Frequently Asked Questions
How does the garment request process work?
Usually the process starts with an email, a phone call, or a garment request form sent through this website. I will discuss garment specifics, fabric and pattern choices, and deadlines with you so that we can come to an agreement on what the finished garment will look like and cost. We will schedule a time for a fitting, as meeting in person works best.* The initial fitting for measurements is free and non-binding. So if you change your mind after the first visit there is no cost to you.
At the initial fitting, I will take your measurements and we will look at fabric swatches together and decide on a pattern and more garment specifics. After this initial fitting I will put together a quote for you based on the fabrics you have chosen and the design details you have selected. This quote will generally be e-mailed to you within a day or two after that initial fitting, and we can discuss options for cutting costs if the initial quote is more than you expected.
Once we have agreed on a price range to work within, I will make a muslin mock-up of the garment specific to your measurements. This will be a very basic shape for fitting purposes, and will not have finished edges or details like pockets, buttons, and embellishments. We will test this mock-up for fit and comfort at the second fitting.
For the second fitting, I will make a contract with all of the details we have agreed on, and we will both sign it. You will get a copy to take home for your records. There will NOT be a final price on the contract. Also at the second fitting, I will require a deposit that covers the cost of the fabric and materials I will need to buy for your specific project - generally between $100-$200. I will not purchase any fabric until after the deposit is secured, so that you still have the option to change your mind. The deposit is non-refundable once I have purchased your fabrics.
At the third fitting, you will get to try on the bare-bones body of your garment. This will include sleeves and collar, if applicable, but will generally not include things like pockets, linings, or fastenings.
A fourth fitting, if necessary, will show you a nearly-completed garment without trim and fastenings. This fitting is usually just for marking placements of fastenings to ensure a proper fit.
The final fitting will give you your finished garment, and may include a quick photo-shoot (if you have given me permission to use photos of you on my website - this is optional and covered in the contract). I will give you a final invoice, and accept a final payment once you have signed off on the completed garment.
How do you charge for your services?
As stated above, the initial fitting for measurements and fabric/pattern choosing is free. Until a deposit is put down at the second (mock-up) fitting, you are under no obligation and may change your mind about any aspect of the commission. The deposit covers the cost of the fabric and materials I will need to purchase before I can begin work on the actual garment. If you wish to provide fabric, that is perfectly fine. I will still require a deposit of $50 before work begins. This will cover any additional materials (thread, interfacing, buttons, hooks & eyes, etc) that I may need to purchase.
A $50 materials fee is assessed if I am purchasing the fabric. This is to compensate for the time I will spend shopping around for the perfect fabric, and will cover shipping costs (as most of my fabric for commissions is purchased online) and the proper pre-shrinking care I will give your fabric before cutting it. This prevents shrinkage of the finished garment, and is very important.
I do not charge clients for patterns when I purchase them for a given project, as I can generally use the same pattern again for a later project. If you wish to keep your pattern after I have used it, I will charge you the same amount I paid for it. You are also welcome to provide a pattern that you have purchased if you wish me to use it, and it will be returned to you once the project is complete.
I charge $30/hour for custom work and alterations. After the initial fitting, I will give you a quote (usually via email) with an estimate of the hours I expect to spend on your commission. This quote will be open to negotiation, and no work will be done until we both agree on a price range for the completed garment. I will then begin a mock-up as discussed above.
I do not charge my clients for the fabric used in their mock-ups. I only charge for my time, and for the materials used for the final garment. If you come for a mock-up fitting and decide not to pursue the commission, there will be no charge to you.
Can you make me a custom historical garment?
Absolutely! I love to do custom work, and historical ensembles are my bread and butter. I can make garments for men, women, and children from any era, though my specialties are the late 18th and early 19th Centuries.
Can you make me a cosplay garment?
Certainly! I enjoy cosplay, and have done a little bit myself. However, I must stipulate that I am only able to take commissions for garments made from fabric at this time. I do not have sufficient experience with leather to currently offer leather clothing/accessories, and I also do not offer props/weapons.
*Do I need to come to you for measurements/fittings?
No. I am located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and can make "house calls" within the area for a small service charge. Travel outside the immediate area is also possible on a case-by-case basis. If you're in doubt, just contact me and we can discuss.
In general, in-person fittings work best. I can do measurements and discuss style details, show you swatches of fabrics and trims, etc. So I prefer to meet with clients here. Plus, first-time in-person fittings and assessments are free of charge!
