand and it gives me the same feeling as you when your finished pair of jeans is done and they’re perfect. Thanks for what you do and what you stand for. Hugz, Tree💙
My dad had his business for 35 years and he always said always love what you do and getting paid is just a bonus❤❤❤😊 an then my ex-husband had the business for 25 years.. and now my son has had the business for the last 15 years so we are going on three generations and now my granddaughter is learning the business custom car Interiors❤❤😊
Fabulous collection of sewing machines. Used them all back in the day although my favourite is the felled sewing machine used on suede coats. It is great to see you are doing the job all by hand that takes skill. Like in a stitching factory they have machine that will put the patch pocket on for you and a jetting machine for jetted pockets for men's suits, although I have done bluff on patch pockets and jetted ones by hand as some of the places I worked didn't have machine for the job. It is lovely to see those machines again in a relaxing environment and not put through hard times. Your jeans are fabulous and that denim looks amazing.
Cheers from Brazi. I really liked your work and it has a little to do with my current situation. Very inspiring. In addition to being very beautiful pieces. Jeans for jeans is just a piece. But when you have passion and the pleasure of doing it, it stops being just a piece. Congratulations.
Thank you everyone who shares their stories in the comments and those who compliments Eric’s and our work. There are more videos about craft people and artists to come! They’ll be telling their inspiring stories and showing their beautiful craft. Consider subscribing if you like this kind of content ❤
If you are a craft person/artist with a story to tell, don’t hesitate to write us an email on livenewyorkcity@gmail.com
stellar work, love the creative journey.
How much is the salary per month for a seamstress? Not much or you can make a lot?
Hey man! I’m from NY too!! Upstate though I’m looking for someone small to buy my clothing from I have a HVAC business and I’m tired of this Chinese and imported junk. I’m looking for American craftsman’s to give business to. For boots, jeans, tee shirts everything. These other countries don’t know how the hell clothing fits us Americans. Nothing fits its either baggy as all hell or to tight or the sleeves are to long, to short, belly hangs out when you lift your arms up but if you go up a size it’s too baggy an I HATE loose clothing it’s just another thing to get caught on stuff. I’d love to hand me THICK REAL THICK 100% cotton Tee’s that FIX that I can have my lettering guy get all stitched up with are logo on them.
@@Ramcat_Vlogs I am in Central NY and have a deep interest in creating clothing from hand woven cloth. I also know others who are interested in locally grown fibers and craftsmen using traditional hand weaving methods to create clothing. My husband shares the same frustration you do! I am just starting on this journey though I've been weaving for 30 years, clothing from scratch is a new project. I know others interested in doing so and even intend to have a visiting instructor come this year and give a class in weaving your fabric for sewing clothing.
I’ve been sewing for 53 years. I’ve worked for three fashion houses and have just loved to sew. My Aunt initially taught me to sew clothes at 7. My grandmother taught me to hand stitch tiny quilting blocks and the importance of quality tools and materials starting when I was 9. The sound his scissors made make me smile. Grand said the best scissors sound like music to your ears when they cut good fabric. To this day I always have a small sewing project with me when I know I’m going to be facing long lines. I completely loved this video. Thank you!
I agree, the scissor sound is wonderful…the sound of my mother sewing something new, the sound of a creative process underway!
Funny, the scissors say it all 😊 lovely sharp smooth cuts
Well everything you said there is absolutely true.
And for you and other people here who started long ago and learned from their grandma or auntie, it's a shame that young women aren't still sewing and young men too and passing it down. Because sewing is an exceptional thing to do! I still sew, my 40-year-old machine just gave up and I bought a new machine and I plan on unboxing it today, it's not a juki or anything like that, But it's nice enough and it'll be fine for what I do. But it's nice enough and it'll be fine for what I do
For those of you who can quilt, I do envy you. I don't think I have the patience for that.
This guy has exceptional patience
What beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing.
I wonder if he services his machines. We have one elderly gentleman in my area,30 mile radius who is the go to. It’s becoming a dying craft.
I’ve been buying jeans from Eric for over 5 years now. The quality is unmatched. Awesome video, seeing the process makes them that much more special.
