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Please click on the link below to read more about that topic: Sizing NOTE to all brides and wedding parties: If you are getting married, and want to order a complete wedding party package, please read this page, and then email me. There are very special instructions to follow, about how to order bridesmaid/wedding party ensembles to make sure everything is organized and no mistakes are made. We want your day to be absolutely PERFECT! Wedding party orders must be placed at 4-6 months before the wedding date. If you have a very small wedding party of 1 or two people, we may be able to accommodate a rush order, but large wedding parties must order 4-6 months in advance. Also - I don't think this needs to be noted, but I will anyway: If you order a dress for us and receive notification that the package has been shipped, it is NOT the time to email us and tell us that you wish to cancel your order because the wedding has been called off. Once you return your order form, we immediately buy your fabrics and reserve a slot for you on our calendar. Once we have made your gown, there are no refunds. Please read below to understand our full policy on refunds. NOTE TO WEDDING PARTIES : If your wedding party will all be wearing the same color or the same style of outfit, all gowns MUST be ordered at the same time, by one person. Otherwise we won't know that you're all in one group, the fabrics will not be cut from the same bolt and dye lots will *NOT* match. For basic packages, we use two seamstresses and sometimes three. The three of us use different construction techniques, and while the overall look is the same, if one seamstress makes one gown and another makes more gowns for the same wedding party, there will be drastic differences in the fabric colors, notions, trims, cording, etc because we all use our own fabric suppliers - and the colors will be very different from one another. If your wedding party does not order as a group, we will have no way of knowing that there are several people who will be wearing the same design, and you can be guaranteed that the dresses will *not* match. If you're in a wedding party with more than one person in the wedding, you MUST ORDER AT THE SAME TIME or the clothing will simply not match. PLEASE tell us if you are part of a wedding party when you order! Do not order one at a time - order all at the same time (please read the informational page at the link above for more detailed information) For those of you would like references, we are not able to give out our past clients' private email addresses, but we would be more than happy to give you our eBay ID so you can see that we've been selling our clothing to happy customers since 1998 - and you can read all the positive feedback they've left for us over the years. If that's not enough, do a Google search for the Very Merry Seamstress and you'll find hundreds of websites saying nice things about it. We want you to be assured that when you shop with us, you're shopping with a company that's been around for 10+ years and works hard to make sure that every customer is absolutely thrilled with their order. And lastly - if something on here doesn't make sense to you, just ask! We're happy to explain! |
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PLEASE NOTE: Our dress forms only go up to a 54" bust-at-fullest measurement (not bra size) and a 45" natural waist measurement. For sizes larger, we do require a mock-up fitting to ensure an accurate fit. Unlike other custom gown companies, we *never* charge more to construct a gown to a larger size, and any person, any size may purchase a mock-up service. However, we do require anyone with a bust measurement larger than 54" and waist measurement more than 45" to submit a mock-up and purchase the mock-up service at $50. Please notify us before ordering if your bust measurement is larger than 54" and we will be delighted to assist you in ordering a mock-up service. If you choose to order a gown above these measurements and do *not* order a mock-up fitting, you will not be covered under any guarantees of fit, and all alterations will be your responsibility. Remember: All sales are final. There are no refunds. For your own peace of mind, it's better to use the mock-up service than risk buying a gown that may not fit properly. We will walk you through the measuring process to ensure a proper fit.
