What to look for in choosing a designer or alteration specialist

Choosing a Sewing and Design Professional

When you contact an Association of Sewing and Design Professionals member, he or she will ask you about your project, time line, and budget. Your sewing pro will probably ask to see you in person to talk about your project before quoting a price. Some sewing pros charge a consultation fee, which may later be applied toward the cost of your project.

At your first meeting, be sure to ask questions! Association members welcome your questions about the type of work they do, their education and training, and how long they've been in business. Ask to see photos or samples of their work, and ask for references. Many members also have websites where you can learn more about them and view photos of their work.

For custom garments, you'll want to bring your design ideas with you to the initial consultation. Photos, sketches, sample garments and fabric swatches are all helpful. Your sewing pro may also invite you to email links to websites with designs you like so he or she can take a look at them before you meet in person.

Design details, fabrics, trims, pattern development, fitting issues, and anticipated sewing time all affect the price of a custom garment. Your sewing pro will explain the options available to you and then quote pricing according to the choices you've made. Custom garments are usually more expensive than ready-to-wear, but there are no additional alterations charges to factor in. Your custom garment will be the style, color and fit that flatters you best.

For alterations, you'll need to bring or wear the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with the garment being altered. Pricing will depend on the work needed to improve the fit and the way the garment was originally constructed. Specialty alterations on garments such as wedding gowns may require more than one fitting.

from the website of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals

                                                           July 2011

How to choose clothing that looks good on you!

7/16/2011

OK, when I go to a store, I am always looking for a bargain, but I get discouraged because bargain items are generally not found in my size. So then I look for ANYthing in my size. I might find 5 or 6 items, take them into the dressing room and 3 actually fit. How do I know if they look good on me?
How do YOU know what looks good on YOU? Do you take a friend you can trust who will be brutally honest with you? I have clients who purchase garments and then make an appointment with me because they know that I WILL be honest with them. That doesn't mean that they will always listen to what I say, but they WILL take my advice into account as they decide what to keep and what to return.
One client in particular really takes buying clothes seriously and does not want to make a mistake by buying something that does NOT look good on her, or cannot be altered to fit her well. She actually has had her husband take photos of her in her undergarments. She then traced around her body shape, hair and face, and took this tracing to her copy machine and made it a convenient size to fit in a small notebook for her purse. When she finds something she is interested in buying, she draws the outfit on her body and looks for balance, proportion and style. She then evaluates how it will fit in with the rest of this season's wardrobe, and makes an intelligent decision. Wow! The garments she brings to me have really been scrutinized and she has a BEAUTIFUL wardrobe of clothes.