How does this work?
What if I don't know what I want?
What does a custom made garment cost?
Do you have clients outside of Chicago?
How long does it take?
What kinds of things can you make?
What if I want exactly what you have in a particular gallery photo?
How do I reach you?

How does this work?

1. Send an email. Please include your concepts/ideas, the purpose of the garment (wedding dress, costume, etc.), and timeframe. I will contact you within 48 hours with response as to whether or not I can take on the project and what I information I will need from you to complete the process.
2. If you are or will be in the Chicago area, I would like to meet you face to face. I take my work very personally and therefore like to meet the people I am working for so I can get an idea of their energy and other esoteric things that you can't necessarily glean from an email or telephone conversation. At this time, I will also need to take your measurements. If you are not in the area, you can send me your measurements. *
3. From our communications I will come up with a preliminary design and written quote.
4. To begin work on your project, you will be required to put down a 50% deposit.
5. During the build time, you receive updates on the progress of your garment, and I will require you for one or as many as five fittings, depending of the complexity of the design.
6. Once the design is built, you will be required to pay the balance of the fee when you pick up your garment, or pay the balance via cash, check**, or Paypal and the item will be shipped to you.

*Please note that if you aren't in the area and I don't have the chance to meet you in person, there is the risk that the fit of your garment could be "off" both in regard to size and personality..
** Paying by check will mean that shipping will be delayed until the check has cleared.

What if I don't know what I want?

It doesn't matter. If you have the kernel of an idea, we can work together to develop it into a full-fledged idea. I've worked with people who only knew that they wanted "something blue" as well as those who came in with precise sketches or photo collages of what they wanted.

What does a custom made garment cost?

It would be impossible without knowing what it was that you wanted to give you an estimate. In some cases, it CAN cost less to have me make something for you, but in most cases it will cost more than buying something similar off the rack because of the time, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that goes into making something by hand.

Do you have clients outside of Chicago?

Yes, but they always run the risk of something not fitting properly as well as the item not reflect the more subjective qualities of their personality. They also need to bear in mind that there will need to be extra time built into the process for shipping and/or reshipping for alterations.

How long does it take?

It really depends on the garment and the time of year. Generally, I recommend you contact me at least 6-8 weeks before you need something. Halloween and Christmas are extremely busy times and you should at minimum plan to contact me at least 8-10 weeks before. If you're in a pinch and need quickly, it doesn't hurt to contact me. I may be able to fit it in. If I can't, I will let you know as soon as I can so that you can find someone who can. In general it is ALWAYS best to plan ahead.

What kinds of things can you make?

You name it, and I made it or can figure out how to…or direct you to someplace that can make it.

What if I want exactly what you have in a particular gallery photo?

I won't give it to you. It's not that I don't like you, but out of respect for the client that I designed it with, I won't copy it. I will however, make you something similar. My goal is to create no two things alike.

How do I reach you?
Email : lisa@narrativethreads.com