You would be surprised at these three tools I use to sew.
There are tons of basic sewing products to use, but wait until you see these items.
You will never be the same again after this.
This tip will be a HUGE help. Trust me!
To find out more details take a look.
It can be frustrating when things do not go your way.
Trust me I understand. When it comes to sewing problems happen. But, with horsehair braid, it can be even more problematic.
Check this out for tips on dealing with this frustrating trim.
How could this little blog post about pinning be that big of a deal?
This is a HUGE Tip. This is truly a simple way to help you sew more efficient.
This has a PROFOUND EFFECT on your sewing project.
Take a look for yourself and see.
Are you some one who is a jack of all trades or maybe just interested in learning something new?
Sewing is a great hobby. It can be VERY relaxing! I personally enjoy sewing.
You never know where it may lead you. Maybe you will become a Bridal Sewist. Possibly even fix your own wedding dress and save TONS of money?!
Who wouldn’t love to save or make money? lol
Did you know bridal sewing is one of the most profitable sewing niches?
And I teach that by releasing FREE instructional videos on YouTube.
Just take the step of watching, and watch your talent unfold.
Love coffee and sewing? Check this out.
I put together this free Formal Wear Hems Identification Guide for you guys.
I hope you love it!
Do you feel confident hemming gowns when you have a tutorial to go by,
but you don't know the names of the hems to look them up?
Do you know *how* to hem formal wear,
but sometimes you are stumped on *what* to call the hems
when you are speaking with clients?
Then, check out this link to get your
**FREE** HEMS IDENTIFICATION GUIDE!
Did you register for our cleaning and boxing course?
I wanted to pop in and let you guys know what the dates are for major BST events this year so you can mark it on your calendars and also reserve space in the events. Most of my events are capped and are first come, first served, so look out for pre-launches and early sign-ups and registrations!
I’ll also be adding early bird discounts this year
for those of you who are die-hard fans and
want to enroll as soon as class registration is open.
Here’s a link to the BST Discord server. It expires on the 26th 0f Jan, 2023. If you need a fresh one, DM me on Instagram. This is a group of kind bridal sewists, just like you! We share projects, difficulties, and victories!
First up- My Cleaning and Box Preservation course is finally going to pre-launch on Wed 1/18/23. There will be early bird pricing for the first 24 hours. The course starts on Monday, Jan 23rd, 2023 and will drip a new module each Monday for 4 weeks. So, it will end on Feb 13th, 2023. You won’t be able to work ahead of that week’s module, but if you get behind, you can always catch up later. This class includes a Private Discord Server group that will remain open indefinitely. This is honestly one of the most valuable features, because you will be able to ask questions specifically about gowns that you are cleaning and preserving. You can share pics, ask questions, share experiences, get great advice, etc. I’m super excited about this!!
Next- You asked and I delivered!!! So many of you could not commit to a full week of virtual retreat and you asked for a mini retreat. I will host a two-day retreat on Feb 27th, 2023 & Feb 28th, 2023. This will be the Level-Up Retreat. It will cover ways to elevate the experience at your salon as well as give you tips on how to greatly increase your revenue! Another thing to note: you actually get to see my silly face on Zooms and Lives for all of my retreats. Signing an NDA is required, so that everyone feels safe discussing their identities, locations, and business details. Earlybird discount price of 300$ USD is now through Feb 23rd, 2023 11:30PM EST (regularly $400)
Summer time Fun! Mon July 17th & Tues July 18th, 2023, I will be hosting another two-day Level-Up mini retreat. The price is cheaper than the week-long retreat. It is also less of a time commitment, but it will have a HUGE impact on your business and its bottom line. The level-up retreats are both revenue and customer experience focused. This July one focuses more on the growth of your business. Another thing to note: you actually get to see my silly face on Zooms and Lives for all of my retreats. Signing an NDA is required, so that everyone feels safe discussing their identities, locations, and business details. Earlybird pricing of $250 USD now through May 1st, 2023 11:30PM EST. (regularly $400)
This fall, we will be bringing back the incredibly impactful, iconic week-long BST Virtual Retreat. We laugh together, cry, clap, twirl, and grow during this magical week. Enroll early, because this books up. This retreat gives you unfettered virtual access to my sewing studio, from the front to the back. You get to see my customer experience, the way that I manage, scheduling, paperwork, communications, gown organization, policies, legal stuff, longevity hacks, referrals, and relationship building. It goes on and on! It also offers sessions and all kinds of hours, so sewists from any time zone can comfortably attend. We all sign NDAs, (non-disclosure agreements) so that you can feel safe in this community of sewists. You can share location, personal details, and pricing info without fear of your proprietary business information getting shared publicly. Retreat dates are: Monday, Nov. 13th, 2023 - Friday, Nov. 17th, 2023. this includes my face as well. lol
Earlybird pricing is 100$ off! Now through April 3rd, 2023 11:30PM EST this retreat is $700 USD, (regularly $800 USD)
All of these retreats will offer early bird pricing and then later will be boosted to full price as the dates approach. They can all be purchased through Podia. Make sure when you purchase that you select to Subscribe to the mailing list for that course or retreat. If you don’t, I can’t email you and give you info about attending. So, definitely look for that detail.
