How do you feel about the idea of ordering something custom made?

[Mike - Community Admin]

How do you feel about the idea of ordering something custom made?

Is it something you've done before and are very comfortable with? Why do you like to order custom?

It is something you'd love to do but are hesitant for one reason or another? If so, what gives you pause for thought?

Let us know!

[Rhiannon]

The thought of custom clothing is so exciting: imagine an opportunity to get something that you like, that suits you, and THAT FITS!!! What a concept! "Localized couture" is a wonderful notion. Not all of us can afford our own tailor's dummies at the House of Dior, but surely we all deserve a jacket that doesn't make us look like Joan Crawford (unless that's the effect we're going for!).

I have met a couturier who is based in my town. She works from her home, and has a wide range of clientele, from nervous brides to elegant ladies-who-lunch to the business women who run Boston.  She uses the finest materials from New York's Garment District, and is able to both adapt existing styles and create her own, all in the name of making the most of her client's attributes (and of course downplaying their defects!).

All this is to say that the idea of ordering custom-made clothing would be a dream for me: a chance to walk out of a changing room wearing something that was created for me, with my input, by a true artisan. Heaven.

[Lenore]

I love the idea in theory!!

I think my stumbling block in doing this as often as I'd like to is being able to trust that the artisan will be able to give me exactly what I'm looking for.

I think that stumbling block could probably be avoided, though, with lots of great example of past work and some good recommendations from past customers.

Sometimes it's just hard to pull all of that together along with finding someone who's local, etc etc. Seems like a tall order!

[Laroja]

I love the idea of ordering a custom piece for my home.  I am a dreamer and have idea upon idea for beautifying our home while making it more functional.  However, there is one element ultimately holding me back: style.  If I could be absolutely assured that the artisan could make me what I have pictured in my head, I would have order several pieces by now.  I might suggest personalizing the process somehow.  Perhaps in-home design consultations or an interactive web-design program.