@@kchunyc Eric is amazing! We had a great day filming him in his studio, following his process and listening to his stories
Thanks for your continued support, my friend 💙🙏
Thank you for making this video to spread the word about Erica's craft!
With love❤ from Ireland 🇮🇪
Donde los puedo comprar soy de México
I went from sewing about 90% of my clothing, including my gowns, to sewing wedding gowns and formals. I too worked in accounting/finance. After about 1.5 years, I returned to accounting. I could not deal with the controlling "mothers of the brides." After that, I made costumes (competition & just fun). In my retirement, I primarily sew & quilt for my family and gifting. I loved watching the industrial machines in action. Such a great craftsman! The best medicine for stress relief 😊
Thank you! I relate to this a lot. It can be really challenging when a passion becomes a career / vocation.
We must defend the national industry, we must defend and support those who manufacture within this beautiful country.
Thank you 💙
I do leatherwork, and having a hard time selling. It's more of a hobby but I want to build it big. This guy here is amazing, he has definitely inspired me, and made me realize that making wallets, purses, shofar straps, hats, is NOTHING compared to this guy making jeans. I have a laser to cut the leather sometimes, and a Harbor Freight press to cut the leather with dies, and most of the time I use scissors to hand cut the leather, but I use nowhere near as many machines as needed for jeans. So impressed.
As long as you’re true to your inspiration, your work will become a vocation. Follow your path, and have fun!
Amazing video....very inspirational. There are no real mistakes, friend. They refine our character. I heard echos of Steven pressfield....the war of art when he spoke. Great book to read. I'm definitely gonna watch again as, EVERYTHING about it is what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you. The film itself....chefs kiss❤
I do both leather & garment sewing. You really dont need all of those machines to make jeans. You only need a sewing machine & a serger-that's it. He mentioned that he inadvertently ended up buying all those machines.
Whats your website? You should have a shop on Etsy and PublicSquare too.
Follow the money.
Go buy a book of postal stamps
create 20 business post cards with the items you create and selling or do sell.
Find a zip code with the clients you think will spend the money on your items.
Donate some items to an organization you believe.
You got this,
His last words got me teary!
“Always find the reason WHY” you’ll get through the most difficult times in pursuing your goal, but if you know why you do this then everything is worthwhile. ❤ He is one of my new favorite artisan now. More power to him and his brand! 👍🏻👏
Thank you so much!
@@FITTED.Underground 🤩👏
I have worked in finance for 20+ years......bought an industrial machine 2 years ago to make my my own patio/outdoor covers/sailboat items, etc (commercially available don't stand up to our sun in the South so I can make everything with marine grade fabric if I make it myself)...pivoted to teaching myself garment sewing earlier this year and randomly started my first pair of jeans yesterday...saw your video this morning - relatable & very inspiring on every level - I completely agree with the comment "no one will likely ever notice but I know it's there"...keep up the good work - you're crushing it! And I'll be reaching out to order a pair of women's jeans!
👍🏻
"...I'll know..." Excellence in approach! And a very good video, too, thanks. Have a super 2025
@@harindergill7221 this phrase was dazzling!
Thank you! Sounds like we've traveled similar paths.
This was an amazing story and interview. I can’t believe how many specialized machines there were and they all looked older. The quality and durability of the older machines is quite amazing. The precision when sewing was so nice to see.
Thank you! 🙏
So happy to see Eric getting some much deserved attention for his work. I've owned about 5 pairs of jeans made by Eric - both custom & off the rack with some minor tailoring. And I love every pair for different reasons. At the end of the day the thing I enjoy most is connecting with handmade goods and with the people that create. It's worth every penny. And if you're not buying directly from Eric I highly recommend buying from Brooklyn Denim Co., also in Wburg. They carry Eric's FITTED NYC line and also some other designers that are pretty dope. Can't wait to get my hands on one of your shirts Eric! Thanks again for the darn good jeans.
Thanks brother! Appreciate you, your friendship and support. 🙏
As someone who sews for just myself and my daughter, this was an absolute delight to watch ❤ Thank you for a wonderful story!
Thanks for watching!
🙏💙
Eric is a master. to have knowledge of these machines is amazing. His jeans are definitely a one of kind!!!
Thank you!