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We construct our clothing using very precise measurements, rather than dress sizes. This is because dress sizes can vary from maker to maker. We can guarantee the exact measurements of an item, but we can't guarantee it will fit unless accurate measurements are taken. Customers need to obtain accurate measurements - this is VERY important and absolutely essential to a perfectly fitted garment. Always have someone take the measurement for you. It's very difficult to get an accurate measurement by yourself. To determine your measurements do the following: Measurements
- You must wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear under your gown when you take your measurements. (Remember, we completely rely on you to provide us with very accurate measurements - if you send the wrong measurements, your clothing will not fit. If you are unsure about providing accurate measurements, have a professional bridal shop take them for you, and when in doubt, feel free to shoot us an email and ask. We'd be delighted to assist you any way we can. MEASUREMENT CHANGES: If your measurements are going to change significantly from the time you place your order to your scheduled construction date, you must send us updated measurements before the scheduled construction date for your order. We understand that you must place your order well in advance of your event date in order to secure a slot in our schedule, and that sometimes measurements may change during the time between order placement and construction. We have no way to predict these changes. We can only make the clothing to the measurements provided to us, so if your measurements change, it is your responsibility to notifiy us immediately, every time the measurements change. When your construction date arrives, we will make the garment to the current measurements on file. We understand that your measurements may continue to change AFTER we construct the garment, but it's more important that you secure a slot in our schedule and have minor alterations done after you receive your order, than waiting to order and risk missing out on securing a slot in our schedule. We work hard to accommodate all sizing changes, but unfortunately, sometimes changes will occur after we have made the garment. Those changes are beyond our control. We promise to make your garment to the current measurements we have on file, but measurement changes *after* the construction date are not within our control and we cannot be held responsible for such changes in size. BUST: With the foundation garment you plan to wear under your gown ON, measure yourself at the fullest point of your bustline. (Do not go by bra size) If you plan to wear a corset, measure with your corset on, but be sure to tell us that you're giving us a corseted measurement, otherwise your bodice will be far too small for you. If you plan to wear a special bra under your garment, put it on while taking measurements. You don't have to tell us if you're wearing a bra because bras won't cinch you like a corset will. We typically cinch bodices and fitted dresses at the bustline by 2-4", depending on your size, unless you send us corseted measurements. Corsets will have a cinch of 4+" at the bust, depending on your size. Bodices, fitted dresses and corsets must have a cinch at the bustline in order to do "lift" your assets. A garment made to the same size or larger than your bust measurement will offer no support. WAIST: With the foundation garment you plan to wear under your gown ON, measure yourself at the thinnest point of your waistline. This is your natural waist, just below the base of your rib cage and above your hip bone. When you bend to the side, it's where your skin will crease. Again, if you are wearing a corset, measure with the corset on and be sure to tell us that you are sending us a corseted measurement. Please note that most Renaissance and Elizabethan bodices (unless they are extended or Basque waist) end at the NATURAL waist (where your ribcage ends). These bodices should NOT extend down past the waist or over the hips. Bodices that extend past the natural waist are called a Basque waist, and are not correct for the Renaissance/Elizabethan era. However, for those who prefer longer bodices, we do offer a couple of long-line bodices in the BODICES section of the website. SKIRTS: Are you wearing a hoop under your skirt? If so, you want to measure the length (from waist to hoop base) with the hoop and your shoes on. If you're not planning to wear a hoop skirt, measure from your waist to where you want the hem to fall. Some people prefer their skirts to brush the ground, while others prefer their skirts to be ankle length. Again, it's all a matter of preference. We highly recommend having your skirt hemmed AFTER we send it to you. The hem is the only thing we do not gaurantee, as hoop circumferences, body shape and other factors make it impossible to perfectly hem your gown without being there in person. The maximum length for all cotton skirts is 41". If you require a longer skirt, you should either submit a custom request form or order a satin skirt ensemble. HIPS: - should be measured at fullest point of your hips. Shoulder to floor is your shoulder tip to the floor, with your shoes on. Shoulder to wrist is shoulder tip to top of hand (wrist). Shoulder tip to shoulder tip is the outer edge of your shoulder bone, to the opposite outer edge of your shoulder. Alterations: PLEASE NOTE: We construct your clothing by using one of our three adjustable dress forms, set to your measurements. Every now and again, someone does not fit the standard "dress form mold" and a garment WILL REQUIRE ALTERATIONS. If this happens, don't get angry - just send us an email and we'll be happy to work with you to find a solution that works for everyone. :-) To avoid any complications, please be sure to order and submit your order form with enough time to allow for shipping your garment BACK TO ME, to have me do the alterations, and then ship it BACK TO YOU. This means that you should request a delivery date at least 4 weeks BEFORE your event, if not MORE, to allow for any possible alterations. We will NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for any orders placed without enough time for alterations. This means that if you place a rushed order and only leave only a few days between your delivery date and your event, we will NOT have enough time to do alterations, and the cost to have any resulting alterations completed will be your full responsibility. We will not cover the cost to have alterations done, because even though we work with you to create a perfectly fitting garment, it is always possible that you will need them. If you place a rush order, you