Lunch & Learn: Sewing Opportunities in Southern WV

Lunch & Learn: Sewing Opportunities in Southern WV –

with Taylor Carnell, PATTERN Operations Manager and Emily Rouse of Edgington Studio

Discover how sewn goods connect people, places, and possibilities — and why Southern West Virginia is poised to become a hub for textile innovation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a maker, or simply curious about where your clothing comes from, this session will open your eyes to the hidden world of textile manufacturing and the exciting future being built through PATTERN.

What You’ll Hear:

• About PATTERN – Planning and Accelerating Textile Technology and Entrepreneurship Regional Network — and how it’s driving new opportunities in the New River Gorge region
• The surprising stories behind where sewn goods come from (hint: it’s more than just machines)
• Insights from consultant Emily Rouse, owner of Edgington Studio, who helps entrepreneurs with prototyping, small-scale production, and skill-building—and who has worked closely with us in developing PATTERN
• About workforce retraining programs that can help you pivot into the textile and outdoor gear industries
• Real-life stories from the New River Gorge, where outdoor adventure meets manufacturing innovation

Why Attend? This isn’t just a talk — it’s a chance to connect with a growing network of makers, learn about training that could open new doors for your career or business, and see how you can be part of shaping the future of sewn goods in our region.

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even the story behind what you’re wearing.

📅 Date: September 24, 2025

⏰ Time: 12:00 to 1:00pm📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)