Home sewer here. Such an interesting video. I can’t get going in the morning either but just watch me fly late afternoons and evenings into the late night. Thank you for saying that.
Amen to that. We all have our rhythms.
Watching this as a home sewist is giving me serious machine and tool envy. I've been using toys while you've got the real deal. This video is great because the camera angles really show what we need to see and I learned things I didn't know. Best video I've seen in a long time. Thank you!
I'm always looking to improve my filming, so thanks for the feedback!
Oh the tools are exceptional. Truly
Thank you, and you don't need all the machines to make a great pair of jeans! Enjoy the craft.
Me too 😊
So true! And it also makes me miss being in Bklyn.
I worked for 8 1/2 years at a Lee Jeans factory before it closed. When it closed I had done 28 different jobs for all the styles we made. Nice jeans by the way. The attention to detail is great!! ❤
Outsources to china ?
You must have acquired mad skills through your experiences! Incredible.
I had planned on working at the London fog factory until retirement but after I was there for 2 years they sold it and it moved to Mexico and all the women who work there lost their jobs.
Wow. I'd love to learn more about your experience there...
Wow would love to watch or even hear you talk about your experiences in production!
Wow learning without being an apprentice to a senior seamstress is hard. I am impressed and inspired that he learned on his own and built a successful business at the same time. Congratulations man, you did that!
That's awesome ! I design and sew my own cotton/linen shirts and trousers for a daily basis and I feel like I'm good at it. But launching a « slow fashion » business in this crazy world is at another level !
It is un poco loco 😉
@@FITTED.Undergroundpoco loco is a great name for a clothing brand!
Those fabric scissors are so satisfyingly sharp.
They are! And ... they need to be resharpened! Shhh.
I started sewing because I had 3 little girls I wanted to dress up.....that turned into a small children's clothing business.....then I moved across country and worked for a alteration shop for four years , that led me to meet my next gig which was sewing dance outfits for a group of about ten little girls. After that I started making oxygen carry bags for the elderly to travel with their mini oxygen tanks. Moved again across country found another dance studio to do alterations on costumes as well as getting my own customer's. Then life happened and I didn't sew for years until the lock down of the world happened. I started hand sewing flowers , hundreds of flowers . I turned those into key chains that I gave away . I know now it was my way of trying to bring hope and life back into my friends and family. With the key chains I had left I decided to make pouches to hang them from and that led me into learning and mastering bag making . Now I'm a bag designer and I love it !!!!! ........everybody's. Sewing journey is sew interesting to learn about . I always say I know I was sewing in my past life and will be in my next.....I JUST LOVE IT !!!
You're a maker at heart!
For some reason i truly understand his story. Working a white color job is mentally stressful, but being creative with textiles is very relaxing and feels so free.
@@ninetysixlang7839 soothing
That's true. But "creatives" have to make money too. Enter a different kind of stress.
I work in IT and have a fully functional shoe manufacturing environment in my basement. I can totally relate.
@ wow! Wanna tell you story on RUclips?
Love your story. When I look for pants I find that nothing fits me well so I make my own pants and found out that there is nothing better than customized cloth. I consider that each pant that I make is a piece of art and like you I am still learning
Amazing. Once you go custom it can be hard to go back. 💙
Fade of the Brooklyn Bridge is so cool!
We loved that detail
This is art at the highest level. Mr. Steffen's dedication, humility, willingness and ability to listen and share is awe-inspiring. (And that he refused to bow to fear.)
Thanks for the kind words! 💙🙏
Pretty amazing!.
A native Brooklynite, at their finest.
I’ve been sewing my own jeans for 10 years now. I get a perfect fit and the exact look I want every time-it’s empowering (been sewing since I was 11; I’m now 67) And Japanese denim is just the best!❤ knowing what it takes to sew a pair of jeans from start to finish makes him amazing that he does it on that scale and custom ordered.
I just recently started to sew and can appreciate the level of skill here. Just sewing a perfect curved seam is not as easy as it looks. The attention to every detail is amazing. Beautiful work. ❤️
Amen to that. If you can sew a great curve, you can probably sew anything.
