Frequently asked Questions.

 

What is the difference between bespoke dressmaking and dressmaking?

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When a client is looking for a garment that they want to be unique to them and worn for a special occasion, such as a wedding, a ball or party they will be looking for a service where their outfit is designed, cut and beautifully made to suit their own exact measurements and the occasion.

The client can work with the designer and dressmaker to choose the fabric, the garment features and any embellishment’s, (beading, lace, braid and decorative fastenings).

Dressmaking is where the client will bring the dressmaker the pattern in the style they want with the fabric and ask them to make the outfit from that.

There would be fewer fittings than a bespoke service and this would be reflected in the price.

 

What is meant by sustainable fashion?

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Our planet is experiencing 

an emergency climate change, and unfortunately the textile and fashion profession is the third biggest contributor to this failing environment.

Sustainable fashion is where production processes and the creation of garments is carried out with consideration to the impact it will have on the climate.

For example avoiding using fabrics and buying garments that are produced from fossil fuels which also require high amounts of water.

These include polyester acrylic and nylon. Look for natural fabrics and viscose and Tencel as these are mad from recycled fibres.

People are also encouraged to buy and sell pre loved clothes and rent expensive garments that might only be worn once.

 

Is dressmaking cheaper than buying fashion from a shop?

 

This depends on the service required by the client.

A bespoke service is not cheaper than buying an ‘off the peg’ garment as, with the former service, the client will receive highly personalized attention and they can determine their requirements.

Dressmaking can be cheaper than buying ‘off the peg’ but it depends on the garment style and the fabric.

It is best to be clear with your dressmaker from the start of your collaboration exactly what it is you want and they in turn can advise you what you will need and how they can help.

Many designers and dressmakers offer a free consultation before the job is started.

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Will the client need to supply the fabric?

 

For a dressmaking service it is usual for fabric to be supplied to the client.

But this does depend on the agreement between you and the dressmaker. They might have fabric in their own stock which they can sell you, or they can show you samples or order them for you to look at.

There would be an additional charge for this.

 

How much time should I allow to have a garment made?

 

This depends again on the service you require.

If it is a bespoke service, it is best to allow minimum of 4 months (ideally 6 months) before the date of your occasion.

Dressmaking would require a two month making time.

Alterations to ‘off the peg’ fashion garments you would need to allow five working days.

There are occasions when commissions can be booked and completed in less time, including some emergency alteration work and repairs. Check with the dressmaker.

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Will I need to have fittings, how long would they be and how many?

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A fitting session is an important part of the dressmaking process and the number that you have depends on the complexity of the garment being altered or made, and the clients own wishes.

For fashion alterations please allow minimum of 20 minutes for each garment.

Bespoke garments require a minimum of an hour.

Fashion alterations usually require just one fitting, but sometimes a client will want to check the garment before they collect it.

Bespoke garments will require more fittings and I try very hard to set the date and time in line with the client’s own schedule.

I am happy to see clients in the evening (up to 8pm) and on Saturday mornings.

With a bespoke service it is usual for the client to have as many fittings as they feel they need but the usual number is 3 including a toile fitting.

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What is a Toile?

A toile is a garment that is usually created in a fabric like calico or a much cheaper version of the final fabric choice. It is an exact copy of the design of the dress to made.

A toile is usually suggested by the dressmaker when the final garment being made is going to be in a very expensive fabric or when the client is unsure of how certain features of the design will look.

A toile will be used as well if there are to be embellishments added to certain areas that will make up a pattern on the garment. For example, beading, dying or printing.

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Can I get quote before I go ahead with the service?

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I will offer a free consultation to any client and from the discussion we have about their requirements, I will send you a quote of all the fabrics and labour costs involved.

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Do you require a deposit?

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 If it is a first commission with a client, then for alteration work I ask for £10 deposit, and the rest of the invoice is paid on collection of the garments.

If the service is bespoke or dressmaking then after the quote is given I would prefer to have either a deposit of half the quoted amount before commencement of the work, or a deposit of 1 third of the quote before the work starts, a second payment of a third after the second fitting and finally the outstanding amount is paid at collection or delivery of the finished garment.

If you feel the work carried out is not done how you expected, then I will happily change it as long as it is within  14 days of collection of the garments.

After this time then there will be an extra cost applied.

 

How can I pay you?

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I am happy to take cash or a bank transfer before the work is collected.

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Do I need to bring anything to the fitting?

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I always ask that a client brings the shoes or a pair that is the same height, and is wearing the lingerie that they plan to wear with the garment.

 

If there any questions that I have not covered then please contact me at

Email; BDress&Fashionalterations@gmail.com

Phone; 07880983233