Timings
How long does a commission take?
Four weeks is standard, from the day your deposit lands and I've taken your measurements. More complex pieces take longer, and I'll tell you that at the quote stage rather than halfway through. Rush orders →
I need something sooner than that. Is it possible?
Sometimes. Anything under four weeks depends on what's already in the diary. Two to four weeks carries no extra fee; under two weeks is £30; a week or less is £50. The fee doesn't buy a guarantee — if a deadline isn't achievable I'll say so rather than take the booking and let you down. Rush orders →
When do I need to give you my date?
At enquiry, and please give me the real date rather than a rough one. Every timescale I quote assumes you make your fittings; if those move, the finish date moves with them. Rush orders →
When are you open?
Monday to Saturday. The studio is closed on Sundays. Booking →
Money
How much is the deposit?
At least half the quoted price. It goes higher when I'm buying fabric for you, or when there are rush fees or specialist trims, so that everything I spend before your first fitting is covered. You'll always get the exact figure in writing with your quote, before you're asked to pay anything. Deposits →
Is the deposit refundable?
No. It covers the time I've set aside for you and the materials bought for your garment, both of which are committed as soon as your order is confirmed. The one exception is if I cancel — then you get everything back. Deposits →
When do I pay the rest?
Before collection. Garments aren't released until the order is paid in full. Deposits →
What if I change my mind partway through?
If the garment isn't finished, you lose the deposit and owe nothing further. If it is finished — meaning you've been told it's ready to collect — the full price is payable whether or not you take it, because the work is done and the cloth is spent. Cancellations →
Could the price change after I've booked?
Only if you change something, and never without you agreeing first. If a design change or a significant change in your measurements means extra time or extra cloth, I'll quote you for it and wait for a yes before I start. Fittings & alterations →
Fabric
Can I use my own fabric?
Yes, and please check with me before you buy — I'll tell you whether the cloth and the quantity will work for what you want. If you buy without checking and it turns out not to be workable, replacing it is on you. A 50% deposit still applies, because the labour and your slot in the diary are the same either way. Deposits →
If something gets cancelled, what happens to the fabric?
If it's yours, you get it back — including any pieces already cut, which I'll keep together and hand over as they are. If I bought it and you cancel, you're charged what I paid, and it's yours to take. If I bought it and I'm the one cancelling, you're not charged and it stays with me. Cancellations →
Fittings & alterations
How many fittings do I get?
Two. The first is usually seven to nine days before your deadline, the second four to five days before, which leaves room to make changes without anyone rushing. Fittings →
How many rounds of alterations are included?
Two. Adjustments after the first fitting are included, and adjustments after the second fitting are included and are the final round. Once those are done, your garment is finished. Fittings →
What if I want changes after I've taken it home?
Ask me and I'll help where I can, but it's at my discretion and it may be chargeable. Please don't assume further alterations are included once you've collected — they aren't. Fittings →
My weight has changed since you measured me. What now?
Tell me at your fitting. Ordinary adjustment is part of the process and costs nothing. If it needs substantial re-working there may be a charge for the extra time and materials, and you'll hear the figure and agree to it before I do the work. Fittings →
What if something's actually wrong with the garment?
Then it's a fault, not a fit issue, and I put it right at no cost to you — that's your right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Tell me as soon as you notice. Cancellations →
Collection & your information
How long do I have to collect?
Four weeks from the email telling you it's ready. After that I may charge storage, and I'll tell you the rate before it starts. Collection →
What happens if a garment is never collected?
I write to you saying I intend to sell it, and you get a further 28 days to collect and settle what's owed. Only after that may I sell it, take what I'm owed from the proceeds, and return the rest to you. If something has happened and you can't get to the studio, just tell me — this is for abandoned garments, not for people having a difficult month. Collection →
Do I have to book a consultation?
No. It's there if you'd like to talk it through, but if you know what you want we can go straight to measuring. Booking →
Can I check on my order without messaging you?
Yes — once your order is confirmed you get a private link to your own page, showing your measurements, appointments, what's been paid and where your garment is up to. Booking →
What do you do with my measurements?
They're held for you and nobody else — visible to you in your portal and to me in the studio system. Kept for 24 months after your last order, then deleted. I don't sell or share anything, ever. Privacy →
Still not sure? Send me a message and I'll answer properly.