I have been sewing for about 60 years and I dream sewing. I recycle denim into totes and purses to sell at craft fairs and for private customers. I am super proud of you. Keep up the great work and I will follow your progress. Love peace and happiness to you and your family, Happy new year. 😊
As someone who has sewn for over 50 years, I love this. There is just something magical about the sound of scissors cutting fabric.
Thank you! It is special.
Beautiful work. I enjoyed watching this completely over my cup of coffee. A great start to my day. I worked in a clothing factory here in the US starting at 14 every summer. I learned so much. The owner let me work there starting out marking buttons. My mother worked at the factory as a seamstress with specialized parts of the work. I did not work there when I got older but I learned so much. I work full time and just started my embroidery business about 3 years ago. It's part time for now. It will be my retirement business in about 5 years. I'm honing in on that craft and eventually want to have my own alteration and embroidery business. This is such an inspiration. So encouraging. Thank you for posting. Many Blessings to you!
@@ssisters4343 thank you for these warm words! Enjoy your day
Beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with the next steps in your embroidery business!
Eric you are brave and meticulous! I hope you have faith too! I like how you use the different machines, I know that you was cutting one piece of denim, but the funny part was that looks like you was cutting two!😂 One upside down which will alter how the fabric will age! Blessings and don't give up, and remember to play music when you don't have the energy required to do the work. It's what we use in factories to make a living! 🙏
4:05 "...it seemed like a crazy thing, 'cause I was going from something that I was pretty good at to something that I knew nothing about." Except for one important detail: you had an obvious PASSION about your next venture. And passion is a wonderful motivator. Most people live their work lives doing something they might be good at, or doing something that pays them nicely, or both, or even neither. But when you work somewhere that allows you to release your passions, it's almost as if the work itself is the reward. And when you create something wonderful that's full of passion, the success will follow.
Now this, is true artisanship. Lines "Straight", perfect stitching, dedication to a quality product. And yes, I can also stitch... the odd button that is....But I fully appreciate the dedication to his craft. If I had the money, I would rather buy handmade, custom products like shoes, denims etc. It is just so much better.
Thank you! Hopefully we can bring some manufacturing back to the good ole USA. 💙
How AMAZING you are, what drive, perseverance, and remembering why you started this project in the first place. To quit a job when you didn't know the first thing about sewing. Wow, just wow..... 100% cotton denim is extremely hard to find for purchase. I detest spandex.....old school moma here.💚💚💚. Truly lifted my spirits with this video....peace, love and light to all.
Thank you! We just keep moving forward... 💙
I don't know if 100% Cotton is hard to find as much as it is very expensive. Levi's still make a 550, 505 & 527 in 100 percent Cotton, all the rest of their lines are Elastane.
I enjoyed watching you at work. Your sincerity and high ethics are visible in your work. God bless you. Stay happy doing what you enjoy!❤
Thank you!
Those fantastic old workhorse machines! That would be half the fun!
Haha. Yes. Bit of a late hate relationship sometimes...!
I’ve been designing and sewing since 2012 building nylon tactical gear. I learned the basics from RUclips University, the rest was by putting in the hours.
Keep up the grind!
I like this story I make jeans and I just begun like this guy,but I went to fashion college, my first years I did jeans full time I am happy to see, this story watched from Kenya 🇰🇪.
Thanks for watching! Cheers from New York
Good luck! (...I love Kenya.)
This is amazing! I LOVE the care & craftsmanship of the work. Bravo! 👏👏👏👏 …. And, amazing score on the wonderful old machines. You could never find any as well-made and durable these days.
Thank you! I love them too.
As an accountant who was always creative, I’m learning to sew to get out of the rat race.. thank you for sharing 🙏
Thank you! PS - I kinda love accounting...
Eric had such great spirit and a since of calmness about himself. I'm a crafter who has Embroidery Machines. Sitting in my space is very peaceful, and when I'm creating, Im in another world. I have always wanted to make slacks/jeans. Eric is 100 percent correct, it's not something you can just sit down and do. . it's patience and skill. Well done Eric. Keep being GREAT!!! Don't change!♥♥
Thank you so much! Just keep moving forward. 💙
Fantastic. Such craftsmanship. Thank you to you and Eric.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you!