are doing so with the full understanding that if alterations are needed, we will not have time to do them for you, and we will not cover any costs for you to have them done. This is why it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to ORDER WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE so that we can complete alterations for you if needed. We do not accept rush orders for wedding gowns. If you submit inaccurate measurements: We cannot be responsible to inaccurate measurements. We rely on you to provide us with your accurate measurements. Don't be intimidated: We will walk you through each step to ensure a proper fit. If you're still concerned that you won't be able to obtain accurate measurments, have a local alterations shop take them for you. MEASUREMENT CHANGES: If your measurements are going to change significantly from the time you place your order to your scheduled construction date, you must send us updated measurements before the scheduled construction date for your order. We understand that you must place your order well in advance of your event date in order to secure a slot in our schedule, and that sometimes measurements may change during the time between order placement and construction. We have no way to predict these changes. We can only make the clothing to the measurements provided to us, so if your measurements change, it is your responsibility to notifiy us immediately, every time the measurements change. When your construction date arrives, we will make the garment to the current measurements on file. We understand that your measurements may continue to change AFTER we construct the garment, but it's more important that you secure a slot in our schedule and have minor alterations done after you receive your order, than waiting to order and risk missing out on securing a slot in our schedule. We work hard to accommodate all sizing changes, but unfortunately, sometimes changes will occur after we have made the garment. Those changes are beyond our control. We promise to make your garment to the current measurements we have on file, but measurement changes *after* the construction date are not within our control and we cannot be held responsible for such changes in size. Mock-up Service: If you're still worried about fit, just let us know. We offer a muslin sloper (sample bodice) service for $50. All brides must order this service. We will send you a "practice" bodice with instructions for you to try on, write on, pin and send back to us to ensure your bodice fits you to a tee. You MUST take this sloper to a local seamstress and have them "fit" it to you, then cover shipping costs to mail the sloper back to us. Your $50 payment covers two sloper shippings. In order to use our sloper service, you must place your gown order a minimum of six months in advance, no exceptions. Slopers must be fitted and returned to us within two weeks or we will not be able to stay on schedule. If after two weeks you have not returned your sloper, we will not be able to continue with the sloper fitting process and will make your gown without the sloper, based on the measurements you provide to us. Ordering: Customer Invalid Email Addresses and SPAM filters: If you place an order through our website shopping cart system, and do not hear from us within 48 hours, it means you either entered your email address incorrectly into Paypal's database, you have a SPAM filter on that is blocking me from contacting you, or your email server is not working properly. If I am not able to reach you via email after you order, I will try emailing you repeatedly. If I receive a message telling me your email address is not accepting email from me, or that your email address is invalid, I will immediately issue a refund and cancel your order. You must have a valid email address when ordering from me, so that I can send you the list of measurments I need. More
Than One Email Address: PLEASE do not email us from
multiple email addresses. When people do this, we have found that
they usually only check one of their email accounts on a regular
basis, and when they ignore the other mailbox, the result is lots
of missed or ignored emails. If there are problems and I contact
you at the ignored address, you MAY NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THEM UNTIL
IT IS TOO LATE. To avoid potentially disastrous outcomes and miscommunication
problems, ONLY USE ONE EMAIL ADDRESS when communicating with us.
This is the ONLY way we're able to track your order, and when you use multiple email addresses, it seriously complicates the tracking process. Period
of no response: If you place an order and I continuously
email you with no response month after month, but your email address
appears to be valid, I will hold your order for up to one year as
a valid order. After one year, I will consider your order "abandoned"
and you will forfeit all payments you have made and your order will
be cancelled. Canceling an order: If fabric/materials have been ordered and we have scheduled a date for construction of your order, no refund will be issued and we will not accept a cancellation of your order. We reserve a date in our schedule just for you - and subsequently we turn away customers who could have been scheduled in that date, which is why we do not allow refunds for any order that has been scheduled and fabrics have been purchased. Those who do not submit their order forms will receive regular emails from me reminding you to submit your order form. Because it takes time to send you repeated email reminders, and because Paypal deducts fees from your payment after 60 days, once those 60 days have passed (starting from the date you submit payment), NO refunds will be issued in any amount. If you need to cancel your order (provided you have NOT yet submitted an order form and we have NOT yet ordered your materials), you MUST cancel your order before 60 days have passed. After 60 days, no refunds will be issued. Accepted forms of payment: Some of the items on our site have a "Buy Now" button, which will allow you to place an order immediately, and pay for it immediately. You can pay through Paypal, with either a credit card, or an e-check. We also accept mailed payments of money orders, cashiers checks and for returning customers, we will accept personal checks (checks must clear before shipping) and we have a mail order form for you to print and mail with payment. However, payment through Paypal's secure site is the quickest and easiest way to order what you're looking for. If you are uncomfortable ordering via the internet, we completely understand. We will be happy to provide you with our mailing address to mail in a cashier's check or a money order. We do not accept personal checks - no exceptions.
