Happily Ever Apparel

Hello! I am a designer and seamstress from Upstate NY. I am self-taught and have been sewing since I was a child, but I really got into it when my oldest daughter became involved in theater. Since then, I have worked on over twenty shows and been the designer and lead seamstress on many.

I started my business in 2020 during the pandemic. I have dabbled in many areas of my craft, but I am now focusing on custom services, lessons, and a small Etsy shop with handmade goods.

Contact Me

Services Offered:

Pricing:

One on One Lessons:

$50 per hour. These lessons are tailored to the student and whatever he or she hopes to learn. You may bring your machine so that I can teach you how to use and care for it, or you may use my equipment. I also help students who need to create a portfolio prior to applying for college.

Classes of 2 to 6 (project based): $30/hour per person. These lessons are a great way to get a group together to work on a specific craft or project. I own three machines, and if anyone wants to bring their own, they are more than welcome. Contact me for specific ideas or questions.

Custom Costumes or Formalwear:

All custom projects are different, and so are their costs! I do my best to stay within your budget, however it will depend on the quality and price of materials and the amount of time and skill the project will take. The first step is for us to discuss the scope of the project and what kinds of materials will be used. I can then create an estimate for you. The price could go up or down, but I will be sure to discuss any changes with you as I go. I charge for the cost of materials, plus for my time (which also includes the skills and knowledge I have worked hard to gain). I typically charge $40-$50 per hour, and I do my best to estimate how many hours each project will take ahead of time.

A 50% deposit must be paid before I purchase any materials or begin work on the custom piece.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the completion of custom work. If you need something done more quickly and I think I can make it work, a 20% rush fee will be applied.

Theater

I love to design and build costumes for theater and have many years of experience doing it! Please contact me to discuss the show you are looking to have costumed, as well as stipends and costs. Based on your needs, I am available to provide sketched designs and build notes or I can do the entire project from design, to build (including fittings and dress rehearsal) for just one character or for the entire show. In addition, I have relationships with several theater groups in the capital district and can negotiate costume borrowing and rentals. A travel fee may be required if I am needed in person outside of a 45 minute radius from my home.

Click Here to read a review of my costume design for Assassins.

Click Here to read a review of my costume design for Something Rotten.

Click Here to read a review of my costume design for The Secret Garden.