Usually the process starts with an email, a phone call, or a garment request form sent through this website. I will discuss garment specifics, fabric and pattern choices, and deadlines with you so that we can come to an agreement on what the finished garment will look like and cost. We will schedule a time for a fitting, as meeting in person works best.* The initial fitting for measurements is free and non-binding. So if you change your mind after the first visit there is no cost to you.
At the initial fitting, I will take your measurements and we will look at fabric swatches together and decide on a pattern and more garment specifics. After this initial fitting I will put together a quote for you based on the fabrics you have chosen and the design details you have selected. This quote will generally be e-mailed to you within a day or two after that initial fitting, and we can discuss options for cutting costs if the initial quote is more than you expected.
Once we have agreed on a price range to work within, I will make a muslin mock-up of the garment specific to your measurements. This will be a very basic shape for fitting purposes, and will not have finished edges or details like pockets, buttons, and embellishments. We will test this mock-up for fit and comfort at the second fitting.
For the second fitting, I will make a contract with all of the details we have agreed on, and we will both sign it. You will get a copy to take home for your records. There will NOT be a final price on the contract. Also at the second fitting, I will require a deposit that covers the cost of the fabric and materials I will need to buy for your specific project - generally between $100-$200. I will not purchase any fabric until after the deposit is secured, so that you still have the option to change your mind. The deposit is non-refundable once I have purchased your fabrics.
At the third fitting, you will get to try on the bare-bones body of your garment. This will include sleeves and collar, if applicable, but will generally not include things like pockets, linings, or fastenings.
A fourth fitting, if necessary, will show you a nearly-completed garment without trim and fastenings. This fitting is usually just for marking placements of fastenings to ensure a proper fit.
The final fitting will give you your finished garment, and may include a quick photo-shoot (if you have given me permission to use photos of you on my website - this is optional and covered in the contract). I will give you a final invoice, and accept a final payment once you have signed off on the completed garment.
How do you charge for your services?
As stated above, the initial fitting for measurements and fabric/pattern choosing is free. Until a deposit is put down at the second (mock-up) fitting, you are under no obligation and may change your mind about any aspect of the commission. The deposit covers the cost of the fabric and materials I will need to purchase before I can begin work on the actual garment. If you wish to provide fabric, that is perfectly fine. I will still require a deposit of $50 before work begins. This will cover any additional materials (thread, interfacing, buttons, hooks & eyes, etc) that I may need to purchase.
A $50 materials fee is assessed if I am purchasing the fabric. This is to compensate for the time I will spend shopping around for the perfect fabric, and will cover shipping costs (as most of my fabric for commissions is purchased online) and the proper pre-shrinking care I will give your fabric before cutting it. This prevents shrinkage of the finished garment, and is very important.
I do not charge clients for patterns when I purchase them for a given project, as I can generally use the same pattern again for a later project. If you wish to keep your pattern after I have used it, I will charge you the same amount I paid for it. You are also welcome to provide a pattern that you have purchased if you wish me to use it, and it will be returned to you once the project is complete.
I charge $30/hour for custom work and alterations. After the initial fitting, I will give you a quote (usually via email) with an estimate of the hours I expect to spend on your commission. This quote will be open to negotiation, and no work will be done until we both agree on a price range for the completed garment. I will then begin a mock-up as discussed above.
I do not charge my clients for the fabric used in their mock-ups. I only charge for my time, and for the materials used for the final garment. If you come for a mock-up fitting and decide not to pursue the commission, there will be no charge to you.
Can you make me a custom historical garment?
Absolutely! I love to do custom work, and historical ensembles are my bread and butter. I can make garments for men, women, and children from any era, though my specialties are the late 18th and early 19th Centuries.
Can you make me a cosplay garment?
Certainly! I enjoy cosplay, and have done a little bit myself. However, I must stipulate that I am only able to take commissions for garments made from fabric at this time. I do not have sufficient experience with leather to currently offer leather clothing/accessories, and I also do not offer props/weapons.
*Do I need to come to you for measurements/fittings?
No. I am located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and can make "house calls" within the area for a small service charge. Travel outside the immediate area is also possible on a case-by-case basis. If you're in doubt, just contact me and we can discuss.
In general, in-person fittings work best. I can do measurements and discuss style details, show you swatches of fabrics and trims, etc. So I prefer to meet with clients here. Plus, first-time in-person fittings and assessments are free of charge!