I got my little shed , I’ve been sewing for 20 + years and i love it , my style is more like hippie , I too go in a circle to get going in the mornings to get organized , but look at your amazing work … i love the sound of a sewing machine , i have a juki straight stitch and a overlock … these are my babies
So very nice 😍.Great talent and fantastic sewing machines. Beautiful jeans 👏👏👏
wow that was not just very informative but also so inspirational its a pleasure to watch ,thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Beautiful craftsmanship. I loved seeing all the little steps from using scissors, silk screening, the old machines...wonderful. All the perfect little details. Filmed great too!
God continue to bless this man and his business 🙏❤️
Awesome video, thanks for making it. It would be cool to see another episode of Eric (or other people who make different stuff) making what they make with tools most "regular people" would have at home. For example: could Eric make a good pair of jeans using a heavy duty home sewing machine? It would be awesome to see another video of that.
We're working on an episode like that!
Challenge accepted...
I so and I've sewn for a long time and I used to work in a London fog factory that made raincoats. This level of knowledge is pretty uncanny, and being able to run all of those different machines is also very unusual and truly extraordinary.
Isn't it a shame that the USA doesn't make denim like they used to because we used to be the number one producer of denim in the world. We made all the denim for all the Levi Strauss jeans!
Thank goodness Japan still makes decent denim.
But back to this guy.
I'm not sure how he can make it, although his pieces are exceptional and I hope that he is making a good living.
I think you need to be a very unusual person to be able to handle the situation that he has created for himself and the business that he has created.
I don't wear jeans because I don't think they're flattering on women, but the ones that he has made there are beautiful. Just pieces of art.
I hope sir that you continue to thrive. I think all these extra steps and silk screens and everything that you do are beautiful and that you're actually creating works of art with your sewing machines, I hope you never run out of customers and I hope you're charging enough for your products.
Your shop is a wonder and so are you.
Thank you! It took a minute, but it's an honor having the skill set.
My mom used to be a seamstress she worked for Maiden Form. She then worked Mel’s children sewing kids clothes. Then she went to work for small Jewish factory there they taught her to be a Tailor and also a pattern maker. They taught her to make several sizes out of one pattern. My mom knew how to sew all the different sewing machines.
Beautiful memory 💙
Your mom can also grade sizes, that's amazing. Give her a huge kiss for me ❤❤❤
Thank God 4 Mexicans
This is SO incredibly cool. A speak easy for denim ❤it! Leaving anything corporate to learn an art is just a life well spent imo. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
I wish all high schools taught many levels of sewing and fixing clothes..it is important to learn to fix your clothes.
💙💙
I admire the work of the former Lee factory worker, and his. My friends mothers wipped out this quality of jeans at Levi’s before they removed ops from original SF factory. Sadly the cheap labor and people wanting cheap products forced Levi’s to move production and decrease quality and oversight. Years later this opened the door for this guy’s cottage industry. I applaud his bravery. Also thanks to the Mills in Japan for creating the quality raw denim we crave.
Well said.
It was really neat seeing all those old industrial specialized sewing machines put to use! He is quite the craftsman.
Love everything about this video, many thanks. Beautiful craftsmanship and I like his life’s philosophy. People who dare to set out and create their own life are an inspiration ❤️
Thanks so much! Very kind of you.
Eric is THE BEST. My partner and I got jeans from him back in the spring and love them more and more day over day.
Yay! You guys are the best! 🙏
You are an inspiration. I throughly enjoyed this video.
It's nice seeing you sewing Erick I'm sewing for a long time I really love that skill, my mom used to sew so learn from her , good job you are doing great pleasure watching 😂
Such a pationate n humble man. Good luck !
What!?! I'm so thankful I accidentally came across this video! The story, and the way you filmed it, is fabulous! I've sewn things for many, many years and Eric's drive and commitment to build his business is inspirational. Thank you! Now, on to Eric's website.
Great 👍 job and it’s so satisfying to watch you cut and sew 🧵 😊
Thanks! It was fun to do it.
Fascinating. I can so see myself apprenticeing. I grew up with seamstress in my grandmother and mother. I sewed as a kid and some quilting. Worked hard for 37 years following my passion in food, owning and actively running my restaurant and working my mom's restaurant early on. Now retired I found my passion for sewing. I made heirloom quilts for all my family. The pride i felt when tears were shed. Keep doing you. Thankyou.
