When accepting a potential client for a commission, I take measurements suitable for the garment(s) intended. I do not begin work until I have a deposit. This may be simply the materials required; but a client’s prioritized place in my time is not assured until I receive something resembling earnest. If I am providing all of the materials the deposit will be half the price of the finished garment.

The price the customer pays includes two fittings. Sometimes I have garments approximately the correct size with me, which makes a pleasant situation for both of us. Other times it takes some time to build a trial garment. After this first fitting, significantly more time is needed for possible recutting and construction. If all goes well, the second fitting is a garment which is mostly complete and requires only minor “tweaks” and finishing.

Eighteenth century clothing typically fit closely, so that is what I do assume will be wanted. Sometimes customers gain or lose a good deal of weight between visits to me. The customer then has two choices: to take the garment sized as is and completed as best I can do, or to pay an hourly rate for whatever alterations are needed to change it to his/her current size and proper fit.

I attempt to make the burden of fittings as easy as possible on my customers by telling them when I’m going to be in their area, but it is ultimately their responsibility to travel to me.

I do realize that at a final fitting and delivery, it may not be possible to fully assess satisfaction or fit. A customer has one calendar week to contact me if uneasy about some aspect of the garment and to make arrangements to change it if desired. If I make an offer to alter something and a customer needs to decide, I need to know within three days of making that offer. Other customers, too, are waiting for my time.