MEASUREMENT CHANGES: If your measurements are going to change significantly from the time you place your order to your scheduled construction date, you must send us updated measurements before the scheduled construction date for your order. We understand that you must place your order well in advance of your event date in order to secure a slot in our schedule, and that sometimes measurements may change during the time between order placement and construction. We have no way to predict these changes. We can only make the clothing to the measurements provided to us, so if your measurements change, it is your responsibility to notifiy us immediately, every time the measurements change. When your construction date arrives, we will make the garment to the current measurements on file. We understand that your measurements may continue to change AFTER we construct the garment, but it's more important that you secure a slot in our schedule and have minor alterations done after you receive your order, than waiting to order and risk missing out on securing a slot in our schedule. We work hard to accommodate all sizing changes, but unfortunately, sometimes changes will occur after we have made the garment. Those changes are beyond our control. We promise to make your garment to the current measurements we have on file, but measurement changes *after* the construction date are not within our control and we cannot be held responsible for such changes in size. Rush orders: Simple items may only take a few days to complete, but more elaborate items may take several weeks, especially if we must order special fabrics for you. If you are in a rush, let us know. During our slow season, we may be able to do a rush order, but we can never guarantee it. There will be times when rush order fees will apply and you may be required to pay for overnight shipping. Wedding gowns must be ordered a minimum of 6 months before the requested delivery date. We do not offer wedding gowns as rush orders under any circumstance. Deposits: Once
we've worked out all the specific details for your custom gown,
for orders over $200, a MINIMUM deposit of 50% must be made before
we can purchase fabrics. This money will be used to purchase all
of the materials needed, and the cost often exceeds the deposit
payment, therefore the deposit is not refundable under any circumstance.
We would not buy this fabric if it weren't for your order, so the
deposit is a sort of "insurance" for costly fabric purchases.
We must be paid in full before we begin work, so be sure to submit
your final payment with enough time for us to make the gown. You
may break up payments and do a payment plan, but we can't start
the order until it has been paid for in full - so please keep that
in mind when considering your deadline.
We apologize, but we are not ever able to ship a gown before
it has been paid for in full - No exceptions. Shipping: We ship most packages Priority Mail via the US Postal Service, with delivery confirmation. We charge shipping and handling, based on the amount spent. If you use our online shopping cart system, the amount due will be tallied at checkout. :-) Overnight shipping is available to customers within the US, and is calculated by weight and service. If you require overnight shipping, you will be charged actual postage (we will email you with an invoice when the package is ready to be shipped). You must let us know you want this service. Non-USA customers: Out -of-country charges are shipped via either Priority Mail or Expedited (depending on what the postal service charges us) and is a flat rate charged at checkout. If your order consists of several boxes, we will invoice you for each box. please note that while this method of shipping is usually delivered within 1-2 weeks, it is not guaranteed by the postal service to be delivered within any specific time frame. If you require immediate delivery, please consider purchasing Guaranteed Expedited Global as your method of shipment, which is costly, but will guarantee that your package will arrive by a specific date if you have a strict delivery deadline. Guaranteed Expedited Global shipping is the only GUARANTEED method of shipping overseas and we will be happy to ship using this service for you if you would like to cover the cost. To ship an average package, the cost is usually more than $100. However, if your order must be received by a specific date, this is the only method of shipping that the USPS will guarantee for packages that must be delivered within a narrow time frame. If you place a rush order, this is the only reliable method of shipping available to our out-of-country residents. Import/Duty/Taxes: You are responsible for ALL import/duty/taxes associated with your order. We will not lie on customs forms. It's illegal, so please don't ask us to do it. If you refuse to pay these fees when the package reaches your country, we will not re-ship it to you until you submit another payment for re-shipment costs. Do not ask us to pay these taxes. We have no control over them, and these fees are not our responsibility, they are your responsibility. Changes: PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR ORDER FORM UNTIL YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT! Once you return your