BASIC Elizabethan Costume Without Trims & Embellishment, Bridal Gown, Renaissance Dress (Made To Order) LABOR FEES
$1,105.25
Elizabethan Costume, Bridal Gown, Renaissance Dress (Made To Order) LABOR FEES
Ships to: UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany. Please provide your postal code and I will estimate shipping.
DESCRIPTION: The picture represents one of our very BASIC gowns without any trims, embellishment or embroidery. Fabric is NOT included.
BASIC GOWN INCLUDES:
- Plain Bodice with short smocked upper sleeve. Back or front laced ONLY!
- Plain fitted detachable sleeves with hand-made piping.
- Plain 4 to 5 panel skirt, hand cartridge pleated - NOT FLAT PLEATS - without any embellishment on the skirt front facings.
- Plain Forepart without any embroidery or embellishment
ADDITIONAL:
- Silks or Silk blends WILL require hem guards: Add $60 to the listed labor fees.
APPROX YARDAGE PROVIDED BY CLIENT:
7 yards 55" to 58" inches wide (Skirt)
2 yards Fitted sleeves
2 yards (Forepart)
2 yards Cotton Lining (bodice)
3 yards Medium Weight Cotton (Forepart Side panels)
7 yards of Cotton 50 to 56 inches wide for flat lining skirt panels If you choose silk or silk brocade. (9 yards if cotton fabric is 45 inches wide).
COST BREAKDOWN: Calculated for the EXACT gown as shown in the listing WITHOUT any embellishments.
SPECIALIZED NOTIONS SUPPLIED BY DFT
4 yards Fusible Cotton (interfacing/stabilizer) ($36)
1 yard Fusible Haircanvas $9.00
1/2 yard Bodice Stomacher Stiffener) ($6)
10 to 12 yards 3 inch grosgrain (cartridge pleat stabilizer) ($7)
24 Grommets ($6)
4 skeins Matching Embroidery Floss (To couch grommets) ($1.11)
2 Spools Cotton/poly blend sewing thread ($5)
4 Large Hooks & Eye (Skirt) ($4)
5 yards cording for hand-made piping on bodice: $6.00
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$80.11
TOTALS:
Specialized Supplies provided by DFT: $80.11
Gown Construction & Pattern Drafting Fees - $1125.00
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$$1,105.11 TOTAL Labor & Specialized Notions - FASHION FABRICS NOT INCLUDED
**Non-refundable 20% deposit of $161.02 is required to hold a spot on my calendar for THIS specific gown. - Please check my availability before ordering. My calendar is often filled out a year in advance so there will be a delay even for gowns paid in full.
Available in the following sizes :
USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France
2 (X-Small). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
4 (X-Small/Small) . . . . . . . . . . . 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6 (Small). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
8 (Medium). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
10 (Medium). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
12 (Large). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
14 (Large-X-Large). . . . . . . . . 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
16 (X-Large/1X) . . . . . . . . . . . 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
18 (1X/2X). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48/50
20 (2X) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50/52
22
24 and UP!
QUALITY STANDARDS: Each Designs From Time ensemble is created to meet my exacting standards, and I am a perfectionist! All my bodices - whether working class or noble - are CUSTOM DRAFTED to fit each individual client. That service alone is a value of $150 for time and materials My bodices are not cookie-cut patterns, nor do I approach my designs with a "one size fits most" concept using a commercial pattern source that you HOPE will fit. Rather than trying to make your body fit into a commercial pattern, I take the time and added effort to custom drape and draft a pattern to fit YOUR unique body. You may find reproduction clothing that is cheaper, but a bargain isn't a bargain if what you're buying is substandard workmanship. My designs are clothing NOT costume. My bodices are among the sturdiest your money can buy. They aren't two pieces of fabric slapped together with grommets that will tear away from the fabric after being worn a few times. I have developed a unique, tried and true method of anchoring my grommets so that they will NOT tear away from your fabrics. In addition, each grommet is also hand-couched using matching embroidery floss that is sealed to prevent fraying and will wear longer. All of my skirts are hemmed by HAND - they are not hemmed by the sewing machine! That, I feel, is a lazy cheat! There are many Couture (hand sewn) features in all of my work. It may take more time, but I take great pride in each piece I make. The quality you see pictured is the quality that you receive. I have one of the best reputations for quality and customer service in the industry. And I stand by my work.
