Sponsors
Sponsors
Did I over estimate? (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 8/14/15 0:54 AM ET
So I am pretty sure I have been dismissed from the running.
a movie director approached our local group about being extras in a movie he's doing and also put up a notice for estimates for 12 pieces of costuming. 4 Loose, size XL peasant under and over tunics, 2 Loose, size Large noble looking under and over tunics. Length, shape, ect., my choice as long s it looks like it belongs in between 1000AD. and 1200 A.D
I put this as my estimate.
Men's Costumes Materials
Peasants Material Trim
Peasant Shirt 1 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt 2 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt 4 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Tunic 1 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 2 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 3 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 4 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Nobles
Nobles Shirt 1 (Muslin) 5 yds
Nobles Shirt 2 (Muslin) 5 yds
Nobles Tunic 1 (Kona Cotton) 5 yds 5 yds Nobles Tunic 2 (Kona Cotton) 5 yds 5 yds
All fabrics:
26 yds Muslin @ $2.99/yd $78.00
16 yds Linen @ $7.99/yd $128.00
10 yds Kona Cotton @ 8.99 yd $90.00
Peasant trim: 20 yds @ $1.50 $30.00
Noble Trim: 10 yds @ $2.00 $20.00
Labor: 32 hours @ $10.00/hr $320.00
Labor was broken down as:
Shopping time: 3 hours. I already know what I'm looking for and where it's at locally.
Design Time: 3 hours . 15 minutes per garment.
Fabric wash and prep time: 3 hours at the Laundromat and ironing.
Cutting time: 4 hours for the lot of 12.
Sewing time:1 hour each for the peasant undertunics. 1,5 hours for the over tunics with trim
1 hour each for the noble undertunic and 3 hours each for the extra trim and fancier stitches for the overtunics for a total of 18 sewing machine/serger/hand sewing hours for 12 garments
Subtotal: $666.00
10% contingency: $66.60
Total $732.60
So have I made myself too expensive? Maybe I shouldn't have included the contingency fee. But I've always been told to figure an added 10% to the total for emergencies. I might have been able to get the muslin for a cheaper price locally and if I had been able to I would have adjusted to cost accordingly. I know using the patterns I do, I don't usually have very much left over fabric or trim. But it had been significant, I would have adjusted the cost there as well. Should I have not included the shopping, design or fabric rep time? I included them cuz I really wouldn't be able to devote that time to other projects like I would normally do. I figure I would do the design work while washing/drying the fabric. I have been assured that this is a very reasonable estimate by some one who's recently been pricing RTW tunics and dresses for faires, SCA events and cons but I am not sure. I keep feeling that I didn't do something right and would like to correct it for the next estimate that comes along. Normally, I don't charge so much but a lot of my customers not only buy their fabric but prep it as well. I suppose I could have charged less than my normal $10hr but I really don't feel like working for min. wage when I am not turning out a min. wage product....
a movie director approached our local group about being extras in a movie he's doing and also put up a notice for estimates for 12 pieces of costuming. 4 Loose, size XL peasant under and over tunics, 2 Loose, size Large noble looking under and over tunics. Length, shape, ect., my choice as long s it looks like it belongs in between 1000AD. and 1200 A.D
I put this as my estimate.
Men's Costumes Materials
Peasants Material Trim
Peasant Shirt 1 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt 2 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Shirt 4 (Muslin) 4 yds
Peasant Tunic 1 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 2 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 3 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Peasant Tunic 4 (Linen) 4 yds 5 yds
Nobles
Nobles Shirt 1 (Muslin) 5 yds
Nobles Shirt 2 (Muslin) 5 yds
Nobles Tunic 1 (Kona Cotton) 5 yds 5 yds Nobles Tunic 2 (Kona Cotton) 5 yds 5 yds
All fabrics:
26 yds Muslin @ $2.99/yd $78.00
16 yds Linen @ $7.99/yd $128.00
10 yds Kona Cotton @ 8.99 yd $90.00
Peasant trim: 20 yds @ $1.50 $30.00
Noble Trim: 10 yds @ $2.00 $20.00
Labor: 32 hours @ $10.00/hr $320.00
Labor was broken down as:
Shopping time: 3 hours. I already know what I'm looking for and where it's at locally.
