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Posted by sheila-bloke47 on 15-Jun-2011 16:41 Report
Bit of advice on dress making please.
Any dress makers out there who can give me some advice on what to look for in a good dressmaker.

I'm think of getting a very very old pattern made into a dress for me for later in the year.  It's Victorian style, fancy lace and it will need to be altered as I won't be wearing a corset.  Would love the hourglass figure but don't think I'll get one of them.
I'm in Brisbane so other than going through the yellow pages and community pages what should I look for and what questions should I be asking.  Also if I'm going to supply the materials so I get what I want in style and colour, what is the time duration something like this would take to make and ball park figure if anyone has had something made to order would be helpfull.

Cheers will be back later to see any responses.
 
Replied by marian-48 on 15-Jun-2011 17:31 (Ref 2299532) Report
Vicki, it could work out cheaper to hire an outfit, I think it would be quite difficult to choose a dressmaker for something like you want. I would think you would need the expertise of a wedding dressmaker and could be rather expensive, Marian
Replied by dutchmiranda on 15-Jun-2011 17:35 (Ref 2299535) Report
Sorry not a dress maker, but I had my wedding dress made. It took this lady a month or so from when she started  to finish. She had to see me a few times for fittings etc. But she designed it for me so that might take more time. What I think is important is to see how much experience someone has. And get a quote so if it takes longer will not cost you more. Maybe you can put an ad in the newspaper (can not remember how I found mine). I would start looking now as it might take you a month or 2 to find someone. Better to start early and finish early. Oh and if your pattern does not say how much fabric you need, make sure that you have a dress maker who can figure that out too.
Replied by sheila-bloke47 on 15-Jun-2011 18:18 (Ref 2299543) Report
Marian its a special occasion and I want something special.  Also I will have a use for it on the odd occassion so don't want to hire.

Yes Dutchy I do realise that they will need time what you said is roughly what I thought. 
Replied by tiny-stitches on 15-Jun-2011 18:21 (Ref 2299544) Report
Yes make sure you can go in for a couple of fittings during the process.  Have had things made before that they took measurements at the beginning and in the end they didn't fit.

Ask if they will be doing your dress all in one go or if they will be working it around other jobs - this will affect how long it will take to do.  Really if its the only thing they are doing, it should only take a few days.

You might want to ask if one person will be doing the whole thing or whether different people will be doing different parts of it - but that also will depend on the size of the place you get to do it.

Maybe ask if they have photos or other finished garments there so that you can see their work before you commit.
Replied by sheila-bloke47 on 15-Jun-2011 18:30 (Ref 2299546) Report
Thanks Tiny a couple of good points there to remember.  I know you sew but your too far away for me.  Thanks heaps.
Replied by likewhatyousee on 15-Jun-2011 18:33 (Ref 2299548) Report
Hi Sheila,
I know she's up that way but not sure where exactly but Julie aka Aussiebares is pretty talented.
I know in the past she's made up costumes for the ballet etc.
If she can't help you, she may know of someone that can help you out.
Replied by sheila-bloke47 on 15-Jun-2011 22:02 (Ref 2299576) Report
Thanks for that info.
Replied by likewhatyousee on 15-Jun-2011 22:26 (Ref 2299579) Report
You're most welcome.
Replied by tiny-stitches on 20-Jun-2011 08:50 (Ref 2300230) Report
I'm not talented enough with the machine to be doing outfits like that justice though I'm afraid!
Replied by sheila-bloke47 on 20-Jun-2011 13:33 (Ref 2300285) Report
Tiny you couldn't be any worse than me.  I'm willing to have a go but not willing to waste big dollars on what the material and lace would cost when I stuff it up.  LOL
Replied by samanthas-homewares on 22-Jun-2011 15:29 (Ref 2300612) Report
I would ask to see some of her work 1st and the cost of the samples she shows you. If your only shown basic garments eg: a basic pant, simple shift dress, or skirt she is probably not for you.

You need someone who does probably do wedding dresses or at least evening gowns

What ever you do, do not pay by the hour, if they are good enough, they should be able to make pattern adjustments quickly, make a sample then fit it on you, make further adjustments etc. Get a price for the garment to be made, and stick to it with her/him. Many dressmakers will say, but I had to adjust this or that and that was an extra 2 hours etc.

Sometimes they may need to make a couple of samples if the dress is way off the right fit. Cost that in when buying your fabric.

If the dress has a simpler base without the lace added and trims, get that made 1st and fitted before making the dress with all the trims and laces.

The better the dressmaker the less adjustments that should need to be done.

Ask if she has worked with lace before. As lace needs to be unrolled and laid out overnight as it shrinks before sewing. Particuarly if it is a stretch lace. Lace is like a knit if you lay a piece out you will find it can shrink in length and sometimes width upto 2cm overnight. It is called " letting it rest" - see if she understands that to allow the lace to rest.

Pattern adjustments are quick, don't be fooled into thinking they take adges. Minutes only for each adjustment, they just trim the pattern or add some to the pattern or add a dart and it is quick work. She should also take your measurements and again allow for any fabric to shrink also when steaming the garment, the lace/fabric can shrink more.

Make sure the garment/sample is steamed at the same temperature as any extra steaming for the next fitting can shrink the garment

Dont be afraid to tell her what YOU want, many dressmakers are frustrated designers, and can become quite pushy into convincing you to make a change or not add that.

Sorry so long. Anyway Rule no 1 - get a price upfront, don't let them tell you it might take longer or convince you of extra costs, if they are the right dressmaker, they can give you a costing.
Hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck after my ramble
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