The Process How we create your perfect outfit

At Bobbins and Broomsticks it is very important to us that our customers are pleased with the results; it is also important to us that they understand the process they are entering into when they make their order:

This page is designed to explain our methods and proceedures, so that our customers know what to expect.

Step 1, First contact
It usually starts with an e-mail from a prospective customer, find our contact details here .
Feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas, there is no obligation to buy until a final decision is made and a deposit paid.
To start with we just need a simple idea of what you want, either a description of the garment, or an idea of what it is for and what you like (take a browse around our site and tell us what interests you). It is also useful to have a rough idea of your size and shape, so we can work out what would flatter you. If you are working to a budget, it helps if we know this, although we will always offer both the 'luxury' and 'economy' versions of everything for your consideration.
Upon recieving your e-mail, Kash will get back to you, usually within a day or so, answering any questions and with some preliminary ideas, cost estimates etc.

Step 2, The creative process
This is where Kash starts to go a bit loopy, the customer is liable now to be bombarded with ideas and concept drawings (for copyright reasons we never release technical drawings, just these artistic impressions of what the finished product will look like). We send these either by email, or as photocopies by mail.
At this point, as you may have gathered, there is a lot of interaction between designer and customer; we are trying to help you work out exactly what you want, and what would suit you.
We may also send you fabric samples, if necessary to help you make you choice.

Step 3, The First Fitting
Some outfits are commissioned, discussed and completed, with communications only by email. This is often the only way, as we cater for customers from all over the world.
If we do meet up with the customer, it will be at this stage. It is best if you come to Kash (based in Bristol, UK).
At this point measurements are taken, and the final details of the garment finalised.
If you are too far afield, this can be done by email. Kash will send you a long list of measurements to take and how to take them yourself (or better, get a friend to).

Step 4, Making stuff
How this comes about now depends on the design. Kash has a large stock of paper patterns and will often take a trace of one of these and make the relevant adjustments. Most garments are based around some basic 'blocks' which come from the shape of the body, these can be adjusted for the individual body shape, and the features of the garment.
Or she may use metric pattern cutting techniques to make a whole new pattern from scratch.
Sometimes (and particularly for skirts, shift dresses and some menswear) Kash forgoes the paper pattern completely for a somewhat confusing process involving crawling around on the floor with a calculator, tailors chalk and a collection of oversize geometry tools, drawing all over the fabric; very few have dared to ask what is actually going on, but basically she is designing the 'pattern' directly onto the fabric.
Alternatively she may 'design on the stand'. With the help of Mabel, the trusty tailors dummy! Mabel is adjusted, padded out and tweaked until she is more or less exactly the same size and shape as the customer; the fabric is then shaped and cut around this 3 dimentional template.
Lots of sewing happens next, although this is possibly the easiest bit. All non lined items are finished with an overlocker, to stop the seams from fraying and make a neat finish. The last step is to handsew some of the finer details.



Garments made from flat patterns are 'tried on' Mabel to ensure that they fit.

Step 5, The final fit
The garment is then sent on to the customer, it is technically finished now, and if all is well, this is the end of the story.
If any adjustments need to be made (although this is very unlikely with this process) they can be sent back for further adjustments (because of this we ask that if you are measuring yourself, you err on the generous side, its much easier to take a garment in if it is too large, than make it bigger if it is too small)
If you are local to Kash, you might want to pick it up in person, so Kash can check the final fit (it also saves you the postage!)

And that's about it!
We hope you enjoy your new garment as much as Kash enjoyed creating it. Please get back to us once you recieve it. We love to hear your opinions!


This whole process can take anything from 2 weeks to a year from first contact, depending on the garment and your requirements.
If you need something urgently, get in touch and we will do our best, we can turnaround a cloak order in less than a week, particularly if payment is made online (through Nochex or Pay Pal). This depends on how busy Kash is generally, so please do give us as much time as you can.
For larger commisions like Bridal wear, it is best to get in touch as early as possible, this may leave a long gap between deciding on a design and it coming into fruition, but it also leaves a greater margin for error, makes the whole thing less stressful all round and gives Kash the best chance of putting together something really special.

FAQ
Information on our business procedures.

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