I upcycle clothing into fresh and wearable pieces of art. I accomplish this by recycling garments of all kinds, whether using the garment as a whole or some of its parts for fabric or new sleeves, bodice etc. Wedding dresses and other formal wear are favourite raw materials of mine to work with.
Besides upcycling, I am also skilled at constructing and creating everyday garments, special occasion pieces and costuming. I work from existing commercial patterns and can also alter patterns to come up with a look tailored to the client’s vision and unique personal style.
Millinery work – the art of creating hats and fascinators – is one my true passions. A hat or fascinator can make or complete a total look. Hats are magical in their transformative abilities! I have created many pieces over the years, each one very individual and very different from the last. I have been blessed to have my millinery work travel to Paris for an art exhibit, Wales for a wedding and various high profile galas and events in Ottawa.
Custom Orders
Most of my designs are created using recycled clothing, accessories, fabrics and trims. Sometimes I take certain design elements from other garments such as the sleeves, skirt or bodice and incorporate them into my creations. I also feel very strongly about providing one of a kind and unique to the wearer pieces. For these reasons, I am unable to reproduce any of my pieces exactly as shown in my portfolio, blog or at a show. Once it’s sold, it’s gone.
If you’d like to place a custom order, this is what I can offer – let me know what you are looking for (dress, top, hat, skirt etc.), specify what design elements you’d like such as specific imagery, long/short sleeves, neckline shape, colors, etc. From your list, I will design a garment or accessory that includes your wants. Please remember, your custom garment cannot look exactly like any of the pre-made pieces you may have seen in my portfolio, blog or at a show.
I also enjoy when a client provides me with an existing garment from his or her wardrobe to have revamped into a one of a kind bespoke creation. This makes the piece even more personal and allows the client to contribute even more fully to the premise of recycling things we already own in favour of purchasing new and adding to the rapidly rising fabric landfill.
Custom orders also include garments and costuming created using commercial patterns.
I require a 50% non-refundable deposit for custom orders prior to any work commencing or materials being purchased.
It is my practice to conduct an initial client consultation at my studio when approached for a custom order. There is a $50.00 non-refundable fee for the appointment. If the client decides to proceed with the commission, this fee is incorporated into the total client quote and is applied towards the 50% required deposit on custom orders. If the client decides not to proceed with the commission after their consult with me, the $50.00 consult fee covers the research and time spent in preparation for as well as the actual initial client appointment. The $50.00 consult fee is payable at the time of the appointment.
Refunds & Exchanges
Any and all purchases from me should be considered final. I strive for your complete happiness with your new treasure but, that being said…..if you have a serious problem with your purchase, please contact me right away and we can work out an exchange or credit. While I strive for impeccable quality of workmanship, I am aware that occasionally small repairs or changes may need to be made to a piece I have created. In the event that such an event occurs with a client purchase, I will make whatever repairs and amends to the piece that need to be made on an immediate basis. This guarantee expires three (3) months after the date of purchase and only applies so long as there has not been extensive wear and tear to the purchased piece. This applies to both garments and millinery (hats/fascinators) work, whether a show purchase, portfolio purchase or custom order.
Payment
I accept credit cards, cash, e-transfers and Paypal.