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

Fit Specialists

What should you look for in an alteration specialist? Everyone wants to look their best, especially in a newly purchased garment. You bought it for a reason, and you want to wear it right away, but it has some fit issues. It may be too long, too wide, or too tight. Your alterations specialist can handle the first two with ease (most of the time), but a garment that is too tight or too short is a whole new can of worms. When you have those fit issues, call your fit specialist for an appointment so he/she can tell you first of all IF the garment is alterable and what it will look like on your body when it is finished. If you feel comfortable with the way it was pin fit to your body and with the estimate and turn around time, let them do their magic on your garment. But remember, we are fit and alteration specialists, not magicians! When you pick up your garment, feel free to ask to try it on. Make sure to look at the work that was done. Look at the finishing of the seams, inspect the hem...kick the tires, so to speak. The garment should look like nothing had been done to it...it should look like the original. If you are pleased with the fit and the alteration, make sure to let your specialist know that. We mostly do this because we're good at it, but we also have to earn an income as well. When we know that you are pleased, we will bend over backwards to continue to do a good job on other things you bring to us AND will help to get you the appointment and turn around time that is convenient for you. Look good, feel good in custom fit clothes.
.............Katherine