I charge by the hour- $12.50 for straight sewing, $25 for hand work, and
pattern drafting. Then I go through and make a pretty accurate estimate of
hours and come up with "what it's worth". Usually I then negotiate a fee
I'm willing to take for the straight stuff. I don't negotiate on hand work
(beading, etc). If folks want that, then they have to pay for it.
I too come from community & regional theater, where costumers are not paid
nearly enough (stipends range from $1200-2000, but I'm in California). The
problem as I see it is the genesis of the craft. The public still thinks of
it as "womans' work." I constantly run into people who upon hearing that I
sew, say something like "Oh, can you make me a dress?" rapidly followed up
with how much cheaper it must be to get something made by "a friend."
Anyone else notice how quickly acquantanceship turns to friendship when
folks want a discount :) I quickly dissilusion them, letting them know hand
made clothes are more akin to couture than discount ready to wear.
It's a process, but I think politely pointing out the craftsmanship and the
one-of-a-kind aspect quickly justifies the pricing in people's minds. Most
decide they cant' afford it, but I'm cool with that too.
angela
+++++
Angela F. Lazear
Cabbage Rose Costumes
Theatrical Costume Design
"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none:
be able for thine enemy rather in power than use,
and keep thy friend under thy own life's key:
be checked for silence, but never taxed for speech..."
All's Well That Ends Well 1.1.65-6, Countess to Bertram
W. Shakespeare
http://www.cabbagerosecostumes.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sharon at Collierfam.com" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <h-costume@mail.indra.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 9:10 PM
Subject: [h-cost] Charging for sewing
Dear Listees,
I have been asked by some folks to make some costumes for them. Problem
is,
I've only worked in community theatre before and that doesn't pay anything
(about $300 per show). For those of you that do sewing as a business, how
much do you charge for sewing? Do you charge by the job or the hour? Any
help in this would be greatly appreciated.
Sharon C.
Young lovers seek perfection,
Old lovers learn the art of sewing shreds together
And of seeing beauty in a multiplicity of patches
- "How To Make An American Quilt"
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