Dollieh Sanctuary

OK, I know I shouldn't have done it. I seriously accepted a commission for way less than I should have. And it's all gone downhill from there. It's a people commission, not a doll commission, with a short deadline. This would have been fine except I came down with the virus from the nether abyss. Goodbye extra time. Then the client decided to go shopping for fabric without me. This was bad. VERY bad. So - not enough fabric to allow for any mistakes for a costume without a pattern. Then, polyester double knit (yes, you read that correctly!), matched with a lovely soft drapey crepe. OKAY! I am lining with broadcloth for stability. Then the fun changes from the original artwork provided. I had to invent a keyhole neckline. It's a very good idea that I know what I am doing. So far, over 18 hours plus having to shop for the lining, zipper and interfacing myself (at least I should be getting reimbursed for that) and a client meeting, then a second meeting for a fitting of the mockup, and all for a measly $50.00. DId I mention this thing has a HAT too? Who knew I was cheaper than the Chinese dressmakers.

Ouch! Maybe you should have subcontracted it to someone in southeast Asia for $20.

Dang! I charge $50 for a non-jointed cloth doll and the client must choose from my stash fabric. This kind of thing is why I haven't done a people commission in over 15 years. People don't know what they want or what they look like. (Spaghetti strap evening gown in ice blue satin for a plus-sized girl who brought me a size 16 pattern when she needed a size 20-22.)

I only did a people commission once. It went well but what I charged just wasn't worth the 30+ hours it took to sew the thing. Friends always ask if I'll help them with their costumes but they don't realize how long it takes to sew stuff.

Sorry you're doing so much work for just 50 bucks.

Oh....ouch!! Wow, I thought you were going to say the cosplay was like $200 and you were being underpaid and I would have completely agreed! $50 is highway robbery! (Custom doll clothes cost more! ;___; ) Please at least tell me that your commissioner is like the sweetest thing on earth and is thanking you up and down for this?

Sadly she is kind of demanding and clueless about sewing. And yes, it should actually be about $300. The hat alone should be $50. I will probably add a picture at some point.

zirconmermaid wrote: I will probably add a picture at some point.

Please don't make it a picture of you slitting your wrists.

K2! wrote:

zirconmermaid wrote: I will probably add a picture at some point.

Please don't make it a picture of you slitting your wrists.

Or burning the commission in effigy...

She has offered to hire me for $200 for the next costume! Alright!! Cosplay delivered and off to ACEN. The client was blown away by how awesome it came out!

zirconmermaid wrote:She has offered to hire me for $200 for the next costume! Alright!! Cosplay delivered and off to ACEN. The client was blown away by how awesome it came out!

As she should be! I'm glad it went well for you.