FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The biggest factor in my pricing is time that it will take me to do the job. That will generally be significantly more expensive than the fabric itself. More expensive fabrics do inspire more deliberate and careful work so I generally do slow down a bit for them. Matching patterns (stripes, plaids, dots, complex florals...) takes time but is one of the best ways to achieve an amazing top quality (practically seamless) look. Simple and fitted can take more careful sewing than puffed sleeves or loose flowing waists. "Design me a dress." is not enough information to go on for an estimate. "Design me a Victorian inspired prom dress." isn't much more relevant information to go on either. Either or both of these would be fine though if there were some reference picture included to give an idea what you're looking for. As for discounts, if I could afford to give discounts, it would mean that I am usually charging too much. I don't give discounts.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A discussion to find out what the customer likes and doesn't like about the garments they need altered, or the reference garments they are asking me to create for them. I like to be very sure what a client wants before I cut anything because, it's not very easy to "un-cut" a piece of fabric! This discussion continues with the customer wearing said garment (Either for alterations before I start making changes, or for new garments during fittings.) Of course I take measurements as needed for any new construction or alterations. For the convenience and comfort of my customer I prefer to have these discussions, fittings, and measuring sessions at their home.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Mostly self taught, and also worked with other experienced seamers and tailors where I picked up additional training on the fly. And lots and lots of research, and experimentation.