Bethany Jade Designs

Initial discussion via text, email or phone to determine if I am able to meet their needs. 

Client consultation where measurements are taken and all details of the client's needs are noted. There is a $50 consultation fee, which is deducted from the first order. If I travel to the client, extra travel fees are based on distance and are non-refundable.

Detailed sketches and a quote are sent to client. New sketches are done until client approves.

Contract and invoice for deposit are sent to client. Work begins once deposit and the signed contract are received.

I started sewing and designing informally as a child. I loved making clothes for my dolls from scraps of fabric. As I grew older, I started designing for myself until friends urged me to go back to school. I attended the Art Institute in Houston, under the fashion design program.

Replace button (free with $25 of other work)               $5

Replace zipper                                                    $25-45

Simple hem, pants, fitted skirt                                  $10

Simple hem, full skirt                                               $15

Simple hem, ball gown or wedding dress               $25-35

Complex hem                                                         $25+

Alter seams, unlined shirt, pants or skirt      $15/ 2 seams

Alter seams, lined jacket, dress or skirt        $25/ 2 seams

Take in/ add darts away from seams, unlined $20/ 2 places

Take in/ add darts away from seams, lined     $35/ 2 places

Alter or replace waistband                                          $20

Replace elastic in casing                                             $10

Replace elastic, sewn in                                           $25+

*Extra charge for sequined or delicate fabrics or fabric amount over 10 yds

I worked after hours for about 3 years while working a regular office job. But after saving some money, I left my job and took a chance on running my own business full time. It has been a lot of hard work and plenty of ups and downs, but I love what I do.

I work with a lot of performers, from a tiny 4'11" burlesque dancer to a 6'5" Santa. Burlesque and belly dancers, cosplayers, stilt-walkers and renaissance goers have all given me the chance to work on some great costumes. 

But I also do simpler work from making photo shoot samples for other designers to altering clothing for everyday working people. The variety of the work keeps me energized and eager to see what each new project will bring/

I don't attend events as often anymore, but I was a vendor at the 2013 WorldCon in San Antonio and enjoyed both the work and the events I was able to attend in the evenings.

Look for professionalism and attention to detail. Do they write down what you are telling them? Do they ask detailed questions about both your ideas and how you want them executed? Or do they simply say they can do it without really finding out what you need? The more questions a designer or seamstress asks, the better chance they will give you what you want. 

Think about how you want to look but also how it should feel. Where will you be wearing it? Inside or outside, is it summer or winter? What kind of activities will you be doing? Will you be walking around a lot or mainly staying in one place? Are you performing and if so what kind of performance? Movement plays a very important part in fashion and costuming.