one-of-a-kind custom designs for weddings, dress-up, and fun
by Laurie Tavan, better than sew-sew

Commission a Garment

Great idea! Here's a step-by-step guide to the ordering process.

Step one: Contact me

The first thing to do when you've decided that you want something made is to send me an email and let me know what you have in mind. If you have drawings or pictures you'd like to use for inspiration, include them. Maybe it's a scan from a book. Maybe you see something on this web site and can't live without it. Maybe you have a specific event in mind and need the perfect outfit. It's okay if you don't know exactly what you want – we can work with you to flesh out the details of the project into a contract sketch. Your email should include:

Your name, email address, and phone number
A description of the project or event you have in mind
Any sources or references you'd like to use
Your timeframe – is there a specific deadline?
Your approximate budget if applicable

Step two: Consultation

Once we have your project requirements, we can begin developing a detailed plan. Either through an exchange of emails or a meeting in person, we'll work out the specifics.

Step three: Contract sketch and estimate

The contract sketch is developed to describe both visually and verbally the specifics of the project. It will include fabric samples and/or descriptions of the type of fabric required (eg. silk, linen, cotton, etc.). This is a description of every piece to be included in the project estimate and contract.

When you're happy with the contract sketch, and we have picked materials and construction techniques, we'll provide an estimate and contract for the garment. Often people will want to add other items to a project in progress, which will end up with their own separate estimate forms and contracts. A deposit (due when you sign the contract) will hold your place in the construction queue. With your deposit, we'll arrange for measurements appropriate to the garment being made. Of course you can put in a deposit earlier, before we have finalized all the details, to ensure that time is allocated for your project.

Step four: Mock-up

Most but not all garments will require a mock-up to ensure a proper fit. We start with your measurements and the agreed-on design and construct a mock-up from plain materials. We then adjust the mock-up on you to work out any final changes to the pattern. The mock-up then becomes our pattern for the finished garment. In some cases, multiple mock-ups may be required, particularly in the case of design changes midway through a project, or given a change in materials or in the size of the client.

Step five: Final fitting

At this point the garment is complete. Before you take it home, we want to verify that everything fits as it should and make any final finishing adjustments. Of course, payment is due in full before you take the garment home. Take a look in the mirror and smile – this is your very own one-of-a-kind luxury garment!