FAQs
General Information:
- All seams are finished with an overlocker or enclosed. French seams will be used on sheer fabrics.
- Polyester thread is used to sew all seams for washability and durability. If you have a special thread request, please fill out the contact form and know that it will ensue an extra charge.
- All items will be machine-finished; however, if you want visible seams to be hand-finished, please add the "Hand-finishing Add-on" to your cart when purchasing.
- The use of the phrase "historically accurate" on our listings refers to the patterning, fabric choice, and sewing techniques (such as flatlining, hem facings, etc.). However, due to time, costs, and durability considerations, garments will have machined and modern finishes, as noted in the previous bullet points.
How soon will I receive my order? Please see the website banner for current shipping dates; your order will be shipped in the month that is specified on the website banner. If you are in need of an item by a specific date, please contact us to discuss this. Depending on the current order queue, we may be able to accommodate your request for a rush order fee at an additional 30% of your item's cost. However, please remember that production usually takes between 6-12 weeks for made to order items.
Economy shipping is free on domestic (USA) orders of $50 or more. If you need your order faster, please choose Standard Shipping (USPS Priority Mail) or Express Shipping (USPS Priority Mail Express) at checkout. We use USPS for shipping, and tracking is available on all packages through the USPS.
Although we will ship the order to you within the month specified, we cannot account for the USPS. Due to the issues with the USPS since the pandemic began, items are often taking longer to ship. Even a Priority Mail 1-Day package took three days for a customer this past fall. Please keep this in mind when ordering.
If an item is labeled "ready-to-ship," it will be shipped in 3-5 days. (We ship on Wednesdays and Saturdays.) "Made-to-order" items will be shipped within the month specified on the website banner or within the date range discussed after you contacted us.
How do I choose the right size for a made-to-order item? All made-to-order items are made to fit the measurements that you provide on the measurement worksheet. (You will receive this worksheet 24-48 hours after you purchase.) If you are in doubt about measurements, please use one of the following methods:
- Visit your local seamstress to have them take your measurements
- Order a "mock-up add-on" from our shop so that you will have a sample to try on to check fit and a virtual consultation about it
- Request a virtual consultation (additional fees may apply) for us to help you with measurements.
While we make every effort to create a perfect fit, dressmaking is an art and a perfect fit cannot be guaranteed due to long distance. As a result, you may need to have a few alterations done locally once you receive your item.
I have my own fabric. Can you make one of your dress designs in this fabric? We can usually accommodate this request, but it ultimately depends on the dress design and the fabric content and yardage. Please contact us with details about the dress design you are wanting and your fabric (i.e. color, fiber content, weave, and yardage). In addition, email a photo of your fabric to stitchinaddiction@gmail.com. We will get back to your with further questions and/or a definitive answer within 48 hours.
Do you accept custom orders? I would love to create the historical dress of your dreams with you! If you have a Regency or Victorian design in mind that is not already in the shop, please navigate to "Custom Orders" found at the top of this page. There you will find instructions and a contact form.
Will this ready-to-ship item fit me? All sizing information is provided in ready-to-ship listings as I measure the item after it is made and list each measurement. Please measure yourself using the graphic and video instructions to make sure the item will fit you. Alterations are available for an extra charge. If you have questions about sizing, measurements, or alterations, send a message through the "Contact Us" page.
What is a sample? A sample is the first item made of that pattern and design. Most samples have been worn by myself or a model for a photoshoot. If a sample has been worn for photography purposes, a shift was worn under it to protect the item. Samples are made in the size listed with the measurements in the listing and are sold at a 10%-50% discount, since there are no size or fabric options.