"Beyond the Traditional"

"UniKaren Designs has pushed square dance designs to the limit."

I began square dancing at the early age of 14.  With no square dance shops nearby, and necessity being the mother of invention, I followed some instruction on how to make a fitted circle skirt.  But my love for the beautiful outfits of square dancers inspired me to design well beyond the traditional circle skirt and peasant blouse.

Limited only by my imagination, fabric speaks to me.  I'm inspired by everything from girls' dresses to catalog bedroom ensembles, even sporting teams' outfits. 

Knowing some sort of organized sewing classes would hinder my visions, I took to the advice of seamstresses before me, and became free in spirit to develop my own art.  I spent years floundering in the proper techniques of garment construction, because I was always in a hurry to finish my idea so I could get started on the next one.

My designs have varied over the ensuing years, but there is a consistency and a look about them that makes them identifiable.  UniKaren Designs gradually made its way to the world scene, with a website, and internet auction sales.  My customer base includes people in Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, United Kingdom, Russia, Cyprus, Canada and all over the USA.  

As long as there are buyers for my designs, I will be able continue to pursuing my passion.  You make it possible for me to follow my dreams, and for that, I thank you.

Karen 
www.unikarendesigns.com

Frequently Asked Questions: 
Updated August 2, 2008

1.  Do you make petticoats?  No, sorry.

2.  Explain about shipping from Canada. 

1. There is no such thing as Priority 2-3 day Shipping as in the USA.
2. Shipping supplies (boxes, tape, etc.) are NOT FREE.  A box costs $5.99 and shipping is above that.
3. Every single item is measured and weighed.  There is no "flat rate" for anything.
4. Weight is in kilograms.  I kg = 2.2 pounds
5. NEW!!!  Canada Post now offers worldwide Priority Shipping - go to their website.  I will NOT use this service!!    Example:  a 3-pound box costs $68.70.  That is not a typo.  SIXTY EIGHT DOLLARS AND SEVENTY CENTS. 

Canada Post has a website where you can enter the parcel information to get an ESTIMATE. It's not accurate, but it is close enough.

Shipping is shipping, and I don't set the rates. I am quite embarrassed at having to apologize for the high shipping charges in Canada. And, to everyone outside of North America, I'm SORRY that Canada Post wants over $48 to ship to you.

Insurance is based on the declared value, and I try to make the value such that you don't incur any additional duties or taxes.  If a parcel got lost, we'd both lose, because I would not be able to recover the time & money  & cost put into making an outfit and you would not get the outfit.  If you want insurance based on the true value of an outfit, then you pay for the additional costs and I'll ship it whatever way you want.

3.  Will you make me a dress like xxx in a size yyy?  Answer:  I can try, however I would be devastated if I failed to achieve the look and size you request.  Tell me what you'd like, and I can try to do it, and if we agree on a project, I can put a buy-it-now on and let you know when it's listed so you can be the only bidder/buyer. It doesn't hurt to ask me, but I will always be honest about whether I want to take on the project or not.  I refuse to be stressed when sewing, as this is my relaxation time. The day it's not fun anymore is the day I quit.

4.  How come you don't do custom orders?  Answer:  I love creating and being inspired by fabric and notions, I do not like being dictated what to make and what to use for notions. If you give me free reign, give me your size and your preferences, and let me come up with something, that's great.  But I do not do long dresses, long sleeves, panties, petticoats, or accessories, and I am not running a retail outlet.  I have a limited "inventory" of supplies.  Giving me lots of freedom leads me to beautiful creations.  I do certain styles in certain sizes and have become quite accomplished at this.  Because I am not a trained dressmaker or tailor, I cannot necessarily do every style in every size.  As I said above, you can always ask, and I will either agree to work with you or not, but it's my decision.

5.  Do you sell under two IDs?  Answer:  Not for selling my UniKaren Designs I don't.  If you see outfits that look similar to my designs, well, so be it. I cannot stop others from copying my outfits. 

6.  Are you a sissy?  Answer:  No, I just am impassioned with square dance clothes.  I have made thousands of outfits in my 30 years as a seamstress.  I love them.

7.  Do you still square dance?:  Answer:  Yes, my husband and I are avid A2 square dancers and we dance Phase IV-V-VI rounds as well.

8.  Do you have many sissy dresses or square dance dresses?  Answer:  Not anymore. I sold all but 2 a few years ago.  But I just love sewing them, so I continue to sew them.   

9.  Do you get upset when you see others copying your designs?  Answer:  I think that copying someone else's designs is a form of flattery, however, I prefer that the designers come up with their own ideas.  The internet is big enough for everybody and though we can be inspired by each other, it would be a more perfect world if we each had a unique look that made us identifiable.  I can't control what others do.  I found MY niche and that's all that's important to me, but thanks for asking. 

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