Design Time: 3 hours . 15 minutes per garment.
Fabric wash and prep time: 3 hours at the Laundromat and ironing.
Cutting time: 4 hours for the lot of 12.
Sewing time:1 hour each for the peasant undertunics. 1,5 hours for the over tunics with trim
1 hour each for the noble undertunic and 3 hours each for the extra trim and fancier stitches for the overtunics for a total of 18 sewing machine/serger/hand sewing hours for 12 garments
Subtotal: $666.00
10% contingency: $66.60
Total $732.60
So have I made myself too expensive? Maybe I shouldn't have included the contingency fee. But I've always been told to figure an added 10% to the total for emergencies. I might have been able to get the muslin for a cheaper price locally and if I had been able to I would have adjusted to cost accordingly. I know using the patterns I do, I don't usually have very much left over fabric or trim. But it had been significant, I would have adjusted the cost there as well. Should I have not included the shopping, design or fabric rep time? I included them cuz I really wouldn't be able to devote that time to other projects like I would normally do. I figure I would do the design work while washing/drying the fabric. I have been assured that this is a very reasonable estimate by some one who's recently been pricing RTW tunics and dresses for faires, SCA events and cons but I am not sure. I keep feeling that I didn't do something right and would like to correct it for the next estimate that comes along. Normally, I don't charge so much but a lot of my customers not only buy their fabric but prep it as well. I suppose I could have charged less than my normal $10hr but I really don't feel like working for min. wage when I am not turning out a min. wage product....
Posted on: 8/14/15 2:04 AM ET
I wonder if a peasant would have trim on his/her tunic. I think only noble folk would have 'fancy' clothes. Other than that, I think your estimate looks good--detailed and thorough. If the movie director chooses another bid so be it.
------
------
Bongoramsey
Posted on: 8/14/15 3:26 AM ET
If anything, I would say that looks on the low side for the amount of work involved. Pricing creative work can be tricky, but you have been clear and thorough - hard to know what the movie budget is and there may be other elements which affect their choice of supplier.
Board Moderator
Member since 7/1/08
Posts: 5330
Member since 7/1/08
Posts: 5330
Massachusetts USA
Skill: Advanced
Skill: Advanced
Posted on: 8/14/15 9:01 AM ET
I think you've underestimated as it looks way too low, but I don't know your area of the country. I haven't gotten linen for $7.99/yd in ages, but I assume you have a source. Muslin will most likely look too thin-especially when filmed. I agree with Bongoramsey, the peasants would not have had any trim.
Your estimate is extremely thorough.
------
Your estimate is extremely thorough.
------
Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness. ~Author Unknown
Posted on: 8/14/15 9:35 AM ET
12 items for maximum total of $732.60 puts you at about $60 per item; $50+ without needing contingency. Sometimes it is useful to remind yourself what the per piece price is.
If you break it down that way, the quote is reasonable and your quotation breakdown is certainly comprehensive in its scope.
-- Edited on 8/14/15 at 9:36 AM --
------
If you break it down that way, the quote is reasonable and your quotation breakdown is certainly comprehensive in its scope.
-- Edited on 8/14/15 at 9:36 AM --
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
Posted on: 8/14/15 8:17 PM ET
Ah, Thank you so much, ladies You've made me feel much better. I live in Southwest Missouri and to me, my estimate looked high. I thought about not having trim for the peasant but decided to include it because a) it is movie land where a lot of things that are supposed to be low or middle class have things that only a higher income would have. and b) if the director decided he didn't want his peasants to have it , we could just leave it off and take it if off the estimate.
Thank you again. I am convinced that I did the best effort possible and if he goes with a different seamster, then so be it :)
-- Edited on 8/14/15 at 8:19 PM --
Thank you again. I am convinced that I did the best effort possible and if he goes with a different seamster, then so be it :)
-- Edited on 8/14/15 at 8:19 PM --
Posted on: 8/15/15 1:12 AM ET
In reply to Sabrina
I would definitely agree with those who have said you have way under-estimated.
