Custom made clothes are much more than a dress your mom or grandmother makes for you from a pattern and fabric. A good custom clothier will advise you on styles that will flatter your shape and give you specific direction in your fabric choice. She will take detailed measurements in order to draft or alter a pattern to fit your body and then in the construction phase will make suggestions on proportion, color, and texture choices. Once you have a basic pattern to start from, it can be used to create an infinite variety of garments without having the added expense of patterning. You can change the fabrication, style lines, length, and width--add darts, pleats, tucks, ruching and seaming to make each garment different and unique. You will never walk into a room and see the same garment on someone else. A few weeks ago I went to a family gathering. I knew very few people, but recognized immediately two women with the exact same skirt on in different prints. I am sure no one else caught this, which goes to say that even the same fabric and pattern with a different print adds to the uniqueness of a garment. It is fun to choose a style and then choose from a myriad of fabrics, but to then have it fit perfectly is icing on the cake!
Yes, I know what you mean - fashion design is such a wonderful art in itself! If we think of our bodies as a blank canvas, even using the same skirt pattern in two completely different fabrics can give you two completely different looks! I am in awe of you Kathy! I wish I could sew!
ReplyDeleteYou can do whatever you put your mind to, but I'm sure you have talents that I don't possess. I happen to be narrowmindedly focused on fitting and all things sewing. It gives me great pleasure to see the look on a client's face when they see the final look of their garment. I can't do what you do and vice-versa, so to be able to help one another is a blessing in itself!
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