Sew Inspirational

How to Find a Great Sewing Professional

By Sue Neall

Why Hire a Sewing Professional?
Sewers and non-sewers alike seek out sewing professionals for a variety of reasons. Many have special fitting requirements. Some desire a one-of-a-kind garment. Some just appreciate the quality of a specially crafted garment or household item, made to their specifications. Some do not have access to certain types of clothing and some people simply dislike shopping for ready-to-wear. A custom-made copy may cost less than the designer original or fit your unique body better.

Selecting a Sewing Professional
From slipcovers to suits, weekend wear to wedding gowns, any item that can be sewn can be made by a sewing professional. There are hundreds of sewing professionals, also known as dressmakers, across the country, who offer custom services, and an increasing number of creative and time conscious consumers are employing their talents.

Where Do You Find a Sewing Professional?
There are a number of resources for talented sewing professionals. Network with the following people to find a sewing professional who produces quality work:

Satisfied customers – favourable word-of-mouth advertising is critical to every sewing professional’s business, because her talents are showcased in her clients’ work. Ask for a client reference list.

Local fabric stores and sewing machine dealerships – sewing professionals are regular customers of these businesses and some stores carry a referral list, or employ in-house sewing staff.

Local dry cleaners – dry cleaners may work with one or more dressmakers who do alterations. Occasionally these alterations specialists do custom sewing as well.

Advertisements – sewing professionals often advertise their services in Yellow Pages, local newspapers and newsletters. Also check the bulletin boards at your local store.

Communication is the key
A dressmaker is going to know all the secrets of your body measurements, from your hip height to your shoulder slope. You must be totally at ease with this person. Always meet with a dressmaker before giving her work. A face-to-face meeting will give you an idea of how she can interpret your vision of the finished garment and whether she is open to your input or questions. Your goal is to find an honest person who will guide you in fabric and silhouette selection and tell you if you have unrealistic expectations. You may prefer to meet with a number of people and see a variety of work samples to determine who fits best with your needs.

What to Know About a Dressmaker
The more you know about a sewing professional’s work habits and policies, the more effective your relationship will be. Don’t be afraid to ask business related questions, even the most obvious questions, so you both fully understand the service. Get detailed information on each of the following:

Quality of work: When possible, get references from a dressmaker’s clients before hiring her for a job. These references will give you an idea of her strengths and weaknesses. Ask to see actual samples, not just photographs, of her finished work.

Specialisation: A sewing professional may provide a variety of sewing services or specialise in one area. Evening wear, tailoring, home decorating and bridal gowns are common specialties. Different kinds of sewing require different skills. Sewing professionals with skills in a specific area are experienced in handling the materials and challenges of that particular type of sewing. They also command higher fees for their work.

Training: Sewing professionals learn their skills from various sources – from family members, apprenticeships, design schools and formal classes. They should volunteer information about special training relating to the work they may perform for you.

What Will It Cost, When Can You Get It?
Prices and lead time requirements will differ. Detailed garments require more skill and time, so be realistic. If possible, anticipate your needs and contact the dressmaker a few months ahead of time, especially if you are having multiple garments sewn. This allows the dressmaker to fit your deadline into her schedule.

There are no price standards on dressmaking services. Fees are determined by the sewer’s overheads, expertise, availability, geographic location and skills required for a project.

Ascertain what services are included in the price, such as fittings, pattern alterations or special fabric surcharge. Some dressmakers may also charge a consulting fee for measuring, image consulting, pattern alterations or original design or pattern drafting fees. The cost of these services may not be included in the total price. Dressmakers often charge an additional fee for time spent sourcing fabric or special items. Most professionals require up to 50% deposit before starting work. Some have customers sign a contract that clearly outlines the services agreed upon. Be sure that you and your dressmaker understand the deadline, the final cost, and the services included.

With all this in mind the Australian Sewing Guild is adding an up-to-the-minute ‘Sewing Professionals’ data base to their website and are looking for specialists to add to it. This data base will benefit members and will be a resource list for those wishing to hire quality sewing professionals.

For further details on the Australian Sewing Guild activities or to find out about other great plans, groups or meetings look at the ASG website www.aussew.org.au

If you would like to be listed on the ASG Sewing Professional data base complete the following questionnaire and email or write to the Secretary – join@aussew.org.au or P.O.Box 553 Civic Square, Civic ACT 2608. Please type ‘SEWING PROFESSIONAL’ in the subject box and answer ALL questions.

If you have a brochure detailing your services please enclose a copy.

QUOTE
“People will need to "suss" each sewing professional out for themselves. My name is in the Yellow Pages (under Dressmaker); also with a couple of fabric shops and the local fashion boutique (I do their alterations). My best clients come from repeat business. I initially make their formals, then later a few sets of bridesmaids, which then spreads to their friends and mothers, etc. People see my clients in their finished garments and by the time they phone me, the original client has already told them where I live, what I make, how long it takes, how much and that they were happy with me. It certainly saves me a lot of explaining!”

Vicki Taggart – Dressmaker, Brisbane, Queensland
Contact Vicki on 07 3300 6780 or cadart@bigpond.com.au

TIPS:

• Many sewing professionals operate during normal business hours. People who work nine to five should enquire about evening or weekend appointments.
• City shops may charge more but may have a faster turnaround time as they often have more staff.
• Phone book listings – Look under Alterations, Designers and Custom Clothiers. Some listings note Bridal, Dressmakers, Swimwear, so if you are after specific work it often helps to look in a few places.
• Know your budget, but allow yourself some flexibility based on the services you require.
• Choosing a sewing professional based on price alone is a mistake. The most important issues are her talent, quality of work and commitment to you as a client.