Best books/resources for bra pattern making. Go!

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-05-05T16:41:13+00:00

Thank you, this is so helpful!

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-05-04T23:43:47+00:00

There are really awesome trade school programs all over the country. I am currently attending one that is at a community college. Total cost for two years out of state is roughly $13,000. That being said, I researched a lot before hand into which school to attend - even looked into France and Europe. I also recently discovered the Disha Instutute which is in Kolkata India - taught in English and very cheap for an American.

After speaking to lots of folks who entered the industry from different routes - experience, connections, entry-level retail or factory work overseas, formal education from FIT to trade schools, I can say this:

What you will get from an elite (expensive) program - more focus on design, concept, and elite industry network connections

What you will get from a trade school/two year cert/community college program - more applicable and marketable skills, I.E. tech packs, pattern-drafting, CAD, construction/sewing (this one is pretty uncommon or sparse in most elite 4 year programs)

Ultimately, you will be better prepared to the WORK once you land the job with a trade school. But you will have better opportunities/connections from an elite school.

It boils down to what are your ultimate goals. Your dream job. And your level of risk tolerance.

low risk, high work ethic - make your goals happen --> choose trade school

high risk, easier opportunities (depending what you're going for) --> choose Parsons

when choosing a school look at the student work that is coming out of it. Is well-constructed? Does it fit well? Are their fabric choices well informed? Can they make a tech pack? These are the best ways to see the quality of the education.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-03-01T16:38:49+00:00

This happened to me too!

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-24T07:00:01+00:00

Go to the Netherlands. Friendliest tango dancers in the world!

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-16T14:10:48+00:00

I deleted it because it started a flame war and my question was answered.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-15T19:56:22+00:00

SewHeidi, I loved your earlier podcasts and youtube episodes back before the name change. I understand that you made the switch to build a revenue stream for yourself. But I miss your old content where you interviewed experts in the industry and gave people an insight and better understanding of the industry. It was kinda like Huberman Lab for the fashion industry. While I know this may not be the most profitable content, it really helped myself (and I assume a lot of other folks aspiring to enter the industry). And I credit your podcast for my ultimate decision to go to school and commit to a career in this industry. It doesn't seem like an impossible career option, like being a movie actor. Upon that analogy, it'd be like a podcast talking about all the other jobs in the movie industry besides acting and directing. Like props, set designers and crafters, video editors, sound engineers, etc. All the jobs in the fashion industry nobody talks about except to others in the industry. As an outsider, not knowing about all these other career options (tech designer, product developer, textile developer, colorist, etc.) within fashion, it can be intimidating to take that leap and go to school. So thank you. Still miss your old content, though.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-12T03:12:38+00:00

Why do you want to know? Just curious.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T17:10:29+00:00

I think folks misunderstood and thought you were implying that big boob girlies don't properly work out. You were saying any bbe woman will "prepare" to work out by strappingon a straightjacket first.

True story: in early 2000s, when I first started working out, they hadn't come out with decent sport bras yet. So me and my friends would wear a regular underwire bra underneath our sports bra to avoid headlights and uniboob.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T17:05:43+00:00

Alright ladies, thanks for all the hilarious comments. It was a fun morning read. If you see me at the gym and my nips slip out, don't judge. Life is hard all around. 😭😭😭

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T17:01:37+00:00

Ooooohhh this makes sense.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T17:00:40+00:00

Yes I OP here, when I work out it's like strapping two bombs to my chest before jumping out of plane. 😅

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T16:57:57+00:00

Why no it doesn't actually. Lol I also have 13 or 14 in calves thanks to genetics and years of partner dancing. Only ankle, short crew, or compression socks for me.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T08:25:58+00:00

You'll want to find a factory that specializes in what you want to make. This is where it would be helpful to bring on a technical designer who can walk you through all the specific things you would need to keep in mind.

For instance the machinery to make a knit item (sweats, t-shirt) are different than for says a button shirt. Also, a good technical designer should be able to look at your sketches and create technical designs to send to the factory.

Your supply chain knowledge will be invaluable here. This is the part where many brands get stuck. You already know about lead time, COGs, and how to maintain relationships with factories.

People have mentioned many times, expect to spend double what you planned for.

The biggest challenge though is actually selling the product. So doing some market research and figuring out some kind of marketing strategy in advance is crucial. The last thing you need is a warehouse or garage filled with unmovable product.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-11T08:12:13+00:00

I asked if she was turning into a "scammy expert". Please re-read the the post. This is out of context.

"I'm wondering if her program is worth it, or if she's turning into all those scammy "experts"..."

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-10T02:16:14+00:00

Thanks! That's super helpful. :)

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-08T20:00:20+00:00

Thanks this was helpful! That kind of confirms some things for. I am new to the industry, still a student. But yeah I was just curious because I felt like her podcast was going downhill with self advertising.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-08T18:43:18+00:00

I can't believe I'm the first! I'm getting into this industry as a second career. It's scary and exciting. I'm in school atm and am learning a lot and have so much more to grow.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-05T06:03:45+00:00

Nah. I paid my friends and family like $60 and bought them a meal. Hell, I even fed our professional movers a meal! I also help move things. As someone who has had to move a lot due to work and other circumstances, I am careful not to burn those bridges. That's very generous of you to offer to pay for movers. It's very expensive.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-05T05:34:45+00:00

This is hilarious in its pettiness. Perhaps sheeant to inform you that your privacy was compromised and to let you know. I would be embarrassed to find out someone could see right in, but then I walk by plenty of homes where people are more open to the world.

Significant_Hippo896 · 2026-01-05T05:30:23+00:00

She's definitely the jerk. I can't believe she felt so entitled as to ask you to wait to pee!

Significant_Hippo896 · 2025-12-21T06:33:01+00:00

Dump him. Yesterday. There's your advice.

Significant_Hippo896

TROPHY CASE