order form, you may not make changes to fabric choices or colors, or to your order. We buy the fabrics as soon as we receive your order form, and we are not able to return these fabrics and supplies. Our suppliers have very strict no-return policies. Once you chooce your fabric, and we buy it, the only way you can change your choice is to pay for another garment. So please, be absolutely certain of your choices when you return your order form. We cannot allow changes once you submit your information. If you decide that you absolutely must make a change to your order, we will be happy to work with you, but there may be additional charges for fabric changes or design changes. Returns/Repairs: Due to the custom nature of these items, We cannot accept returns. DO NOT RETURN ANYTHING UNTIL YOU OBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER FROM US! If you ship anything back without contacting us and obtaining a return authorization number, your package will be returned at your expense. You MUST have a return authorization number written on the outside of your package, or it will be refused. If we make a mistake, we guarantee to fix it, or in the case of gross misrepresentation where the item is flawed beyond repair, we will be happy to replace it. If you find a flaw in craftsmanship, you must contact us within ONE day of receipt of the item to report the flaw. After we approve the return, you must mail the item back within two days of contacting us. If you wait to return the item, we will not accept it. There are no exceptions to this policy, so from the date you receive the item, you have four days to get it back in the mail to us or we will not accept the item, and we will return it to you immediately. Once we receive it back, we will either repair the item, or make you a new one. If we made the error, we will be happy to cover Priority Mail shipping back to us if you provide us with a receipt. We are not responsible for damages after the customer receives the item and are under no obligation to make repairs once the garment has left the studio. We absolutely will not issue refunds for items that are lost in the mail when being returned to us. For a few extra dollars, it's worth it to buy peace of mind and have the item insured. There are no returns for color variations - we clearly list all of our color matching policies on this page, and when we sent you the order form, you return it stating that you have read and agree to our policies. We do not offer refunds or returns on color variations, or ANY frivolous complaint. If color is important, please send us a swatch to match your fabrics with. The reason for this policy is because many people who order gowns plan to wear them for one special event, thinking they can fraudulently treat our custom services as a rental shop. We've had people wear the garment to their event, then attempt to return it after the event is over. Custom-order gowns are not costume rentals and unfortunately, a few bad apples have spoiled it for others. For that reason, we have been forced to adhere to this policy very strictly. We will not make any exceptions to this policy. Once you buy it, it's yours forever and we will not accept it back, except to repair it or to exchange it for a new one. We do not offer refunds for custom - made garments. HALLOWEEN ORDERS: We've found that some Halloween customers are the worst abusers of costume shops and seamstresses, and we frequently have people who wait until a couple days before Halloween (after their party is over) and attempt a refund. We do not accept any orders back for refunds - these clothes are custom made to your precise measurements, and cannot be returned for a refund. If we continue to have customers attempting to return custom made garments, we will have no choice but to refuse all Halloween orders from now on. Please don't ruin it for everyone else - if you order from us, be prepared to follow our policies. We will not accept ANY garments back for return. If you want alterations because of an error WE made, we'll do it - but you have to follow the same contractual guidelines as all other customers. If you take your garment to another seamstress for alterations, we will not pay for it. You always have the option of having us take care of alterations for free if the error is ours, or for a minimal charge if it is a customer erro - be mindful of your schedule. If you place your order without enough time for alterations, you do so with the understanding that we will not be able to do alterations for you. If you take your garment to another seamstress, we will not be responsible for alteration costs incurred by having any garment altered by another company. Once altered by another company, we will absolutely not be responsible for damages - and once altered by another company, the garment will be no longer be considered our responsibility, and the garment will no longer be accepted as a return for repair (or any other form of return, for that matter.) "I didn't know the garment was ___________!" If you're not sure of what you're ordering, please ASK US. We're happy to explain everything you want to know. We write thorough descriptions about every garment we sell, noting every detail. If you feel we forgot to note somthing, tell us