I know an absolutely top-notch seamstress who makes formal gowns, and several others who are quite good as well, but if I'm going to give you their contact information, I want to make sure you understand something.
It's rather incredible that people seem to EXPECT folks with sewing skills to work for peanuts. Creating a formal gown (no matter how simple), especially with a touchy fabric like satin, is a highly specialized skill that requires years of training. Making a dress takes hours. You don't pay a highly-skilled seamstress minimum wage or less. NOBODY will take on that job. A decent seamstress deserves no less than $15 per hour.
People want their dresses and costumes three ways: Quick, Good, and Cheap. But the rule is you can ONLY have TWO OUT OF THREE. If you want a dress good enough for a wedding, you'll need to pay someone with skills. Or you can give up the "quick" part by making it yourself. Or, you can get really lucky and find a pre-fabricated dress on a great sale.
If you "really want something cheap," then that tells me that you don't have a clue what it takes to make an individually tailored formal gown, and you should probably go to a store with pre-fab stuff. Otherwise, go to David's Bridal. Just remember that when you go there, they'll nickel-and-dime you to death, and you'll probably end up spending more.
So, let me know if you really do want the contact info for people who CAN give you EXACTLY what you want, with a personal touch, if you're willing to respect their skills enough to pay them decently.
Actually, I've had custom-made dresses before (made in Baltimore, where I used to live) and I paid well over $500 for them (plus the cost of supplies--fabrics, findings, thread, etc), and never haggled with a quoted price. I know how the dress-making process works. Those dresses were much more complicated than the one I would like for this. By "cheap" I'm hoping for less than $300 including all supplies, so I'm sorry if that was unclear. I'm not sure what price range you are thinking, or if you knew what I was thinking. I can get a similar dress from David's for under $150 plus tailoring. I'm willing to spend extra on quality work, but not tons extra. I prefer to also help a local economy.
As far as your three qualifications go, I have 4 months before I need this dress. I can't sew myself so that is out of the question, but I know a rush order from a seamstress costs extra.
If the dressmakers you know would satisfy those qualifications, then please send me their info. If not, then don't bother.
Okay, that's totally fair. I've seen people indicate they wanted a dress for "cheap"... meaning $40 or $50 for a dress that took between 10 and 20 hours of work. You clearly DO know what you're talking about, so I feel much better about that. Sorry for coming off so strong. I've just seen people try to take advantage of friends of mine who sew.
Send a message to rowangolightly. She's one of the best seamstresses in the area, and I know she's looking for commissions right now.
No worries, I don't know how things work here (prices can vary a lot from area to area!), I just wanted you to know I'm not a total novice! $50 for a custom dress is pretty ridiculous. I'll send her a message later today (and I'll drop your name!), thanks for the info.
No problem! Like I said, I've seen some incredibly insulting low-ball offers to some of the fabulous seamstresses and costume-makers I know. Some of them are very good friends of mine, and I feel a bit protective of them. When you said "cheap," I thought you might be looking to low-ball. Discuss it with the person I mentioned, and she'll give you a very honest answer. She's been doing this for many years, and she's the best.
It's rather incredible that people seem to EXPECT folks with sewing skills to work for peanuts. Creating a formal gown (no matter how simple), especially with a touchy fabric like satin, is a highly specialized skill that requires years of training. Making a dress takes hours. You don't pay a highly-skilled seamstress minimum wage or less. NOBODY will take on that job. A decent seamstress deserves no less than $15 per hour.
People want their dresses and costumes three ways: Quick, Good, and Cheap. But the rule is you can ONLY have TWO OUT OF THREE. If you want a dress good enough for a wedding, you'll need to pay someone with skills. Or you can give up the "quick" part by making it yourself. Or, you can get really lucky and find a pre-fabricated dress on a great sale.
If you "really want something cheap," then that tells me that you don't have a clue what it takes to make an individually tailored formal gown, and you should probably go to a store with pre-fab stuff. Otherwise, go to David's Bridal. Just remember that when you go there, they'll nickel-and-dime you to death, and you'll probably end up spending more.
So, let me know if you really do want the contact info for people who CAN give you EXACTLY what you want, with a personal touch, if you're willing to respect their skills enough to pay them decently.
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As far as your three qualifications go, I have 4 months before I need this dress. I can't sew myself so that is out of the question, but I know a rush order from a seamstress costs extra.
If the dressmakers you know would satisfy those qualifications, then please send me their info. If not, then don't bother.
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Send a message to rowangolightly. She's one of the best seamstresses in the area, and I know she's looking for commissions right now.
Good luck!
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How do I contact Rowan? Do you have an email address perhaps? I couldn't find a "contact" section on her page. Thanks
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