FAQ

WHY PAY FOR CUSTOM-MADE CLOTHING?

- Your body type/proportions make finding well-fitting clothing difficult
- Your style doesn't match what's available in stores
- You want fun, unique, or specialty fabric
- You want to wear something unique to you

WHY DOES IT COST MORE THAN RETAIL?

Store-bought (ready-to-wear) items are factory made, often in unethical conditions and often with little attention to detail. When you pay for something custom-made, you will get an item tailor-made for you, with a design, fabric choice, and alterations to fit you, in addition to my expertise in helping you choose fabric and patterns. In most cases, this means it will cost more than low-end retail.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1 - Consultation: We'll talk about what you're looking for and take body measurements to determine size and alterations needed.
2 - Pattern and Fabric choices: We will work together to choose a design and suitable fabric. Shopping can be in-person or online.
3 - Downpayment: The downpayment covers the cost of fabric and materials and is non-refundable. 
4 - Fitting:  Depending on the style, an in-person test-fitting may be necessary
5 - Final payment: Once the final item is sewn, payment in full is due, based on the hourly rate.
6 - Wear it: Show off your awesome, custom-made clothes!

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

$25/hour labour plus materials. The price will vary greatly based on the fabric choices and pattern. Labour includes pattern alterations and preparation, preparing and cutting the fabric, and the actual sewing. A test fit may also be necessary for some projects. 

For example: 

Blouse - 

• 2m cotton poplin fabric = $32

• 4 hours labour 

• Total = $132 

Stretch Blazer - 

• 1.6m modal scuba - $35

• 7 hours labour

• Total = $210

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Please note: this is not my full-time job and I have other commitments. There will be an extra fee for fast-tracked projects.

WHAT CAN YOU MAKE?

I've made a lot of things, so tell me what you're interested in (or send me an inspiration picture) and I'll let you know if I can do it. To get started, you can browse my Instagram page or have a look at my Pinterest albums of patterns (linked below), but don't feel limited by what's there! I mostly sew women's/femme styles, but I do also sew children's or men's/masc.

- Patterns I have  

- Other patterns 

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Patterns can be modified for style as well as fit. I can also:

- Upcycle or refashion treasured items such as a wedding dress

- Do costume or specialty wear (like Ren Faire) 

- Copy vintage or worn-out items 

- Create curated mini-capsule wardrobes 

- Add embroidery embellishments 

DO WE HAVE TO MEET IN PERSON?

Not always. For many designs, I can custom-fit based on detailed measurements. However, some styles, such as a dress with a fitted bodice, require a test-fit to get a perfect fit. This means I will sew up a version based on your measurements, and then make adjustments from there when you try it on. 
In terms of fabrics, there are many options for online fabric shopping, but an in-person shopping appointment is also an option, and much easier.