and we'll add the detail to our website. However, please don't blame us when you fail to read the item description, or assume that a garment will have a feature that is not noted on the website. Before you order, ASK. We can not issue a refund when you email us and say "it's not what I expected." You should educate yourself somewhat about historical clothing, especially about the item(s) you order - this way you won't be surprised when you recieve your order. We answer all emails in a timely manner, so don't buy it until you know what it is you're ordering. For example: Partlets, (most) chemises and peasant shirts are *very* full - they are not a tight, fitted garment. We make them full because quite people often have to pull the sleeves through slashes on their gowns - and that requires a lot of fabric. If you want a fitted chemise, ask us to make you a custom chemise. If you want a period-correct garment, ask us to make you one. We've had people (who aren't familiar with historical garb) receive their partlets and then email us complaining that it's not a tight blouse and it "won't work for nightclub events." We've had people order chemises and leines complaining that they're too "full" when that's exactly how they are supposed to be. Also - you have to wear your foundation garments - chemise, corset, etc - when measuring for your outer garment - bodice, overdress, etc. If you purchase a bodice first, with uncorseted measurements, and then LATER order a corset, your bodice or overdress is not going to fit you the same as without them, because your measurements WILL be different. Please don't complain to us if you order your clothing out of the correct order. You simply need to wear your foundation garments when taking your measurements or your clothing is not going to fit you properly. Please ask questions before you order, or take a bit of time to understand what you're ordering. Historic clothing is *very* different from modern clothing and we want you to fully understand what you're ordering. We're *very* honest people and we will disclose anything you want to know about your order. If you're confused, tell us. We will explain with more details. We never "hide" anything about our garments, we're always happy to explain out construction proceedures and materials used. However, customer ignorance is not something we can control, and we have no idea how much knowledge you posess with regard to historical clothing (and we certainly don't want to offend anyone by rambling on and on about something they may already fully understand). If you don't know, ask before you order, because unfortunately, we can not issue refunds because the customer failed to understand what they were buying. Fabrics & trims: We have a huge supply of some of the most exquisite fabrics in the world and will work with you to find the perfect designs and fabric selections. If we don't have the fabric you're looking for, we'll go out of our way to find it. We work with our own supply of fabrics and fabric suppliers, and cannot accept orders with customer-supplied fabrics for liability reasons. For website orders: Most descritptions on the website include what comes with each package. If your package includes TRIM or a BELT (or other accessories), we will offer you your choice of color for trim and then we will select the exact trim for you. If you require a very specific trim, you must contact us before you order and ask to see samples, then choose your trim. Most of the trims pictured on our website are one-of-a-kind trims and have been discontinued, so we can't offer those specific trims. If you require a specific fabric for a belt, you must contact us in advance and approve the fabric. If you don't, we will select a fabric for you in the color you request. If you require specific trims (trims that are not currently in our stock), there will be additional charges for trim upgrades. **Fabric Substitutions: Sometimes we have to subsitute fabrics when your first choice is not available. We will email you pictures of other options before we order the material, but it's always best to select one or two 'back-up' choices in case we don't hear back from you in time for your construction date (please be sure to check your emails often in case we have a question for you). Fabric and trim Color: We offer clothing in a variety of colors and designs, and when you order, you will be asked to name your color choices. If they are not available, we will contact you for an alternate selection. Basic colors cottons/satins are always in stock. Fabric links are listed to the left in the menu. Please use links to make your selections of available fabrics. If you are working with two different types of fabrics for a bodice and skirt set, (such as a royal blue twill bodice and a royal blue satin skirt), please note that the shades of two different types of fabrics will not be the same hue. For that reason, we recommend choosing complimentary, but different colors when working with different types of solid colors. Trims and brocades will be used, but because stock is constantly changing, we will use what is currently in stock, unless you require a specific trim or belt brocade. If you require specific trims (trims that are not currently in our stock), there will be