You may also be "too" detailed -- for example instead of listing laundering, shopping, etc. separately you could have listed a cost for "Project Preparation" with a note of what this includes and then a total cost for that section of the quote.
For my custom work quotes I provide an overall outline of the project and the materials being used and then provide a breakdown of the costs in 3 sections:
* Material costs
* Custom work costs
* Embellishment costs (if applicable)
I typically include a 10% contingency in my quote but do not list it as a separate line item.
And I want to know where in the world you are finding linen for $7.99/yd
------
You may also be "too" detailed -- for example instead of listing laundering, shopping, etc. separately you could have listed a cost for "Project Preparation" with a note of what this includes and then a total cost for that section of the quote.
For my custom work quotes I provide an overall outline of the project and the materials being used and then provide a breakdown of the costs in 3 sections:
* Material costs
* Custom work costs
* Embellishment costs (if applicable)
I typically include a 10% contingency in my quote but do not list it as a separate line item.
And I want to know where in the world you are finding linen for $7.99/yd
------
Sheila
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
Posted on: 8/15/15 10:15 AM ET
Labor at $10/hour makes me want to cry. I'm not a professional seamstress, but that just doesn't seem right. Especially with the talk about raising Federal minimum raise above that.
------
------
Barbara
Qui me amat, et canes meas amet.
Pfaff Creative 1.5
Juki MO-735
Brother Entrepreneur Pro 1050X
Qui me amat, et canes meas amet.
Pfaff Creative 1.5
Juki MO-735
Brother Entrepreneur Pro 1050X
Posted on: 8/15/15 10:45 AM ET
In reply to Sabrina
So on your original post, you don't mention what the director said about at your estimate. What did he say?
------
------
Yardage in: 20
Yardage sewn: 13
Yardage donated: 0
Net stash change: +7
Yardage sewn: 13
Yardage donated: 0
Net stash change: +7
Posted on: 8/15/15 9:20 PM ET
In reply to SheBear0320
Quote: SheBear0320
I would definitely agree with those who have said you have way under-estimated.
You may also be "too" detailed -- for example instead of listing laundering, shopping, etc. separately you could have listed a cost for "Project Preparation" with a note of what this includes and then a total cost for that section of the quote.
For my custom work quotes I provide an overall outline of the project and the materials being used and then provide a breakdown of the costs in 3 sections:
* Material costs
* Custom work costs
* Embellishment costs (if applicable)
I typically include a 10% contingency in my quote but do not list it as a separate line item.
And I want to know where in the world you are finding linen for $7.99/yd
I would definitely agree with those who have said you have way under-estimated.
You may also be "too" detailed -- for example instead of listing laundering, shopping, etc. separately you could have listed a cost for "Project Preparation" with a note of what this includes and then a total cost for that section of the quote.
For my custom work quotes I provide an overall outline of the project and the materials being used and then provide a breakdown of the costs in 3 sections:
* Material costs
* Custom work costs
* Embellishment costs (if applicable)
I typically include a 10% contingency in my quote but do not list it as a separate line item.
And I want to know where in the world you are finding linen for $7.99/yd
She bear, I live in Springfield MO and we have a local shop that buys remnants, over stock ect... and sells it. We have a large enough SCA Shire that they stock linen and linen silk in the basic colors and the kingdom (Calontir = purple and gold) colors. It is 100% linen or linen/silk, comes on rolls and he sells it for $7.99/yd. Hope he keeps his source as our other independent shop seems to have lost theirs for a lovely cotton/linen for $5.99/yd which is a shame as he would give us a 10% discount for SCA membership

I wondered if I was too detailed in my estimate but this was my first 'official' estimate for other than an individual. next time I will just say project prep and list the hours as you suggested.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics




![Itch To Stitch Majorelle Shirt & Dress Digital Pattern [00-40]](https://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/its/majorelle/majorelle_t.jpg)


