Custom Design Services
Project Flow
An initial consultation with Gyllian Rae Svensson will set the stage for the goals + objectives of the desired custom design project.
Gyllian will outline the scope of the services to be rendered and will prepare a contract agreement before any creative work is to begin. Depending upon the size and type of work needed, projects may be billed hourly, in packages, or on a project by project basis. For some special projects the design fee and portions of labor costs may be bartered. Material costs must always be paid in full for work to begin. Project costs are based on expectations of a reasonable turnaround time regarding client approvals, actual labor time, design elements and other creative aspects to be discussed before contract is signed.
After consultation, Gyllian will draft a prototype design proposal based upon the initial meeting notes. Clients will be assisted in the finalization of fabric selection, colors, closures, notions, embellishments, etc... Materials will be sourced and price estimates gathered. Initial sketches will be completed based upon the clients stated desires.
The ordering of fabrics/notions or measurements and pattern drafting, will not begin until the materials cost have been paid in full.
For most projects, proposals are divided into three parts and billed for each part. The three parts consist of the material sourcing phase, the prototype design phase, and the custom sewing production phase.
Material Sourcing
The Bobbin is a textile upcycling studio and promotes the use of sustainable i.e. already existing remnant fabrics, in lieu of increasing demand for "new" fabrics. When sourcing fabrics for a custom design projects we will begin by looking at The Bobbin’s existing textiles, then branching out to local Vermont textile manufacturers, if necessary, seeking out east coast, then west coast textile manufacturers. It is The Bobbin’s policy to not source fabrics outside of America.
Once fabrics and notions have been selected and client approved, any changes will incur additional material costs.
Material costs must always be paid in full for work to begin.
Prototype Design
Custom sewing and pattern drafting requires a thorough design phase. Translating the clients desires into a functional sewing reality can sometimes flow easily and other times can be more of a creative struggle. The time-table for the design phase can vary based upon material sourcing, pattern or design changes and the actual labor hours. A one-time design fee will be charged for the prototype phase. The design fee covers the materials, labor and creation of your custom design; it does not include rights to the pattern(s). The Bobbin and Gyllian Rae Svensson retain all intellectual property rights for the pattern(s). Multiple sizing of the same pattern incurs a higher design fee.
After consultation, Gyllian will draft a prototype design proposal based upon the initial meeting notes. Materials will be sourced and price estimates gathered. Initial sketches will be completed based upon the clients stated desires. The ordering of fabrics/notions or measurements and pattern drafting, will not begin until the materials cost have been paid in full.
Once the materials are collected and measurements taken the first draft of the pattern will be created including a prototype garment. The client will be brought in for a fitting and any necessary adjustments will be made. The prototype design fee includes two client fittings and one round of pattern changes. The client retains ownership of the prototype garment. Radical design changes that occur outside the scope of basic seam adjustments, or dart placements will incur additional charges.
After second fitting, the client must approve the prototype design and any changes, in writing, before production of additional garments begins.
Custom Sewing Production
Once the prototype design phase has been completed and client approved, small scale local production can begin. The Bobbin will keep your custom design & pattern in our library for convenient reordering for years to come. The Bobbin is a slow fashion studio that does not employ cheap laborers and requires a living wage paid for the practiced skills necessary for sewing quality. Intricate embroidery, restoration, appliqué or hand sewing will require additional labor costs.
The Bobbin provides small scale production of custom designs in batches of two, six, ten and twelve with a turnaround time of two weeks to three months, depending. Specific quantities and timelines must be agreed upon, in writing, prior to work starting.
All patterns created and manufactured by The Bobbin remain the sole intellectual property of Gyllian Rae Svensson and The Bobbin.
The Bobbin values communication, education and client empowerment. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.
**policies**
** The Bobbin: Slow Fashion & Sustainable Design is a textile upcycling and sewing education studio. The Bobbin believes in educating our clients about the true material, environmental and labor costs involved with fashion design & clothing construction.
** When possible all of The Bobbin’s Custom designs are created with locally sourced sustainable, recycled and vintage materials. If you choose new or specific textiles, the materials cost must be paid-in-full, up front, prior to a fabric order being placed.
** Once fabrics and notions have been finalized any changes (color, style, etc...) will incur additional fees.
** All measurements in regards to sizing and proper fits must be done before final production begins. Garments are only re-sized as a separate order.
** The Bobbin guarantees the quality of our work. Please bring any concerns to our attention within 30 days of receiving.
** All patterns created & taught by The Bobbin remain the sole intellectual property of Gyllian Rae Svensson and The Bobbin. Reproductions, copies and sale of designs are forbidden.
** We try to be as accurate with our price estimates as possible. If production requires extra labor or materials (or less) we will contact you to confirm pricing before we continue with the project.
The Bobbin Slow Fashion & Sustainable Design creates radically classic custom clothing and accessories sustainably made in Vermont. The Bobbin's evolving slow fashion designs are well tailored and ethically handmade.
Playful. Empowered. Authentic.
When you choose The Bobbin, you are choosing a socially responsible local business that recycles textiles, promotes skill building + invests in our community.
Buy Local! Eat Local! Dress Local!
Photos: Kristin LaMonde thebobbin.com