That is such a beautiful story.
Amazing how your creative passion re-emerged. 💙
Love what you create. Keep loving what you do. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you for the kind words!
Really great video very inspiring watch he found his purpose and is free blessings to him and his business
Thank you for this lovely video. As a lover of vintage industrial sewing machines, and of passionately well-crafted objects, I loved watching the interview!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you! It was fun talking with Max and Lena.
I am a big fan of Japanese denim. This is a very satisfying process of making a great pair of jeans. Welldone! I will search for his brand. Cheers from Malaysia
This was beautiful and inspiring!!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Beautiful jeans!
I don't sew for others, but I do make my clothes. I love working with denim, especially making jean jackets. I've made a few pairs of jeans too. It's such a satisfying process.
Agreed. ... What a great skill! 👏
This guy is the Denim GOAT - thoroughly enjoyed his craftsmanship. 👏
He is really one of a kind!
Haha. Thank you. I'm like Messi with a sewing machine ;-)
Learning sewing can be tricky, but it’s so worth it!
#agree
Sir, it's been a great pleasure watching this vid which shows your jeans' process construction 👍👍👍
Your skills are fantastic !
Greetings from 🇨🇭
Very intriguing stuff. Thanks for sharing, I was blown away by the functionality of some of the machines, such as the 42 stitch tacker thingy. Neat!
The finnal product is beautiful and and seeing how you work and explaing your process just feels good :
No rush, no busrting, no hidden sales pitch.
I haver been watching japanise videos on non waste and how they find creative ways to revive clothes that would, otherwise, end up in the dump. But just now, watching this video by an American, I realised what a great thing is to have these unlikely encounters with people who are po
creating stuff with a very human, very good vibe, no playing for the social media camera, and more: no bullshit politics of moral superiority or shaming the ones going in a different path.
Anyway, watching real people, doing real things, with no hidden agenda is a really positive experience and I can just say: thank you creater of the video, thank you crafter and thank you RUclips algaristhm that with my 'addiction' and guidence' has lead me to another great video❣️
🩷🕉️☯️🛐🥰👾😍🤖🙏
Cheers to that! We were so tired of those "flashy always selling you something" videos and decided to start these series.
Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed. 💙
I haven’t enjoy something this much in my life. Sincerely. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Max and Lena are master story tellers.
This is great, I love jeans but making them is next level cool!
Thank you! I think so too. :-)
Wowww. You are so peaceful doing this. I love it. You are a master
I admire everything you have done. It takes talent, creativity, and patience to accomplish what you have achieved so far. You have taken a loss art and perfected it in our modern world. I hope you continue to succeed for many years to come and keep producing quality jeans like yours. What an inspiration 😎!
Thank you! Very kind of you.
this is awesome , been kind of off with what i want to do. and this type of craftsmanship is what ive been looking into for quite some time now. great video
I loved this presentation so much and for many reasons. Your craftsmanship is a wonder. Your gentle personality is like a drink of water in the dessert. My French last name means ‘tailor’. This runs in my blood. As a young girl, I watched my mom create patterns on butcher paper and sew stunning clothes for a Vegas show girl. She made my prom dress from the living room drapes. I feel you. After seeing your workplace, what I want for you is more sunlight. I bet there’s a way to bring that light in from the roof. It would do you good. The next thing to empower you would be ‘earthing/grounding’. There are mats that will bring Mother Earths frequencies to you while creating a shield from the EMFs being produced by your machinery and lighting. Best wishes for your continued success. You’re a Gem.
Me encanto! Hermosa historia
Excelente trabajo te felicito😊
Watching you work to fulfill your dreams has inspired me to continue on my goals towards becoming a bespoke tailor/alteration shop for men’s clothing. I used to work in IT and emerging technologies. However I have always loved to work with creative outlets and sewing is my mission that not only allows me to express my own ideas but helps me overcome battles with depression (since loosing both parents)
I'm so sorry for your loss. Stay well.
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your inspiration is important and also it’s crucial to be ready to work when you don’t have it. Just for the sake of practice and craft
Good for you. Sewing can be a great outlet. As a society, I think we lack creative expression as we get older.
