Pricing and Policies

Pricing

We all want to know up front what it will cost to have custom clothes made or to have alterations done. Once I know the details of your request, it will be easier for me to give you an estimate.
Below is a general list of prices exclusive of fabric. When you have more than three items, or become a "regular" I offer a discount.
Please contact me about your particular needs to get an accurate price for your item.
I accept cash, checks, money order and PayPal. I do not accept credit cards.

Alterations Pricing for Formal Clothing

Please see the "Weddings" page for information about pricing for creating and altering wedding gowns.

Gown Hems

Hem by taking up at the waist- these garments usually have scalloped lace at the hem, a border print, or some special treatment that makes it impossible to hem at the bottom. Special hemming situations like this start at $100.00

Hemming a very full or ball gown skirt- prices start at $120.00

Shortening a straight or A-line skirt starts at $70.00 including hemming the lining.

Gown or Jacket Sleeves-

Shorten at wrist where there is no beading or other embellishment $40.00 and up

Shortening the sleeves at the wrist where there is beading or other embellishments $50.00 and up

If your sleeves have a scalloped or embroidered edge, they will have to be shortened by taking the sleeve up from the shoulder seam. Prices start at $30.00 where there is no embellishment, and start at $50.00 when there is lace or other beading at the seam.

Gown or Jacket sleeves can be taken in or let out. Prices start at $30.00.

Bodice-

Shorten Shoulder Straps- prices start at $25.00

Taking in the side seams starts at $50.00. If lace has to be removed and reapplied after the bodice is taken in, additional charges will apply.

Letting out at the side seams- Prices start at $50.00. Additional charges may apply if more fabric is needed.

Making bodice darts starts at $15.00 each. If your bodice is fully lined and you need four darts, the cost would be $60.00.

Add or replace buttons along the zipper- $5.00 per button

**Rush fees may apply so please allow at least two months to have your alterations or custom clothing created

Casual/ Business Clothing Alterations-

This could be an exhaustive list and it is difficult to quote prices without seeing the item to be altered.
Jacket, Blouse or Shirt

Shorten Sleeves unlined $ 10.00

Shorten Sleeves lined $ 15.00

Sleeves cuffed $ 15.00

Hem unlined $ 10.00

Hem lined $ 15.00

Take in side seams unlined $ 15.00

Take in side seams lined $ 20 .00

Shoulders $ 15.00

Skirt

Hem Straight – Top Stitched unlined $ 10.00

Lined $ 15.00

Hem by hand – invisible unlined $ 15.00

Lined $ 20.00

Hem Flared/ A-Line unlined $ 15.00

Lined $ 15.00

Take in or let out waist or hips unlined…… $ 15.00

Replace zipper $ 15.00

Replace elastic waist $ 15.00

Pants

Hem Top Stitched unlined.$ 10.00

Lined $ 15.00

Jeans $15.00

Hem blind stitch ( invisible ) unlined $ 10.00

Lined $ 15.00

Hem with cuffs unlined.$ 15.00

Lined $18.00

Replace zippers $ 15.00

Take in side or let out waist or hips $15.00

Dresses

Business or Casual

Hem unlined $ 20.00

Lined $ 25.00

Take in side seams unlined $ 25.00

Lined $ 30.00

Replace zipper $ 30.00

Custom Clothing Pricing

Please contact me for specific information regarding your garment. The pricing below is a useful guideline.

Boys vest and tie-

These can be custom made in your choice of fabrics for $40.00.

Flower Girl and First Communion Gowns-

The starting price for these dresses is $150.00.

Birthday Outfits-

T-shirt and pant outfits are $40.00 for children.

Pillow case dresses are $15.00 without appliques or embroidery.

Custom T-Shirt dresses are $40.00

Girls Jumpers start at $25.00

The prices are for basic outfits. Appliques and custom embroidery are available for an additional charge.

Custom Embroidery

Because of the nature of custom work, it is difficult to quote prices for future projects. Embroidery pricing depends on the size and complexity of your chosen design. Please contact me with your specific request. A small applique or monogram will be significantly less expensive than an embroidered wedding sampler. Embroidered text is less costly than embroidered graphics.

We do offer many personalized items using sublimation printing which may be a more economical choice. Any imprinted item can be further embellished for an additional charge.

Shipping- I ship via the United States Post Office with no hidden or additional fees beyond what they charge. Insurance is optional but always recommended.

Fabric- All prices are quoted exclusive of fabric which gives you the option of providing your own materials.

For people outside of my area, it may save you some postage fees to have me purchase fabric. If I am purchasing fabric for you, I will mail swatches so that you can make a selection from several fabrics.

JoAnn Fabrics will allow you to pay for special orders in one location and have the fabric picked up in another. This will save you money- no need to ship it to me.

Payment- a 50% deposit is due once the design and fabrics have been selected. Once I receive your deposit, I will purchase the materials and begin the work. At this point, the deposit is not refundable. The final balance is due when the garment is complete.
(Customers outside of my local area will receive photos of their finished item.)

If finances are an issue, I will allow 30 days after the completion date in order for you to make the final payment. After 30 days, the finished item may be sold. (However, if there are mitigating circumstances please let me know.) There will be no charge for holding your item for the 30 day period while waiting for your final payment

I accept money orders, personal checks, and cash. Payments may also be made through PayPal if you like.

Policies-

Please read and feel free to ask any questions.

When working with anyone under the age of eighteen, I require parental approval over the design of the garment. Necklines and skirt lengths are sometimes an issue. Discussing these details beforehand helps to prevent any conflict between what the client wants and what a parent may feel is inappropriate.

Returns/ Refunds- there are generally no refunds and no returns for custom work. Please keep in mind that you are in control of the entire process. You have chosen the design, selected the fabrics and provided accurate measurements and had at least one fitting.

However, if there is a problem, I would like to have the chance to discuss it with you. Often, I can resolve the issue at no further cost or at a reduced cost.

Should you decide to take your custom garment elsewhere for additional work, I am no longer responsible for your satisfaction with the finished project or for any further charges you incur.

Completion Dates- This is when I promise to finish your project. Please be aware that this promise is made in good faith. However, there may be mitigating circumstances and I may ask for an extension. I usually build in extra time when I give a completion date and it has served both me and my clients well.

Measurements- Below is a basic chart showing how and where to measure. Depending on the style of the garment, I may ask for additional measurements. Please keep in mind that no single body is perfect and make sure that the measurements are accurate.

I cannot assume responsibility for the fit of the garment if the measurements I receive are not correct.

Long distance customers receive a "mock up" of their garment in the mail. This is usually a copy of what the finished garment will be. A dress would be made from the shoulder to the hip while pants and skirts would be made from the waist to mid-thigh. This mock up is made from the measurements I receive.

If the mock-up is too large or too small, I will make the required adjustments and send a second-mock up when needed. I normally ask the customer to pin or let out the mock-up and send it back to me. This helps me achieve the proper fit. In the even that the customer does not return the mock-up for adjustments, I cannot be held responsible for the final fit of the garment.