FAQ
Who Are You and What Do You Do?
I am Jael Baldwin and I've been sewing on a machine since I was twelve. When I was about 18, I began making doll clothes and moved on to making myself vintage styles to wear.
I'll say right up front: you'll be paying more for my items than you would at Wal-Mart because we don't mass-produce our stuff at the expense of sweatshop slaves in China. Whenever possible I use American-made goods. I put a lot of care into my work and I can vouch for the quality, as I've been sewing my own clothes and wearing them regularly for years now, and they're still going strong.
I specialise in costumes, vintage styles, and doll clothes, but am open to making pretty much anything. I will hem pants and curtains, sew a hood for your horse, or make hospital scrubs. If you have questions about a project, give me a call and we can talk!
Anything You Don't Do?
I do not do major alterations, clothes for dogs, or occult-related or naughty costumes. Also I will not sew exact copies of the American Girl clothes. If you want Felicity's Christmas dress in blue taffeta, for instance, you can buy that right from them.
What About Weddings?
I prefer not to take on the traditional bride's dress. However, if you're doing a non-traditional period or costume wedding, I would be very open to consider it. I'll also be happy to make flower girl dresses and possibly bridesmaid's dresses if you give me enough advance notice.
What Can I Expect When I Commission an Outfit?
With a custom job, I will need your measurements BEFORE deciding on a pattern—whether you are providing the pattern or I shop for it. If you live in my vicinity, we'll arrange for you to come and I'll take your measurements. If you are too far away for that, see the illustration below for information on how to measure yourself.
For women especially the bust size is the most critical for a good fit. Pattern sizes have varied over the years, and they never coincide with store sizing. Please follow my measurement instructions carefully to determine your correct size, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
When I take your measurements, we will discuss fabrics, details, time frames, prices, and anything else pertinent. If you need a test made, I'll make it and have you come in to test the fit before making the final outfit.
How Much Time Should I Allow?
Hemming won't take more than an hour or two depending on the quantity of items you need done. Children's clothes can be done in a few days after the pattern and fabric selection have taken place.
Vintage dresses and costumes are a more complicated process and although the sewing itself will only take a few days, such a project can take a few months from conception to completion—choosing a pattern, doing a test, selecting your materials, and so forth. If you're wanting a special dress for a certain event, I recommend planning 3-4 months in advance, 2 months minimum.
What Do You Charge?
$10/hour for my time, plus cost of materials and pattern. A basic woman's vintage dress without extraneous handwork, including a muslin test, will take 10-12 hours. I will do all I can to get you a good deal on your materials and will give you an individual estimate when you present your ideas to me.
How Do You Ship?
I mail priority mail in the US. I will ship overseas. Prices quoted on request. I do not make money off my shipping charges.
I do not take responsibility for items lost in the mail. Please ask me to add delivery confirmation or mail something registered if this is a concern where you live.