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PLEASE READ! I take (and fill) orders for gowns, coats, an ensembles on a First Come, First Served basis, no matter if paid in full at the time of purchase and regardless of the 9 to 10 week timeline listed for turn-around. Etsy does not provide the 3 - 4month option that I require for construction.
I am very often booked out 6 to 8 months at a time. Please contact me to check my availability. To be added to my schedule, I require a 40% deposit to hold a spot open. You can visit my website and check my Waiting List Schedule for my next available date. But, my calendar fills up quickly!
Contact me for more details.
*** Hand-made items will have slight imperfections.
No refunds. All Sales are final.
CANCELLATION POLICIES: 99% of my clients are a dream to work with; however, there is always that ONE client out of 100 that makes you question why you are in the retail business. PLEASE understand that the item you purchased is CUSTOM, and HAND MADE to your exact measurement specifications. You will need to have a tape measure at your disposal, or the ability to have your measurements taken. If you have made a purchase in my store, I am operating under the assumption that you have READ the entire description and made note that you need to contact me about MY availability prior to your purchase. If you have not done so, and you are informed that the item will not arrive before your event due to my current workload, this is not considered grounds for cancellation. Therefore, PLEASE consider your purchase carefully before making a commitment. I do not accept cancellations after a 12 hour period, and reserve the right to refuse future service to anyone who abuses my cancellation policies. This is not selective, nor an effort to be purposefully punitive, but is simply a measure to weed out those rare clients among the 1% that buy on impulse and then cancel; OR, dispute the charge to PayPal as a fraudulent purchase in order to have their money returned because they found someone to loan them a similar item, found something cheaper, or become belligerent and demand their order be canceled because they are required to supply their dress size and measurements. (Yes - All of these are actual scenarios!) I am always available to answer any and all questions and I welcome the interaction, but please be considerate that in doing so takes away from current orders in production. When an order is canceled I have usually invested at a minimum of half a days wages, often more, due to the time I offer in consultation. Please present any questions regarding taking your measurements - which will be necessary for ALL items in my store, sizing, or shipping and delivery times, BEFORE ordering. Please be aware that should you cancel your order, there is a restocking fee of $10. If supplies have been ordered or purchased, the cost of all supplies will be deducted from your reimbursement whether or not they might possibly be used in the future for another client. Also, those who cancel after the 12 hour period, and are using my Lay Away program, will lose their 40% deposit. Because my schedule stays booked out often a year in advance, a reservation is necessary. Your deposit is a commitment that I will not accept any other orders for that time slot. I turn away commissions regularly due to my full schedule. When/If you cancel at any time in the interim between your deposit date and the date construction is to begin, I am essentially losing customers/commissions that could have been booked in that time slot. This is the reason I ask for a non-refundable deposit. It is unfortunate that these policies have become necessary, but are the result of abuses perpetrated by the 1%. I SINCERELY THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION.
Thank you!
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1 week
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 7 - 10 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalized orders
ALL of our GOWNS are one-of-a-kind couture, and custom drafted to fit your personal measurements! Most vendors on Etsy offer multiples, i.e., cranking out the same gown over, and over; however, we do not repeat the same gown. Rather, we will take a style you like and customize it for your personal tastes using our superior craftsmanship and knowledge for historical clothing and construction. All of the samples you see listed in our store can be personalized. Additionally, all of our accessories (hats, smocks, corsets/stays) are customized to fit your measures as well. While you may find CHEAPER versions of gowns offered by other vendors, one glance at OUR work will reflect the disparity between a so-called bargain and true quality.
How does the Layaway option work?
With a 20% non-refundable deposit, you can reserve a slot on our calendar. The remaining balance can be parceled out into six (6) automated monthly payments via PayPal on any item valued at $800 or more. We've lowered our deposit from 40% to 20% to make it more affordable for our clients. Details are included in a contract for your protection.