additional charges for trim upgrades. Grommets, Lacing cords: grommets are standard, two-piece grommets - this is what comes with basic priced options for garments that come with grommets. You can upgrade to different closures (hand-sewn lacing holes, etc), but there is a fee to do so. This fee must be paid in advance, and must be requested before you submit your order form. All laced garments come with a very basic, functional cotton lacing cord (available in three colors - white, ivory or black). You may upgrade to decorative ribbon lacings if you prefer, but there is a fee to do so. The lacing that comes with your order is not decorative, it's merely sturdy and functional. We select this cord because most of our customers are faire patrons and need a long-lasting, sturdy lacing cord that's not going to break after many wearings, which is why we use this specific cord - it's the sturdiest stuff we could find - but it's not "pretty," lik a grosgrain ribbon is. Bear in mind that if you go with a decorative ribbon, the metal grommets will wear on the ribbon and cause it to snap over time. **Color Matching - We can NOT gaurantee specific color matches. What this means is: If you need us to make your gown in a very specific color, for example,to match a pair of shoes you already own, apologetically, we can't do this. We do, however, offer dying of dupioni and silk or cotton velvet and can acheive just about any color you desire. Bear in mind that while we will work with you to select a dye color from our supplier, the reaction of the fabric to the dye may result in a color slightly darker or lighter than the dye image. Damage during shipment: Once a garment leaves the studio, we cannot be responsible for any damages caused. However, you have the option of purchasing insurance for your package - if you want this, let us know and we will give you a price for shipping. If you have purchased insurance and damage occurs during shipment, please contact us immediately and we can file a claim with the USPS - you must save the packaging in order to file a claim, so don't throw the box away! Damage after you receive your item: We will not be responsible for any damage done to this gown once it leaves our hands. This includes, but is not limited to: dry-cleaning errors, any errors made by other seamstresses who may alter the gown, dirt, tearing from improperly wearing the gown, use of harsh chemicals on the gown, problems arising from negligence (including boning issues). Our cleaning instructions are only to be used as suggestions - CHECK WITH A PROFESSIONAL BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR ITEMS CLEANED and do what THEY recommend. We are not professional drycleaners, and to be a fabric care specialist requires very specific training and licensing - which we do not have - so some fabrics may require more delicate cleaning. If in doubt, ask a professional. Do not machine wash anything with grommets or boning. Ready to wear items, SAMPLE gowns: Are sold at DRASTICALLY reduced prices and therefore are sold "AS-IS" with no warranties, refunds or exchanges to be issued. There are absolutely no exceptions to this policy. Items will not be shipped until they are completely paid for - there are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. We are happy to accept personal checks from returning customers. New customers must submit payment via Paypa, cashiers checks or money order. Credit card payments and e-check payments may be submitted via Paypal. Danger,
Danger! Care of your garments: We use basic guidelines for recommended cleaning and care of your garments. HOWEVER, we will not be responsible for dry-cleaning problems. It is the customer's responsibility to find a reputable cleaner and have them TEST clean the garment in an inconspicuous place before cleaning. We're not responsible for your garments if they are ruined by your drycleaner. We will be happy to help you with fabric content, but the bottom line is you will have to take your garment to the drycleaner and ask them the best way to clean it. We're experts at sewing, but not at specialized cleaning (you must be licensed to offer fabric care advice) - so we leave it up to the cleaners to decide what's right for your garment. Choose a cleaner who is a member of IFI, the International Fabricare Institute. Take your clothing to a cleaner who is experienced in cleaning elaborate costumes and clothing. Then ask if they are a member of IFI. (If you don't know of any, call local theatres, colleges and ask them who they take their costumes to). Ask your dry-cleaner to test ALL fabrics, trims and beads before they clean them in an inconspicuous place. Some trims and most beads won't hold up to harsh chemicals, and will need to be removed before cleaning. Different types of stains will require different types of cleaners - make sure your dry-cleaner knows what they are dealing with. A grease stain is going to be harder to remove than a cool-aid stain. Tell them so they can clean it appropriately. Have your dry-cleaner test for "bleeding" problems. If you've got a white dress with bright red trim, you don't want pink "bleed" spots on your white fabric. NEVER, EVER, EVER go to the cheapest dry cleaner in town. Pay the extra few dollars for better service.
