Frequently asked questions
Handmade clothing, custom dressmaking & alterations — without the mysteryWelcome to The Linen Duck! I make clothing a little differently here. You can shop one-of-a-kind pieces, have something made to measure, we can work together to design your own bespoke garment or bring me a favourite garment that needs a little alteration or repair magic. If you're wondering how it all works, you're in the right place. And if your question isn't answered below, just ask. I promise there are no silly questions — I've probably been asked stranger ones!
Choosing Your Linen Duck Journey
What does The Linen Duck do?
I have four ways I can help you find, make or rescue clothing:
One-of-a-Kind shop— unique handmade pieces that are already made and ready for a new home.
Made-to-measure — clothing from my catalogue made specifically for you, using your measurements and with opportunities to personalise the design.
Design your own — a chance for us to meet and design a bespoke piece made for you, it in volves consultation, quoting and is much more involved as I build a relationship and learn about you.
Alterations and repairs — giving existing garments a better fit, a new lease on life or, where possible, a second chance.
So whether you want something new, something very you, or something you already own made wearable again, I've got you.
Why buy handmade clothing?
Because I think clothing should have a little more personality.
Handmade clothing gives me the chance to pay attention to the details that can get lost in mass production — the fabric, the fit, the pockets, the little quirks and, most importantly, the person who will actually wear it.
I also love the idea of buying fewer things and loving them more.
What makes The Linen Duck different?
I don't want to make clothes that simply fill a gap in your wardrobe.
I want to make clothes you'll reach for again and again.
My focus is on individual style, natural fibres, thoughtful construction, comfortable fit and clothing with a bit of personality.
And because I'm a sole trader, when you deal with The Linen Duck, you're dealing directly with the person making the clothes. No mysterious corporate clothing department hiding behind a curtain!
Do I need to know exactly what I want?
Not at all.
You don't need to arrive with a fully formed fashion manifesto.
You can bring me a picture, a favourite garment, a fabric you adore, an idea you've been carrying around for years, or simply say:
"I want something comfortable that makes me feel fabulous."
We can work from there. And I can help you decide if it if One of a Kind, Made to Measure or Design your own the the way forward for you
Made-to-Measure FAQs
What's the difference between made-to-measure and buying off the rack?
Quite simply: the garment is made with you in mind.
Rather than choosing a standard size and hoping for the best, I work from your measurements and can make adjustments to suit your body.
Depending on the design, there may also be opportunities to personalise things such as fabric, sleeve length, hem length, pattern placement or other details.
For example, The Tulip Dress can be customised during an initial consultation, with size adjustments based on your measurements, and options to add sleeves, change neckline and hem length.
Can I choose the fabric?
Yes, depending on the project.
You can supply suitable fabric and notions yourself, or I can help you choose them through a fabric consultation, and am happy to purchase for delivery to my address, and include the costs in your order.
Fabric is a rather important part of the process, so I'm always happy to talk through what will work best for the garment you're dreaming about.
Can you make clothes for my body shape?
That's one of the lovely things about made-to-measure clothing.
I work from your measurements rather than asking you to squeeze yourself into a number on a label.
My adult garments generally accommodate a broad range of measurements, and some current designs are available up to Australian women's size 30. Individual garments can have different requirements, so check the specific product listing or ask me.
What measurements do I need?
That depends on what you're having made.
For many garments I'll need your bust, waist and hip measurements. Some designs require additional measurements.
Don't panic if you're thinking, "I haven't measured myself since Year 8."
I'll let you know exactly what I need for your particular garment.
What is the made-to-measure process?
It generally goes something like this:
Choose your Linen Duck design → Consult on Details → Shop for Fabric → Construction → Fitting and/or Delivery.
The exact process depends on the garment, but I'll talk you through what needs to happen.
For current made-to-measure designs such as The Tulip Dress, the price includes the initial consultation, construction, fitting/s if needed and one set of alterations.
How long does a Made to Measure piece take?
For many made-to-measure garments, please allow approximately 4–6 weeks.
That timeframe can vary depending on the consultation, fabric and notions and the particular garment.
Once I receive your order, I aim to respond within 2–3 business days with the next steps.
Handmade clothing does take a little longer than grabbing something off a rack — but that's because an actual human is making it rather than a conveyor belt having a particularly productive Tuesday.
Have an idea? Have a garment that needs rescuing? Found a
piece you can't stop thinking about?
Get in touch and let's see what we can make happen.
After all, life is too short for clothes that don't fit,
don't feel good or look like everybody else's.
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