Seamstress for Hoop Dress

R

rfc100

Registered Guest
I'm looking for someone who can make a hoop dress from a picture, since I can't afford the authentic one I want for several thousand. Does anyone know someone really good that won't totally clean out my purse? I don't need it immediately, but before next fall.
 
There might be some patterns (period and reproduction) for hoop dresses that you can take to a dressmaker/seasmstress. They can alter the pattern to fit you, and finish it how you would like. I will say, that if it is a complicated style and you choose luxurious fabrics, that would not be inexpensive. It would not be like a simple shift dress that could be whipped up quick, so plenty of lead time would be needed depending on the bodice too. There may be reproductions out there also.

You might be surprised when you do some hunting, you may find other authentic ones under your budget. They might not have all the bells and whistles, or might have to be partially restored, but would bring you under budget. The better condition something is in plus the better quality, to begin with the higher the price goes when comparing it to other similar dresses.

Since you don't need it til next fall (2006 you mean, right?). If it is something you truly wanted, would the shopowner/seller be willing to work out a layaway with you if you put a certain chunk down? Sometimes if you truly love something, there is just no substitute.
 
My SIL is a wonderful seamtress...does everything from wedding gowns to window treatmets...problem is when making a dress you really need to be in the area for fittings and such and I have no idea where you are.
 
I'm not sure where you are located but I know of some EXCELLENT reproduction costume makers who would be able to make you a exact copy of the gown:

(Canada) http://www.laceembrace.com
Run by Melanie who is one of my good friends and who makes my corsets. She's primarily a corset maker but can make anything from a photo and has made repro Victorian era costumes before too. Her work is EXCELLENT and I'm not just saying that because I'm her friend either, I'm in awe of the things she can make.

(UK) http://www.geocities.com/staymaker/
I know Ian (The Staymaker) and his things are difficult to tell apart from the originals. His work is the TOPS and a great guy to work with.

(US) http://originals-by-kay.com/
Kay specializes in crinoline era gowns and uses original garments and CDV's as reference for authentic looking dresses.

(UK) http://suziclarke.co.uk
Suzi does museum quality work. She made a 1860's bodice toile for me and it's exactly shaped and cut like an original. Nice lady too.

Lei
 
Thank you all for the replies. I'm in Michigan, so Canada may not be out of the question, depending on where. I'll look up the link Lei provided. As for the real one I want, the cheapest one is over $2K (www.antiquedress.com). My friends think I'm nuts to even like this kind of dress, I think they're nuts not to. I realize I will get laughed at by some, but I could care less. If nothing else, things like this should be appreciated simply for their historical value if authentic, and uniqueness and labor to construct if they are reproduction.
 
Thanks for the pattten! I've emailed the seamstress Lei recommended in an earlier post, am trying to get a approx. cost. This may be too cost prohibitive, judging from the pattern you found.
 
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