Thank you for choosing The Eye of the Needle for your customer clothing needs. Here are some of our policies:

Turnaround time: 

• Custom Garments: It generally takes 6 to 8 weeks from initial consultation to delivery of a completed custom garment. Unforeseen complications in design changes, fittings, the search for “just the right fabric and findings,” and family needs may affect the delivery date. Long-time clients will have shorter turnaround time as fewer decisions need to be made on each project. Rushing in the planning stages can lead to poor choices. Each client is important to me and receives every consideration that I can give. Emergency turnaround times can be available, depending on the company workload.
• Alterations: Simple alterations (such as pants hems) are usually completed within 10 days, but availability of necessary components (perfect thread color, appropriate zipper, etc.) may take longer. Since alterations vary by topic, expected turnaround time is also variable. Again emergency turnaround is available, depending on company commitments.
• Costumes: Turnaround time for theatrical costume design and manufacture is dependant on many things and will be quoted on a case-by-case basis. Masquerade (ren fair, Halloween, etc.) are usually season dependent and a custom garment lead time of 6 to 8 weeks can be typical.

Fitting Appointments

Please be on time for all appointments (or call), wear suitable lingerie and either wear or bring the correct shoes. Due to the importance of proper foundations in fitting, I will NOT fit you without them. An additional $20 fitting fee will be charged and a new session scheduled.

I will notify you if it becomes necessary to change an appointment, and it would please me if you would do the same. Call, email or leave a message on my answering machine.

Fees

My price sheet explains set fees for specific garments, primarily alterations. Other fees will be estimated. Prices include consultations, phone calls, design planning and changes, fabric preparation, precutting the paper pattern, cutting out the garment, sewing, fitting, pressing, and final delivery/billing. Any estimate over $50 requires payment for materials purchased before work begins, 50% at the first fitting and full payment on delivery. You can download my Alterations Price List and Custom Garment Price List as PDFs by clicking on the links.

Patterns

I have accumulated a collection of fine patterns in a range of sizes from which you may select, or you may purchase your own pattern. Although the final choice will be yours, selecting the right pattern and fabric to create the desired effect is the very essence of my role in consulting on each project. I have experienced custom clients who know their wardrobe needs, their figure, and also know fabric and design. They may feel comfortable making these decisions unaided. However, collaborating can bring new ideas that make the whole process a lot of fun. By working together, we can make design and size changes that we never would have though of alone.

Fabrics

An investment of custom made clothing deserves to be constructed of the best fabric you can afford. Natural fibers or superior quality synthetics will be your best fabric choices. I offer three approaches to fabric choices.

1.  
   1. You can purchase your own fabric, with my input to type, yardage, etc. If you are comfortable with textiles, this may be a good choice for you.
   2. I will shop with you to purchase the fabric of your choice. There is a nominal charge of $30 for a shopping trip of under 1.5 hours. This is the perfect choice if you are looking for something special and specific, but feel you need assistance in your choices. This is most often a bride’s preferred method.
   3. I will purchase for you if you are looking for something straightforward (like white bridal satin) from my range of suppliers. I charge a 30% markup to cover time, travel and taxes to make those purchases. This is a good choice if you want to take advantage of my lower cost suppliers, and aren’t looking for ‘the perfect color’ or are open to a range of choices. Costumes often fall into this category.