How much should I expect to pay to have this made?

Question

I am 5'5" and want to have a dress like this made:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/diogioscuro/1144836891/

Approximately how much will it cost for material and to hire a seamstress? I would like a simple cotton material. Thanks.

Answer 1

Upwards of $100 to $200 for the materials and then about $150 for the labor.

These "whole 9 yards" dresses are very costly affairs. And yes, it will be in the neighborhood of 9 plus yards of fabric then the trim for the dress.

Then you will need the underpinnings: corset, camisole, corset cover, drawers, etc.

When all is said and done, you will have about $1000 invested in your costume.

I have several dresses, made myself, and the under stuff for Civil War re enactments. Learn to sew and you can save about half the costs. I even make my own slippers to wear.

http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/

http://www.agelesspatterns.com/index.htm

http://www.laracorsets.com/History_of_th...

http://www.vertetsable.com/demos_corset....

Answer 2

You could try this site for a pattern if you know how to sew.  If not the pattern would help you determine how much material you would need to purchase.  Usually the cost to have a dress made is about two and a half times as the cost of materials.  That's just an estimate.

http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?encq...

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 3

if you go to the fabric district in your city (usually downtown) you can purchase the fabric  and trim at wholesale prices (hint: take cash). Finding a seamstress  might take a little research. In the fabric district there are dress shops that make prom dresses, quincinera dresses, etc.. walk around speak to several shop keepers and show them what you would like and take estimates. This kind of work no less than $150 to make the dress.

But, have you tried costumes shops? Or checking vintage shops that have received wardrobe from old movies or plays. Or even estate sales.

Good Luck

Answer 4

I think the other prices you have been quoted are severely under estimated.  A gown like this will take between 60 and 100 hours to make, depending on the style details and trims wanted.  It also depends on how much historical accuracy you want.  If you can make do with a Simplicity style pattern made to go over modern underwear, you could probably have it made up for £500-£800.  If you want full historical accuracy, you will need to have the proper underpinnings made first, and you are looking at closer to £1500-£3000, depending on how much and what type of trimming you require.

Fabrics are impossible to estimate, as this will depend on the fabric chosen and the yardage required.  Yardage can only be estimated once the pattern is determined or drafted.  If you want a pattern drafted especially for you, expect to pay between £80 and £200 for the pattern, as this is a long and laborious process, especially if you want proper historical accuracy.

There are several good pattern available for dresses of this style, and for underpinnings to go with it.  Look at these:

http://www.jpryan.com/details/anglaise.h...

http://www.jpryan.com/details/petenlair....

http://www.jpryan.com/details/stays.html

https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh...

https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh...

https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh...

You will need several petticoats and possibly a hoop skirt to go under the gown, or a set of panniers (a hopped petticoat that only sticks out at the side), if you want the panniered style.

A gown like this takes at least as much time to make as a wedding dress, and if you are paying a dressmaker to make it, expect to pay a decent hourly rate for their expert services.  For what to expect from a dressmaker, read this: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...