If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, but have an idea, picture or description, contact me with it and we can work out a quote.  If you’re at a total loss, but you like my work and you know you want *something*, email me a good color photo of yourself and a description of your taste and the occasion, and I can design something for you.

As to materials, if you already have a suitable fabric you want to use, that will of course reduce the price of the gown.  (Minimum is usually 6-7 yards of 45" fabric.)  If you live in the Bay Area, we can go shopping together to find just what you want, or I can send swatches of available fabrics in your preferred colors and price range for your approval if you live farther away.  A truly custom fit is only guaranteed if you can come for fittings, but much can be managed by creating mockups based on photos and measurements (taken with your corset on, preferably).  I can also guide you in creating a duct-or-packing tape "duplicate" of your body, using a T-shirt and a friend's help, which can greatly simplify fitting "across the miles".

Price ranges in the included descriptions reflect expected material costs per design based on what the fabrics I used cost me; complexity of certain features of the gown; and include the creation of mock-up bodices and an average of two fittings to insure proper fit.  If you are very difficult to fit (usually applies to large-bodied or very busty women), that will increase costs somewhat. And of course, if you want $25-per-yard silk instead of $8-per-yard brocade, prices will rise accordingly!  It is assumed that customers for historical costumes will supply their own corsets, hoop skirts, bustles, and crinolines.  Even slender, small-busted women will find that a corset helps the fit of a gown by supplying a smooth, rigid surface that keeps fabric wrinkling and buckling to a minimum.  (Regency gowns are an exception!)   Resources for undergarments will be listed on an upcoming Links page.  In a pinch, if you’re local, I may be able to make you a Renaissance corset depending on time considerations; more sophisticated styles are best ordered from specialists.  

I am presently taking orders for Summer 2008 from clients in the Chattanooga, TN; Nashville, TN; and Atlanta, GA areas.  I am located in Flintstone, GA, about 10 miles south of Chattanooga.  Fittings are done here in my home in most cases, and most gowns require 4 - 5  fittings including initial pattern creation.

Generally, orders for simple variations on existing designs can usually be filled within an 8 - 12 week time frame from the time when work begins.  Custom designs, once agreed upon, will generally take a week or two longer.  Designs including machine embroidery (no photos available as yet; floral, lace and leaf type designs) will take longer and carry an extra charge.   Matching drawstring handbags, in various shapes and designs, run from $65 to $125.