There are very few things I personally enjoy more than being home, learning, sewing and eating and this weekend I had them all.
First off, what on earth is the Sewing Bee? Well, its original name was Great Bra Sewing Bee back in 2020 (I understand it was inspired by the british tv show of a similar name) and then changed into International Bra Sewing Bee which we now all lovingly refer to Sewing Bee.
What the sewing bee actually IS, is a virtual gathering / conference about everything lingerie and bra sewing, where tons of expert people (mostly women) around the world join together to share their knowledge about it.
I've had the pleasure of joining and teaching since its first edition at the start of the pandemmm, and I am proud to share that this year (2022) I was able to share 2 pre-recorded classes and two live panels :D
Why I love it
Each year the content & organization gets better and better, we have pre-recorded classes, live classes, expert chats, sew alongs and giveaways. AND if you don't have the slightest idea of where to start as a fresh beginner there is also the Beginner Bee, a week prior to the main event a few classes are released to kickstart the sewing journey from the very beginning.
At the main conferenece there are classes as specific as lingerie embroidery to the most useful classes as bra cup modification for your perfect fit.
Many of the women I admire most in creative business join in this fun weekend, amongst them Madalynne Intimates, Emerald Erin, Hannah from Evie La Luve and Linda Crawford who in my mind have gained the title of TOP, BEST OF THE BEST in what they do and learning from them is an absolute delight!
I've been invited to share my knwoledge since the very first edition back in 2020, so far these are the classes I've created:
- Recreate a RTW Bra
- Add Non-Stretch Lace to Underwear
- ZeroWaste Pattern Drafting for Undies
- Skill Builder for Changing Elastics
- Live Panels -> Upcycling Lingerie & Create a Bra with only $5 dlls
What can I learn?
Everything, and no I am not overstating haha, some of the most interesting and favorite topics the've shared through out all editions are:
Recreate a RTW bra (I taught this back in 2020)
Corset construction
Adding support to bralettes
Drafting for underwire bras
Dying findings different colors
Everything about materials and supplies
Coture techniques for lingerie sewing
Mods and alterations for foam cups
Drafting your own sports bra
Period Undies
Pros & Cons
As everything in life, we have amazing features and some others, here a list of them according to me:
Pros
Classes are taught by experts, they clearly know what they are talking about and are packed with great info and tips.
There are advanced subscriptions to have year-long access to the content.
Real life tips, from real people / sewists.
The Beginner Bee is a top feature if you are just in the beginner stages of sewing
Cons: (if they can even be called that)
Everything is in english, which for some might not be an issue but the lingo and terms sometimes change between languages.
Very bra centered, if you are looking to upgrade your bodysuit or garter skills.
If you purchase the basic pack subscription you won't have access to the content further from the conference so be ready to commit that weekend!
In the 7 years I've been sewing lingerie (started in 2015) I've learned a lot, some from the success perspective and a LOT more from failing miserably haha, but if I had only had access to a conference like this I know my starting point in sewing lingerie would've been much more easy and enjoyable. Of course, as you go deeper into the rabbit-hole you learn more and try new things, so this is a great starting point to truly become a boss at lingerie sewing.
If you wish to dive into beginner sewing lingerie (I recommend starting with undies) here I leave you with a link to my Ampersand pattern, which I drafted and designed and its very beginner friendly.
If you have any Q's don't hesitate to reach out! I love reading you :)
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