This information is specifically for those who are interested in alterations, customizations, and/or repairs for existing garments. Similar to the design service, these will also require either a virtual or in-person consultation to get an understanding of what the presented garment(s) need done on them. Some things may require an in-person fitting to make the process easier and more accurate. Unlike custom designs, however, these types of services can be completed in a much shorter amount of time and, for many people, can be more cost-friendly!
Here are a few examples of non-design services that I can do:
Here are a few examples of non-design services that I can do:
- Alterations:
- Shortening or lengthening hems
- Taking in or expanding the width of a garment
- Adding details for adjustability or support (i.e., dress bustles for a long train, elastic or drawstring put into a waistband, bra cup or boning insertion)
- Shifting placement of buttons or snaps
- Repairs:
- Zipper replacement
- Re-sewing an unravelling seam
- Camouflaged mending on small holes
- Visible-mending techniques on larger holes & rips
- Reinforcing areas that are weakened or need more structure
- Customizations:
- Trims, appliqués, and/or patches
- Painted or fabric-printed details
- Pockets for garments that need them
- Upcycling*
*Depends on the type of upcycling requested. A complete transformation from one garment to another would more likely be considered a custom design, rather than a customization for the garment itself.
Consultation
The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation, where you would show me the garment(s) that you’re looking to have altered. These meetings are in-person only, as part of the consultation may require a fitting at my studio. This is to ensure the changes to the garment are recorded accurately to your needs, and overall make the rest of the process from start to finish much easier. If the garment does require a fitting and is a full-body garment such as a shirt or dress, I recommend also bringing fitted or lightweight layers to wear underneath (i.e., a t-shirt and leggings, slip dress, etc.), especially if you need to do so for comfort.
Every fitting and/or marking process will be different for each garment; items that are too long or loose will need certain areas marked with pins or chalk, while items that are too small or short will need specific measuring for panels, for example, to fill the missing space. Certain customizations and mending might also need markings along the garment, but it all depends on the placement and what the end result is meant to look like. Notes will also be taken throughout this part of the consultation for me to reference as I’m working on the garment.
After the consultation has concluded is when you would pay a deposit for the services and provide your preferred contact information. Communication will be required throughout the construction process so that I can give updates about how everything is going, as well as coordinate with you for fittings, item pickups, and any additional payments. If you have questions at any part of the process, please feel free to message me as well!
Every fitting and/or marking process will be different for each garment; items that are too long or loose will need certain areas marked with pins or chalk, while items that are too small or short will need specific measuring for panels, for example, to fill the missing space. Certain customizations and mending might also need markings along the garment, but it all depends on the placement and what the end result is meant to look like. Notes will also be taken throughout this part of the consultation for me to reference as I’m working on the garment.
After the consultation has concluded is when you would pay a deposit for the services and provide your preferred contact information. Communication will be required throughout the construction process so that I can give updates about how everything is going, as well as coordinate with you for fittings, item pickups, and any additional payments. If you have questions at any part of the process, please feel free to message me as well!
Time & Cost
Much like the couture design services, the cost of non-design services is calculated from the labor time at $20/hour, any materials I were to have purchased, and a 15% profit markup. The total cost is not a fixed amount, as the labor time varies across different garments. With that said, a deposit of the minimum estimated quote will be required to submit a payment for, following the consultation. Any labor time that extends past the minimum estimate will be given as an additional quote.
Listed below are the required time frame, min.-to-max. calculations for the estimated labor and cost, and the average between both of the cost totals.
Minimum Time: 2 weeks
Listed below are the required time frame, min.-to-max. calculations for the estimated labor and cost, and the average between both of the cost totals.
Minimum Time: 2 weeks
- Seam-Ripping (if applicable): 2-3 hrs
- Cutting: 1-2 hrs
- Sewing: 2-4 hrs
- Fittings (each): 0.5-1 hrs
- Total: 2.5-10 hrs