Sure!
I am asked to make up 7-8 custom pairs of 19th highland military trews. As per
their practice, once they approved the pattern I draft (they have already) they
ask for a copy to have on file. Yes I know someday someone else may make trews
for the Park, but then I will not live forever. The reasoning is fair, it
allows for consistency in the patterning of the garment in the future and my
pattern will likely become the Federal Standard.
I plan to charge them for this, I just don't know how much. So far I have
chased down reproduction costs as they will have copies of the patterns and I
shall retain the originals.
But I already appreciate your feedback. I just do not think I can get around
the selling of the patterns as well, so I want to get a fair market value.
Sarah
- Original Message -
From: Elizabeth Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2007 8:02 pm
Subject: [h-cost] Pattern Pricing
> Sarah wrote:
> >>I have been asked to do some cutting & sewing for a National
> Historic Site,> which I have done before, but this time they are
> asking for a copy of my> patterns for the archives. This one is a
> new one on me.<<
>
> I'd want more information, but I doubt I'd give away my pattern
> set. The costuming I've done for historic sites has been for
> specific figures, which means an "archive" copy is useless to them--
> it would fit *only* the figure it was drafted for or draped on, so
> it wouldn't be useful for handing off to another (cheaper) sewist
> to make up for others, nor for sending off to have patterns
> bootlegged/published, nor for making up generic costume shop items.
> Before pricing the work, I'd want to know more about the
> "archives." Is it a file drawer of documentation on each piece?
> If so, I'd be willing to do a documentation packet for each
> garment, noting specific sources consulted, techniques used, any
> compromises with historic accuracy and the justification/thought
> process behind them, etc. That would add a few hours labor to the
> cost of the work.
> I might also be willing to put together a list of currently
> published patterns out there that would give *similar* ending
> garments, if such exists. Again, at my normal hourly rate.
>
> If they're wanting to use the patterns for future sewing work (done
> by me or by others), then it's a different ballgame. I'm not being
> hired as a sewist--I'm being asked to design patterns, and give
> them a license to reproduce them as they wish. That sort of
> license would come at a Very High Price from me, as I'd have very
> little control over the finished items after the patterns left my
> hands, and the potential for abuse of my work is huge. Pattern
> making is a different specialty than sewing. As someone "buying" a
> pattern set from a drafter (the site is the buyer), I'd be wanting
> multi-size, fully graded things that would work for multiple
> people. Pretty different project from making a few one-off pieces
> for unique figures!
>
> If I *was* okay with turning over my proprietary work (regardless
> of price), I'd want to know what's expected... the base shapes
> alone are not going to do someone much good without instructions,
> illustrations, construction sequencing, pattern markings, seam
> allowances, notes on the pieces that aren't on oaktag (such as
> skirts, bias bindings, most facings, etc)...
>
> There are So Many Variables here. Would it be possible to ask for
> more specifics on what they're wanting "archived?" That might make
> all the difference in the decision process.
>
> Regards,
> Elizabeth Clark
> http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com
> _
>
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