Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine what size to order?

Please refer to my size chart for measurements and corresponding sizes.  To take your measurements, measure around your bust (at fullest), around your natural waist (at smallest), and around your hips (at fullest - around your bum, not your hipbones).  Your natural waist is not necessarily the place where you wear your pants or skirts, but is the place on your torso where your body hinges when you bend over to the side and is often the narrowest point on your torso.  If you are requesting a custom length on a dress or top, please measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the garment to end.  For custom sleeve lengths, measure from your shoulder down to where you want your sleeve to end.  Measurements can be taken with a flexible measuring tape or if you do not have one, you can use a piece of string, yarn, or rope to measure and then hold against a flat measuring tape.  

What if my measurements don't correspond to the standard sizes?

Unusual proportions?  No problem!  I am happy to customize any of my pieces to provide a perfect fit to your precise measurements.  Simply select the size that most closely matches your measurements from the drop down menu, then leave a message with your actual measurements as a note at checkout.  

What if I want something to fit differently (more snug, loose, etc) than pictured on the model?

All of my designs can be cut to give a relaxed or a snug fit to suit your needs.  For a more relaxed fit, order one size up, for a snug fit order one size down.  Or leave a message with your order with your measurements and a note about how you would like your garment to fit and I will customize accordingly.

Where are these clothes made?

Everything is made to order in beautiful Bellaire, MI!

I've placed an order.  When can I expect to receive my item(s)?

My usual turnaround time is 2-4 weeks from when you place your order until when I ship it.  If you need something sooner than this, please contact me prior to placing your order to confirm that I will be able to meet your deadline.  Often times I can get your order to you earlier, but it helps to know in advance.

Why does it take 2-4 weeks to ship my order?

Everything is custom made to order according to your size and color choices and specifications.  Not only does this allow you to get a truly custom garment, lovingly made just for you, it also dramatically reduces waste as compared to mass produced clothing.  This takes time though!  Once you hit the checkout button, your order will be individually cut from your fabric/color of choice according to the size selected or custom cut according to your measurements.  Then I carefully sew your item with corresponding thread colors, carefully package it and ship it to you!

I received my item, but the colors look different than they did on my computer.  Why?

I try to represent all colors as accurately as possible, however, due to differences in computer monitor and device settings, colors may appear slightly differently from one screen to the next.  Colors may also look slightly differently due to camera exposure, lighting and the time of day that the photo was taken.  The fabric also can vary slightly from one dye-lot to the next.  If you would like to see swatches (very small samples) of the actual fabric, please contact me.

Where can I buy things offline?

I am happy to offer my line at a growing number of stores and boutiques as well as at a number of fine art and craft fairs, festivals and events throughout Michigan and beyond.

I like one of your designs, but would like to to be (longer, shorter, with long sleeves, etc).  Can you customize?

Absolutely!  Most of my designs can be customized to be longer, shorter, sleeved, sleeveless, hooded, maternity, etc.  Depending upon your requirements this may increase the cost of your garment.  Generally, I can add up to 4 inches of length to any of my designs at no extra charge.  Please contact me to discuss your custom clothing.

I'm pregnant.  Do your designs work for maternity?

Many of my pieces work very well for maternity without any modifications and nearly all of my designs can be customized to work well for maternity, post-partum, and nursing.  If you are unsure whether a certain design(s) will work well for you, please contact me before placing your order and I can help you find a design or customize one of my designs just for you.

How do I care for my handmade garments?

For all items made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, soy, linen or silk: Machine or hand wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors and a mild detergent and hang dry or dry flat.  

Items containing wool should be hand washed in cool-room temperature water and dried flat or if your washing machine has a wool cycle you can machine wash on that setting.  These items can also be organically dry cleaned if you prefer.

I received my item, but I don't like it.   Can I return it?

I do not offer monetary refunds on handmade pieces.  This is because nearly everything is custom made to order after you place your order.  By the time you receive your item(s), I will have already devoted much of my time and high-quality costly fabric to your order.  If there is a problem with the fit, your item can likely be altered or if you simply don't like it, it can be exchanged, based upon the exchange policies listed here.  Items which are listed as already made or ready to ship can be exchanged for the full item value (shipping charges are non-refundable).

What it my item doesn't fit?

If your garment doesn't fit, please return it to me unworn and unwashed within 14 days of your receipt and I will be happy to work with you to ensure that you have something which is just right.  I am happy to offer simple alterations free of charge.  Please keep in mind that not all items can be altered; I can make things smaller, but cannot make them larger; I can make things shorter, but cannot make them longer.  If your item cannot be altered, it would be subject to the exchange policies listed here.

What if I don't like the design or color, can I exchange it for something else?

I want you to be happy with your purchase and get great wear out of your garment for years to come!  If you are not happy, please contact me within 14 days of receiving your order.  A 25% restocking fee applies to all exchanges.  This is to help offset the time and fabric costs of making your original order.  Shipping charges are at the buyers expense and are non-refundable.

Do you sell wholesale?

Yes!  Please send me a message or fill out my wholesale inquiry form to get started.

Why does the dress I bought look different on the model?

The same design may look differently from person to person.  We are all unique, so things will fit differently on different body types due to differences in proportions and other natural physical characteristics.  If you need help determining what designs will be best for your body type, please contact me with your measurements as well as any other unique characteristics (tall, short, long waisted, broad shoulders, etc) and I can help determine what designs will be best for you or the best way to customize your favorite designs to give a perfect fit for your unique shape and size.  Most of my designs can be customized to provide a flattering fit for any figure especially if I know your measurements, concerns, the type of fit you desire, and what makes you unique.

Can I get a discount if I order multiple items?

Everything is artfully made to order after checkout.  This takes quite a bit of time as well as fabric, because of this, I cannot offer a discount on purchases of multiple items.  You will receive shipping discounts for multiple item purchases which will be automatically calculated at checkout.  I do occasionally offer seasonal sales.  If you would like to be notified when these occur, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this page.

What does 'organic fabric' mean?

This means that the fiber plants have been organically grown without the use of harsh chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.  Further, the fabric that I use is all dyed with low impact, non-toxic dyes and I only support suppliers who are fair trade certified and utilize sustainable waste reduction processes.  To learn  more about this, please read about my fabrics here.

I received my item and the edges are not finished.  Will they fray?

Some of my designs feature raw edges.  As a designer, I spend lots of time thinking about the flow and drape of the fabric and the best way to create different designs.  Raw edges are an intentional feature of some of my pieces.  For these designs, I only use high quality knit fabrics which will not fray or unravel.  All seams have been finished at the edges.  Most listings will note if the edges are left raw.  If you would like me to finish the edges of your garment (if not normally finished), please simply leave a message at checkout and I will be happy to do so.  If you have already received your item and would like to have the edges finished I am happy to do so at no additional charge except for the shipping.