As you will notice, my current going rate for labor is 7$ an hour- I make quality stuff, but as I am trying to make a name for myself making clothing and that takes time, not to mention what goth clothing can cost these days (we're not ALL corp goths with pockets full of cash!!!) I try to keep it reasonable- it is less than I make at my real job, but I refuse to go below this- if I did, I would make no profit at all.
Yes, I charge a pattern drafting fee. This pays for the time and math I put into making sure you get a proper fit and comfort out of everything you order- but you MUST understand I am working from the measurements YOU send me. I try to reccomend that if you can, get to a tailor to be measured. If not, have the person who is going to measure you (don't attempt to measure yourself) look at the page I devoted to how to measure. I know its really simple and bad graphically, but its exactly what I need.
When you email me an order inquery, please include a set of measurements. Usually at a glance at measurements, I can at least determine the fabric yardage needed. Please also include any other pertinent information, such as if the item is to be worn to a special occasion- depending on my order load at the time, it can be anywhere from 3-8+ weeks before your item will be in your hands.
With all of that said, below is an example - the blue dark fairy outfit- the complete outfit, totally itemized, according to my measurements- which are: height 5'2" - bust 34 - waist 27"- hips 36" ...
pattern drafting fee: -----------------------------------$15.00
1/2 yard black flocked scrollwork blue satin ---------$4.00
1 yard black cotton velveteen-------------------------$12.00
2 yards black cotton twill-------------------------------$8.00
Grommets & application of-----------------------------$5.00
Steel boning---------------------------------------------$14.00
6 yards black satin cording-----------------------------$3.00
6 hours of labor----------------------------------------$42.00
________
subtotal-----------$103.00
Gored 6 panel skirt
pattern drafting fee-----------------------------------$4.00
4 yards blue cotton poly----------------------------$16.00
zipper--------------------------------------------------$2.00
3 hours labor-----------------------------------------$21.00
_________
subtotal-----------$43.00
Mesh overskirt
3 yards soft black mesh----------------------------10.00
3 yards black satin ribbon---------------------------2.00
2 hours labor----------------------------------------14.00
________
subtotal--------26.00
Stretch belled armwarmers
3 yards black stretch poly ------------------------17.00
2.5 hours labor-------------------------------------17.50
_________
subtotal-----34.50
TOTAL OUTFIT COST (not including shipping)
--------------------------------------------------USD $206.50
