How much should I expect to pay for a custom item?
Answer: Every custom project is unique.
A price range will be quoted, based on Mimi's experience making similar items in the same category.
Before determining your unique and specific price quote, fabric choices, design details, fitting, layers of fabric, and structural elements are all considered.
If you are an aspiring sewing or design professional looking for guidance, please visit the sewing business page for information.
Dresses
$445 and up
Formal dresses
$800 and up
Tops
$150 and up
Jackets
$450 and up
Pants
$325 and up
Home accessories
Billed Hourly
Special projects
Billed Hourly
Since this is a custom project, there is no ready-made item to compare it to. It is perfectly appropriate to shop your idea around, and ask several designers for price quotes and timeframes. Every custom clothier
will have his/her own way of calculating fees, and as the client, you can feel free to "audition" the designer -- ask to see
a portfolio or actual examples of his/her work, and request an explanation of the process.
Answer: Generally speaking, mass production provides low cost at the expense of uniformity. Customisation is the product of designers and craftspeople, giving you a unique opportunity to express yourself
in a very satisfying way. Artistic touches, fit preferences, personal fabric choices, and design
features will all be tailored to your request.
People's lives today are more turbulent and diversified. The "one size fits all" model is out-of-date. You want to be seen and treated as an individual with specific tastes.
Clothing and design are communication. Not only do your clothes, accessories, and home furnishings express how you feel about yourself, they give others
a glimpse of who you are, and how you want to fit into (or stand out within) the cultural mosaic.
Yes, it takes longer, and you are committing to an invisible project before the actual work begins, but you will be an active participant in an exciting, collaborative
artistic project. In the end, you'll be much more satisfied with the commissioned item than you could have been with any mass-produced approximation of what you were seeking.
Answer: To begin, there must be an idea. It can be as specific as a
photograph, sketch, or existing garment. It may be an inspired combination of images, colors, textures, and/or artistic works.
If the idea can be conveyed, and the fabric and materials needed to produce it can be obtained, it can be done.
During the consultation, the project specifics will be discussed, and a labor price quote confirmed. After the consultation,
Mimi may produce a sketch, if no photo reference or suitable substitute exists. The fabric would be selected, approved by the client and purchased,
according to the arrangment made during the consultation (possibilities: shopping together, matching a provided swatch, presenting a selection of swatches for approval, etc.).
A muslin version of the project will be fitted and sewn (if appropriate). Upon approval of the test version, the actual fabric will be sewn. The number of
fittings depends on the complexity of the project.
Answer: There are two main types of custom client:
Some custom clients are individuals with
a developed (or developing) sense of style. S/He seeks unique investment and/or special occasion pieces, and wants to participate in
a creative endeavor to bring his/her vision to fruition.
Other custom clients have unique technical requirements, and do not want to sacrfice artistry to have their needs met. Mimi has designed and made adaptable clothing for disabled clients, wearers of prosthetic devices, plus-size, minus-size, and other individuals with unique needs.
Answer: Mimi performs and/or oversees all work performed for her clients. She guarantees the
the quality of each project, and is committed to customer satisfaction. All projects are collaborations, and rely upon effective communication between the
client and designer. If for any reason, the client feels that the item he/she described has not been achieved, Mimi will work diligently
to resolve any dispute, as the situation merits or requires. Any problem with the clients' requirements would be discussed prior to performing the work.
Answer: You are free to choose your own fabric, if you already know what is suitable for your project.
If you are not comfortable doing this, Mimi will help you find fabric. She may travel to fabric stores with you, or source a selection of swatches from which you may choose.
Answer: No, unless you find a commercial pattern that is exactly what you are looking for, or very close to it.
The design, instructions and sizing of the pattern will be evaluated, as they relate to your requirements. It is often faster and easier for Mimi to create a pattern from scratch.
Answer: A "redesign" (Not an official industry term) is a drastic change to an existing design.
Adding collars, changing necklines, moving closures, and changing shapes using insets are examples of redesign possibilities.
Answer: An approximation of labor hours will be provided with the quote.
The completion date will depend on the client's deadline and Mimi's work schedule. Most projects require at least 4-6 weeks.
Answer:
For individual lessons or a small group, Mimi will create and teach a customized course of study in basic or advanced sewing. Explain your needs, and she will discuss the possiblities with you. For industry techniques, she strongly suggests taking courses at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. They offer affordable continuing education classes that will teach you what you need to know, if you are serious about a fashion industry career.
If you wish to join an organized class, contact Mimi for referrals.