Question: Will you make
a gown for me using my own fabrics? Question: Do you have
a physical store I can visit? Question: Can we meet
in person? Question: I have this
sketch, photo, link, portrait, idea - can you make the dress? Question: Do you have
a phone number so I can call you? Question: Can you send
samples of fabrics? Question: What would I
look like in this type of gown? Question: I want to get
this style gown, but I think the colors and design elements might
look weird together. Can you help? Question: I want to order
several items, will I receive a discount? Question: What if I get
the gown and it doesn't fit? WEIGHT LOSS: Unfortunately we cannot offer free alterations to those who have dieted and/or lost weight after receipt of the gown. We can only make clothing to the measurements you supply, and we guarantee the garment to fit based on those measurements. Further weight loss will obviously result in a too-big bodice, and in situations like that, alterations are not covered. MEASUREMENT CHANGES: If your measurements are going to change significantly from the time you place your order to your scheduled construction date, you must send us updated measurements before the scheduled construction date for your order. We understand that you must place your order well in advance of your event date in order to secure a slot in our schedule, and that sometimes measurements may change during the time between order placement and construction. We have no way to predict these changes. We can only make the clothing to the measurements provided to us, so if your measurements change, it is your responsibility to notifiy us immediately, every time the measurements change. When your construction date arrives, we will make the garment to the current measurements on file. We understand that your measurements may continue to change AFTER we construct the garment, but it's more important that you secure a slot in our schedule and have minor alterations done after you receive your order, than waiting to order and risk missing out on securing a slot in our schedule. We work hard to accommodate all sizing changes, but unfortunately, sometimes changes will occur after we have made the garment. Those changes are beyond our control. We promise to make your garment to the current measurements we have on file, but measurement changes *after* the construction date are not within our control and we cannot be held responsible for such changes in size. PREGNANCY: As much as we wish we could make magic clothing that will expand and shrink before, during and after pregnancy, we can't. Nobody can predict how much weight someone will gain or lose during this exciting time, so all we can do is make the garment to the measurements you provide. Grommetted lacings will offer some flexibility, but every person is difference and every pregnancy is different. I gained over 60 pounds for both of my pregnancies, and afterward kept some of that weight on. I went from a size 6 to a size 10. Other people gain only 20 pounds and have no problem returning to their pre-pregnancy size. CINCH: Please note that almost all of our women's outer garments - especially bodices, corsets and some dresses - are designed with a cinch - meaning it will be smaller than your actual measurement in order to give you the appropriate lift and support. A bodice that is loose is not going to fit you properly and will offer no support at all. My average cinch is between 2-5 inches. If you require more or less, just let me know. Unfortunately we cannot be responsible for customer errors in measurements, Question: What if I get
the gown and I decide I don't like it afterall Question: When should
I order my gown? Question: I ordered something
from your site through Paypal. How do I let you know what my measurements
are? Question: Is your payment
page a secure site? Question: You've got cool
fabrics. I want to order some. Question: Can you send
me a printed catalog? Do you have more pictures of Gown XX? Question: Why isn't my
deposit refundable? Question: Can I do a payment
plan? Question: What if I get
my gown and then lose weight after a few months? MEASUREMENT CHANGES: If your measurements are going to change significantly from the time you place your order to your scheduled construction date, you must send us updated measurements before the scheduled construction date for your order. We understand that you must place your order well in advance of your event date in order to secure a slot in our schedule, and that sometimes measurements may change during the time between order placement and construction. We have no way to predict these changes. We can only make the clothing to the measurements provided to us, so if your measurements change, it is your responsibility to notifiy us immediately, every time the measurements change. When your construction date arrives, we will make the garment to the current measurements on file. We understand that your measurements may continue to change AFTER we construct the garment, but it's more important that you secure a slot in our schedule and have minor alterations done after you receive your order, than waiting to order and risk missing out on securing a slot in our schedule. We work hard to accommodate all sizing changes, but unfortunately, sometimes changes will occur after we have made the garment. Those changes are beyond our control. We promise to make your garment to the current measurements we have on file, but measurement changes *after* the construction date are not within our control and we cannot be held responsible for such changes in size. Question: I want to start
my own costuming business, will you send me lists of your fabric
suppliers, pattern designs, customer's emails and any other information
I'll need to get started? We don't sell our designs, our supplier lists or anything other than the items for sale on our website. We have an exclusive contract with Simplicity Patterns and can only sell our patterns to them. Finally, the only way we can give up our hard-earned tricks, tips and secrets is if you want to pay us to teach you. If you would like to hire the Very Merry Seamstress as a consultant to help you start a business, a price can be negotiated, but you will have to pay for transportation, food, lodging and all training. Learning how to become a professional designer isn't something that can be learned overnight. It's a lot of hard work, time, researching and training. Our best advice is to do what we did: Go to college for costuming and start promoting yourself to everyone you know. |