Here’s my link to Podia to purchase your seat.
All retreats require signing and submission of an NDA in order for your enrollment process to be complete. No refunds. If you are unable to attend, we’ll reschedule you for another retreat or a series of one-on-one consultations.
Man, I worked on this one for a while! This video goes into two different mesh panel projects. One is a simple V that is hand sewn in. The other is a complicated swoop side panel that feed to the zipper and the straps. Whew! Not complicated enough?? That’s my machine sewn example!
This vid also shows 4 different hand stitches and a marking technique. I hope it helps!
Please share it! :)
Due to the rising cost of travel and lodging, I’m now offering the option of attending a virtual retreat. These will be small groups so that I can give you individual attention. This first virtual retreat will be held the week after U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday. so, Nov 28th-Dec2nd.
Click here for more info and to enroll today! This is a capped enrollment event.
My latest video is all about the different types of boning. I added links to the different examples to my products page, but I thought you would like them here as well, because it is more searchable.
Rigilene boning: https://amzn.to/3lhCejd
Steel boning: https://amzn.to/3yJ6fQP
Silicone Caps: https://amzn.to/3li2c5Z
Clear Plastic Boning: https://amzn.to/39wyGXt
Have I helped you and you want to help support my work?
click here to Buy me a coffee :)
This allows you to give me a tip in 5$ increments,
…so one “coffee” is $5, 10 “coffees” are a 50$ donation.
Thank you for considering!
As always, if you prefer Paypal, you can tip me there as well. Click here for my link.
Hello! I’m super excited to offer you retreats to help you with setting up or improving your business. I have helped many sewists get established in this business.
Enough about them! Let’s talk about you! Read this information sheet below to see the packages that I offer. If you need some location info, scroll down 2 posts. Email me if you are wanting to set up a retreat.
Six Lies Told to the Modern Businesswoman By: Brenda LaBolt
I’m super excited to share this with you guys! While this book is short- just a little over 50 pages long- publishing it was a huge learning curve for me. Thank you for your patience! I still need to get it on Amazon.
I have this book priced fairly, only $9.99USD! This will give you a great start to your New Year and business, and will really help me to put out more content.
Thank you all, my BST Besties, for your unending support and participation. I’m grateful for each of you!
I’ve met many of you on retreats here with me, and hope to meet the rest of you someday.
You can purchase my book in downloadable, pdf form here. You can also purchase it in printable WORKBOOK form to create a binder! (15.99 USD) I highly recommend that! The workbook form is an expanded version with brainstorm-inducing activities. This book may be short, but it is packed tight with thought provoking sections. It will help you grow as a business owner, and as a friend to other entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Warmly,
Brenda LaBolt
So… You are thinking of joining me for a retreat, but you are not sure where I am located? Here’s a map that shows my general vicinity. If you decide to book a retreat with me, we get into specifics later.
I hope this helps you to plan your life-changing retreat with me! I’d love to have you. We sit down and go over your business plan, or help you start one. I’ll give you copies of my legal forms and contracts to use with your own business. We discuss what rate you should charge for your sewing in your area. I’ll let you see behind the scenes of how I run my business. I’ll also cheer you on and give you email support following the retreat. Packages vary, prices, and perks do as well. Email me for details!
Warmly,
Brenda LaBolt
Here are my most commonly used needles. What are your favorite needles?
What are the best sewing machine needles for sewing bridal?
Guys! I'm Premiering a video tonight at 10PM EST!! I've kept a secret from you for the past 6 months. I'm super excited to share. I "tricked out" an antique Singer to become a dream bridal sewing machine. EEEkkk!! I'll see you LIVE in the chat!
Special Thanks to our top contributors in our YouTube comments section for 2020! You 6 ladies enrich our community with experience, alternative ideas, and even a little cheerleading session as needed. Thank you!! Also, thank you to every Subscriber, Commenter, and Curious Wallflower out there. You guys are the reason I do this. Thank you all!! Together, let us grow our skills, businesses, and income in 2021!!
Here’s the list of what you will need:
100% woven cotton fabric, (quilting, fat quarter, dress shirt, sheeting, etc.)
a very small amount of cotton knit fabric, (see pattern PDF for exact amounts.)
A very little bit of terry cloth or fleece
wire for nose piece
high temp glue gun and glue sticks
iron
silicone that is safe for skin contact, or gripper elastic.
1/4 inch wide elastic for straps
1/2” horsehair braid trim
filti filter fabric