Monthly Mentoring

Create a Bridal Alterations Career that Embraces Your Lifestyle

September Mentoring

Hello, and a warm welcome to you and the fall weather. This is my favorite time of year. My sewing slows down a bit and the weather cools down a bit too. As you may or may not know, bridal alterations have their own unique seasons as well. The busy season starts at the end of January, and seems to push well into July and August. "March madnes is a real thing in the bridal alterations business. Things slow down a bit in the fall and winter. I love it. Congratulations, you survived the busy season.

Calendar

The most sought after seamstresses have their calendars filled throughout the year and turn away a lot of work. Their schedules are dictated by their work boundaries. No busy season, they just work at a steady pace that feels right for their financial needs and their free time needs. It’s a good feeling to arrive at that place.

Turning Work Away

I hope that you can get to that point. Sometimes black holes happen, but try to find a good work pace that feels peaceful. Most of my students struggle to know when to start turning away work. If a job comes to your door that you don’t feel comfortable doing, it’s way okay to say “I won’t be able to take on this dress. I’m sorry.” Listen to your heart. It may be too complex, or not worth the effort and expense to do the work. Also, if you feel red flags or a lack of honesty on the bride's part, turn it away. Don’t make a long drawn out explanation, just a polite decline is all that’s necessary. Sometimes, having no work is better than working with drama.

Don't overthink it.

Only you can tell when you have too much or too little work on your schedule. It’s never perfect, don’t overthink it. I sometimes put a pause on new orders until I get all the present work done. That is okay too. Again, you don’t need to explain yourself, just a polite “I’m not taking new orders at this time, Sorry.” or “I’m booked solid, sorry.” Remember, it's not your job or responsibility to find someone to do the bride's alterations. You don't have to refer them to anyone. If you work for a bridal shop, remind them that you are not able to do more than your two hands and machine can do. Again, it's not your job to find someone to do the alterations. You have a limited capacity.

Time Management

This would be a great time to review the Time Management chapter of the Ebook “The Most Important Dress a Woman Will Ever Wear”

Enjoy this fall weather and find your career working rhythm.

Love

Dee Dee

With fall weather comes more long sleeves. Here are some sleeve alterations training videos:

Sleeves Made From Skirt

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Lengthen Lace Sleeves

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How to cut a sleeve to shorten from the top

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How to alter a sleeve with a sheer low armscye

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