What's your lead time for commissions?
We are blessed to stay busy! Our calendar is filled at least 8 to 10 months - or more - in advance. It's best to give us NO LESS than 6 months advance notice, but optimally longer! - especially for bridal gowns and highly detailed ensembles. Depending on the intricacy of your gown commission it can take up to 12 to 14 weeks just for construction. Because most of our pieces are highly detailed with custom embroidered fabrics and beading, we need every second! We squeeze accessories and corsets into our gown commission schedule and usually need no less than 3 months advance for those smaller items. It is best to inquire before ordering. We will make every effort possible to assist in your deadline.
Do you ship outside the USA?
We will ship outside the USA - However, because our clothing is customized there will be added shipping expenses. We work off a "body cast" created from Painters Tape and Cellophane wrap which must be created in your era appropriate corset (for women). This cast is shipped to us at the customer's expense. Any customs fees or taxes are the responsibility of the client, as well as any insurance.
I love this gown! - - How much is it?
All of our gowns priced in the listing reflect a specific "style detail" and "level of embellishment." We don't crank out the same gowns over and over and scrimp on quality craftsmanship. Unless specified in the listing details, all the gowns are priced for LABOR ONLY. Fashion fabrics for gowns are provided by the client. We charge by the pattern piece (every piece we physically sew together) rather than hourly, so the MORE details in the gown, the higher the price. If you're on a tight budget, you can order a basic gown without all the extras for about $800 for labor. Rather than compromise on quality of craftsmanship, choose a simplified gown from US rather than go bargain shopping and be disappointed in the quality.
Do you take commissions for 18th and 19th Century as well?
YES! YES! YES! We are well versed in the construction and fitting for other eras, namely 18th Century! Our niche has been 16th Century, but we ABSOLUTELY can create men's and women's ensembles for other eras, to include 1940s Vintage. In fact, we appreciate the divergence as we stay so booked in the 16th Century we don't' have the opportunity to "play" with samples.
Added Value Service for BRIDES!
We have carved out a niche for highly detailed, custom fit/drafted bridal gowns (historical themed). Because this gown is the highlight of your wedding and there are too many HORROR STORIES we hear from our clients who have used other, less reputable (but cheaper) vendors here on Etsy, we offer live, personal fittings anywhere in the United States or Canada. If you wish to avail yourself of this service, we will attach the cost of our flight and hotel to come to YOU! No more guess work. No more disappointments or risk of ordering your gown on line. We will shop for the best flight prices - flying coach - to help keep your costs at a minimum.
I ordered a gown with another vendor and was SO disappointed!
It sickens us, every time we hear the horror stories from clients who initially think they cannot afford one our gowns so they go to another vendor, for what sounds like a bargain, but the gown falls apart because the quality of craftsmanship is so poor. They inevitably come back to us but have now wasted $400 on a so-called "bargain." At DFT, we have built a reputation on SUPERIOR craftsmanship and Customer Service. There is no reason to go bargain hunting elsewhere! Don't let the prices in our store scare you. We can offer a basic gown for around $800. So, pay a little more initially and let US offer you a basic gown made with superior craftsmanship that will last many years. A bargain isn't' a bargain if the craftsmanship is poor!
Are Fabrics Included in your listings?
The majority of our listing prices are for Labor Fees ONLY and requires the client to purchase their fashion fabrics and ship it to us at their expense. We DO all the legwork for you during the consult process - sourcing quality fabrics and trims. Unless the listing specifically states "Retail" or "Fabrics Included" the client should be prepared to add the cost of fabrics to their budget.
Embroidery Labor vs Construction Labor:
Embroidery Labor is separate from Construction Labor. We charge the industry standard for embroidery, which is $1.00 per 1000 stitches. Embroidery patterns vary in their intricacy, color changes, and stitch counts. Patterns that are dense, or have multiple colors, will have higher stitch counts.
Construction Labor is our fee to actually construct your garment. Many times the embroidery labor far exceeds the actual construction time.