Commission Gallery: Click here to visit a gallery of my past commission work.   From Vision to Verity: Click here to visit a gallery that shows some design sketches and the garment they become. Commission FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: Do you take commissions? A: Yes, HOWEVER: 1. You must live close enough to Katy, TX that you can easily make it to scheduled fittings. 2. You must be willing/available to have scheduled fittings. If I'm going to make you a garment, I'm going to do it right and that includes whatever manner of draping, mock ups, measurements, and fittings we need to end up with a fabulous garment that is custom fit to you. 3. You must be willing to pay for all supplies I need to purchase for your project plus my current hourly rate. If you would like me to be responsible for purchasing supplies, I will require a 50% deposit before I begin work on your costume. (i.e. - Madrigal students who purchase their own supplies will not need to worry about a deposit.) 4. You must be understanding of the fact that my calendar sometimes fills up due to my 'real' job and other commissions. I do my best to work with everyone who contacts me, but I will not make a commitment to your project if I know I won't be able to complete the work by your deadline. 5. You must understand that your final payment is due before I will release your garment. I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT RELEASE A GARMENT UNTIL FINAL PAYMENT IS MADE, so please make arrangements and plan appropriately before your garment's final pick-up. Q: What kinds of commission work do you do? A: I've done a little of everything! My favorite commission projects have been costumes, but my past work also includes wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, other formal wear, display cushions, children's clothing, and home decor projects. Q: Can I bring my own supplies? A: As long as they are of good quality, of course! I have worked with many different fabrics, from simple cottons to beautiful silk velvet and stunning brocades. I have several customers who have provided the fabrics and trims that were used to create costumes, dresses, or other items. If you need to know the supplies and how much fabric you will need for your project, I will also be happy to help you compile a shopping list for those items. Q: I have a pattern/style in mind, but would like to see some changes reflected in the final garment. Is this possible? A: Definitely! I have lots of experience in pattern drafting and draping that helps make it easy to get the result you want, no matter where we start. Q: Do I need to bring a pattern? A: Nope! I actually prefer to drape my customers for important projects so that we get a perfect fit that will flatter them best. Many modern patterns are based on statistics and averages and I have yet to meet a person that is a statistic or an average. Instead of using a pattern and then having multiple mock-ups and fittings to eventually find a good fit, I prefer to save time (which saves you $$) and use draping to get a custom pattern that usually fits perfectly on the first try. If you like a particular pattern, we can just use online pictures for reference so that there is no need to purchase the pattern. Q: Okay, I know (or know someone who knows) how to sew. I just don't want to buy a commercial pattern when there's no guarantee it will fit me. Would you be willing to only drape and draft my patterns? A: YES! PLEASE let me drape/draft your patterns for you! I always feel badly for those who have a fabulously constructed garment of lovely materials ... but with wrinkles where there shouldn't be wrinkles or other fitting issues. Important garments make the best impression when they are properly fitted from the beginning! I am more than willing to help create patterns for you, which often end up costing less than buying a pattern. Well worth it for something that fits right, which makes it flattering. Please feel free to contact me for more information! Q: Do you have much past experience? A: To this I can answer a large, resounding YES! I have focused on garment construction for over a decade and have been a crafter and seamstress for much longer than that. I have experience in making many different types of garments, from quick and simple to historically accurate and intricate. No matter the style, each garment is created in a way that will be durable, yet comfortable to wear. I am also experienced in custom design work, which enables me to adapt ideas so that my customers end up with exactly what they want. Ample experience in draping and drafting allows me to help even those who have trouble finding modern garments or patterns to suit their needs. Q: What happens when I contact you? A: When a potential customer contacts me, I first confirm that my calendar is open for the project and then we find a time to meet up to decide on the design, discuss materials, and take measurements. If the customer will be purchasing their own materials, I also make a list of supplies and calculate how much fabric will need to be purchased for the project. A design sketch is created to give an idea of how the project will turn out and details of the design are discussed and decided. Q: Do you have any guarantees? A: Sure do! Every item is created with a great attention to detail from the pre-sewing process down to professionally finishing every seam. Your garment’s construction is guaranteed for normal wear and tear for the period of one year. If other alterations or repairs are required, (such as negligence or abuse) additional charges will be incurred for any future work. If you are interested in commissioning me for a custom garment, please feel free to contact me! 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