This is impressive. There's so much care in each step of the process, and the small incorporation of meditation.
I see so many documentaries of people going from finance to something more Human. Is it just a numbers game where most people are in a finance-related career, is there really something soul-crushing about finance, or do those just make the best stories for tv?
Great documentary!
Love the jeans!!
Thank you! They did a great job.
@@FITTED.Underground I love that you even care about the parts that people may never look at. I love finding hidden treasures like that. Looking forward to the day I have my own pairs of FITTED. Underground ❤
Which model was the one shown at 20:06? I've always wanted to try a pair of raw denim, like literally for a decade just the thought flees and I forget. But now I've been watching YT videos on it again and feel like supporting a small business like this would be the way to go
The attention to detail is great!
Thank you!
The amount of time and effort that goes into making a pair of jeans is incredible. I won’t complain about the cost of them again
Thank you!
I admire how much knowledge he has acquired over time and he obviously is serious about quality. As an avid seamstress who has made everything from wedding dresses to gun holsters, I don't have the motivation to make the same item over and over. He is so attuned to detail! Curious -- how many hours does it take him to complete a pair of jeans? And how are they "custom" fitted to the customer? Love seeing the return of fine craftsmen.
At times it’s felt overwhelming but never monotonous. Always learning, always improving. And I have introduced shirts and jackets as well.
Cutting is maybe an hour. Sewing start to finish is 2, uninterrupted. But when you have your own business things always come up!
Awesome and inspiring. Love the vibe of the building.
Loved watching this. I have worked in a garment factory and worked at the Levi's factory in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I'm now retired and will be sewing as a hobby. I have a Husqvarna Opal. I really want a Juki. But I will never have all the specialty machines that you have. Congratulations to you. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for making clothes for people. A great service!
Amazing. Thank you! Would love to learn more about your experience there...
Amazing jeans. Got some tips as well ❤
Glad you liked the tips!
Thank you!
Incredible fabric! Congratulations on the work ❤
I have been working with sewing for 20 years, I also love creating, I call it sewing therapy🩷
Prière Atelier in Brazil 🇧🇷
So, so good. Story told well, and a great reminder of the investment in craft done well.
Thank you! Well said.
What a craftsman - awesome video:))))
Thank you for watching!
Thank you!
muchas gracias por el video, me dedico al bordado y este video alienta a seguir adelante cuando no vemos el horizonte, saludos desde Argentina.
💙I love your outlook. It’s real, you’re humble, you’re one of us. I too suffered with depression and it’s so difficult to crawl out of but easy to dive back into. I see English paper piecing quilts by hand and it gives me the same feeling as you when your finished pair of jeans is done and they’re perfect. Thanks for what you do and what you stand for. Hugz, Tree💙
Wow, what an awesome story and talented artist. Its good to see someone keeping our crafts alive.
We believe when AI takes over most industries all we do will be crafting something and sharing stories!
Thank you! 🙏
Wow! Amazing ✨️ 👏 🤩
Thank you!
Que talento de costurar,maravilhoso
My dad had his business for 35 years and he always said always love what you do and getting paid is just a bonus❤❤❤😊 an then my ex-husband had the business for 25 years.. and now my son has had the business for the last 15 years so we are going on three generations and now my granddaughter is learning the business custom car Interiors❤❤😊
Fabulous collection of sewing machines. Used them all back in the day although my favourite is the felled sewing machine used on suede coats. It is great to see you are doing the job all by hand that takes skill. Like in a stitching factory they have machine that will put the patch pocket on for you and a jetting machine for jetted pockets for men's suits, although I have done bluff on patch pockets and jetted ones by hand as some of the places I worked didn't have machine for the job. It is lovely to see those machines again in a relaxing environment and not put through hard times. Your jeans are fabulous and that denim looks amazing.
Cheers from Brazi.
I really liked your work and it has a little to do with my current situation. Very inspiring. In addition to being very beautiful pieces. Jeans for jeans is just a piece. But when you have passion and the pleasure of doing it, it stops being just a piece. Congratulations.
Thank you! It’s been an honor to do it. Good luck to you!