Questions & Answers

Q.  Can I drop by without calling?

A.  No.  It is always best to call to be sure I'm not scheduled to be with another client, or that I'm going to be here when you stop by and not out running errands or working with brides on location.  Other family members will not be able to help you.  But, if I'm home, you are welcome to stop by.  Please don't stop by earlier than 9 am unless you have already made arrangements to do so.

Q.  How soon are fitting appointments made?

A.  Many times, if I'm home when you call and not already fully booked, I can usually see you as quickly as you are able to make it over.  If I'm not available or with a client, I will return your call as soon as I can to schedule a time to meet with you.  Please be sure to share your phone number slowly as well as your sewing need when you leave a message.  If you speak too quickly and the caller ID doesn't have a number listed, I will not be able to return your call.  Feel free to send an email to follow-up your phone call with your information.

Q.  How flexible are your hours?  Could you see me earlier than 9:00 am or after 5 pm?

A.  Occasionally I can do this if it does not conflict with family and other schedule needs.

Q.  How much time should I plan for fittings?

A.   Everyone's fittings take a different amount of time.  Hems about 15 minutes.  Brides take between 30 - 60 minutes..  Maids, Moms & others around 30 minutes unless there is a lot that needs to be done.  Those with a variety of clothes, this will take 30-60 minutes, but can take longer for large orders.  If you are scheduled for one garment, yet find others you want altered, please call or email ahead of time to be sure I have plenty of available time to spend with you.

Q. Do you have fitting fees?

A. There are no fitting fees for basic alterations and other mending requests that only take a few minutes.  There are fitting fees for Bridal, formal, modeling type fittings and alterations that take more than a few minutes.  Large alteration orders can possibly have a fitting fee depending on time spent and how much time is involved with the fittings.  A quality alteration requires time to make sure you are fit correctly.  

Also, if you have me spend time on pinning and fitting your clothing, then you decide it's too much to spend, you will be charged my hourly rate for the time I spent on the fitting, and must be paid in cash.

Q.  I have a dress that is in great condition.  Will you make my daughter's doll a dress from the material? 

A.  I would be happy to do this for you.  It's a great idea if the dress has sentimental value, and the fabric texture, print, etc is perfect for the doll scale.  Although this will save you the cost of material, your labor costs will remain the same, yet have a beautiful way of passing on something of sentimental value.  You will need to provide information on the doll that the dress is being made for, and possibly send the doll if I don't have the same one on hand for a fitting.  Please fill out my custom order inquiry form and be sure to fill out all the information required.  Leaving spaces blank does not provide sufficient information for me to decide if it is something I can do in the time frame you need.

Q. Do you provide quotes?

A. No, I only provide estimates (see below)

Q. Do you provide estimates?

A.   For Alterations

1. Yes, I provide some basic estimates, but a customer needs to understand that estimates are based on current rates and estimated time of work from my history of sewing.  These are not "fixed" costs.  On a rare occasion, a job might run less and sometimes a little more.  A customer making changes to their order can drastically change/increase their costs.

2. For a variety of items, it is best that you bring your items by or send an email list.  Please provide your name, mailing address, email and phone number with your inquiry.

3. Companies needing bulk seamstress work will be required to submit a $75 upfront payment before ANY estimate will be provided.

Q.  Will you repair/mend, provide alterations via mail?

A. I can do this as long as you are specific of your needs.  Payment in full needs to accompany your request.  I will not be able to custom fit your alteration, so you will need to be exact on what your needs are, such as hem lines, mark inside how much to take in, etc.  All repairs, mending and alterations are done based on your communication and directions.  Also, all items must arrive clean, pre-washed, smoke & animal dander free.

Q. Will you refashion my mothers wedding gown to make it more modern?

A. Most definitely!!  I always enjoy these type projects.  Bring your dress, your ideas and we can sit and discuss your ideas and see how we can accommodate your special day in your refashioned bridal dress.  There is a $60-$100 consultation fee which must be paid upfront in cash.  If you have me take on this project, $50 will be applied to your re-fashioned garment if have me take on your custom project within 5 business days of consult.

Q. I have a project I would like you to consider working on for me and I have a lot of questions.  How does one go about this?

A.  You will need to set up a time for a consultation.  Your consultation has a $60 fee, payable in cash, which covers up to an hour of my time.  If you need more than one hour, you will need to pay an additional $50.  If you choose to do the job yourself, you will have your answers, yet if you decide to have me complete your project, $50 will be reduced from your final bill.  

B.  Consultation work over the phone requires a $65 consult fee, which currently can be paid through MC/Visa credit card.  This is limited to one hour only.

C.  Consultation work via email usually requires more time.  There will be a $125 fee

Q.  I only want to order a pair of doll stockings but it doesn't meet your minimum order requirement, can I still order?

A. You can still order, just send me an email with your interest, understanding that you will need to submit payment of a personal check or USPS money order.  I do not reduce shipping fees or mail anything in a small envelope, as I ship all orders via priority mail with delivery confirmation.

Q. You have a minimum shipping expense.  Is this accurate for a really small item?

A.  Yes.  All companies have minimum shipping costs to cover their expenses.  All orders shipped from my location are shipped via insured USPS with delivery confirmation.  There is NO exception.  I do not ship any order, no matter how small, in an envelope as it does not provide a tracking method for me.

Q. My jeans only cost me $10.  I can't justify paying $18-22 to have them hemmed.

A. Understandable.  I think it's fabulous when one can get their jeans, or any article of clothing at a great price!  I'm frugal as well.  Unfortunately I don't provide discounts because a customer finds their clothes on sale or great value..  My time does not decrease because of your great "buy" as I still need to measure & take out the old hem, to give you the proper length.  But one way to view your great deal is that it allows you the extra funds to get the alterations you were going to need anyway. 

Q. Why does it seem to cost a lot to have sewing services provided? 

A. There are a few factors involved:

1. My products and services, that are custom made and personally altered, are done with quality workmanship.  Detailed attention is provided for your request and not made in a "rush".  You will find that seams are professionally done and attention to the finest detail is considered.  I could never compete with department stores, as I don't mass produce a product line or use "cheap" materials, but rather I create a custom item specific for your needs with quality products.

2. For your alterations, I refuse to rush any order in order to reduce costs.  In reality, this does not save you money, but rushed work always costs more when you need to have the work redone by another.  I've received a number of alteration orders to fix what others have quickly done inexpensively.

3. The cost of doing business involves overhead which is advertising, utilities, insurance, taxes, and more.  Although different in every business such as your mechanic, physician, hair dresser, etc., the costs of doing business are still there.  Even though my business is run from my home, my business overhead costs are not discounted for me, and are in some cases actually more than a larger business.

Q. 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q. 

A.