The Process

The Process for a bespoke garment

Clients are welcome to call into the shop at any time, but it is best to make an appointment to come and try on samples and talk with the designer, who will sketch ideas for you.

The team at Annabelinda will help you to make the perfect choice for your special occasion, and once the design is agreed upon and the fabrics selected, measurements will be taken. After this, one of the cutters will draft the pattern, then cut and prepare a toile (mock-up) for your first fitting. All the design details, and the fit of the garment, are particularly carefully observed at the toile stage, ensuring that you are happy before proceeding.

The details will then be transferred onto the pattern, and from that the garment will be cut and tacked together, ready for the first trying-on in your chosen fabrics. Further fittings (normally two) may be required in order to achieve the perfect fit, before the hallmark hand-sewn piped bindings can be added, and your Annabelinda original completed.

The actual process takes approximately six to ten weeks, but can be completed more quickly when necessary, dependent on design, cloth and the clients availability for fittings. However, it is often advisable to come in well in advance to decide on design and fabrics, so that you can relax in the knowledge that the process can begin when you are ready, and you need look no further.