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3. sweaters

Custom Dream Coat
Supply Your Own Sweaters Option
We are so delighted to be able to offer this exciting alternative
for our most adventurous Dreamers! What’s the dealio, you say?
We’re glad you asked…
The Supply Your Own Sweater (S.Y.O.S) option is a way for you
to both save money and make your Dream Coat creation an even
more personal experience. With this alternative, you collect all
the sweaters necessary for your custom coat.
Collecting sweaters for your Dream Coat is no
minor undertaking…but those fairies who are up
for the challenge will find that they end up saving
quite a bit of money and now have a coat that
reminds them of all the special people in their life.
It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to count
the patches on your Dream Coat and
tell a story about each friend and family
member who donated a piece of warmth
to your project, or to remember the thrill
of discovery when you finally found the
perfect shade of blue at your local thrift
store or garage sale.
© 2012 Enlightened Platypus
Dream…
An Overview of the SYOS Custom Creation Process
Our journey begins with a simple little questionnaire we call our “Dream Coat Builder”. Each
question in the builder is designed to help you consider the many style elements that make Enlightened
Platypus Dream Coats so much fun. On the following pages you’ll find loads of pictures and detailed
explanations of each option so that you can make informed decisions and choose what is right for you.
Read…
Here at Enlightened Platypus we know more than anyone how exciting
bringing a vision to life can be. However, we have to step back down
to earth every once in a while and this is one of those times. It is very
important that you read through all the information in this brochure
and the FAQs before placing your order. This way you can be sure that
you understand the process and have a chance to clarify any questions
you may have, before committing to your custom order.
Order…
Now that you’ve given some thought to your coat and have read
through the information it is time to place your order! Contact
Lisa Marie and Cameron (AKA Mr. Platty) directly through Etsy
(use the send message to seller option) and we will be happy to
go over your order with you and answer any questions you might
have. We treat each creation as a work of art and will want to be
sure that we fully understand your vision before we approve your
order. Once your order is approved, your initial 33% deposit will
be due.
Collect…
This is where your challenge begins! You’ll go hunting through
your closet (and any other closet you can sneak your way into)
and collect all the sweaters necessary for your custom coat. We
have a comprehensive appendix chapter starting on page 20
detailing exactly what you should be looking for. Be sure to read
it over carefully before you begin your sweater quest.
Measure…
After you have all your precious sweaters finds, it will
be time for you to take your measurements. Custom
Dream Coats are expertly tailored to fit your unique
shape, so it is important to take several measurements
accurately. We suggest you find a soft tape measure
and a friend to help you follow the directions on the
Measurements page.
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Pack…
You’ve done your homework and found the perfect sweater
collection. You’ve taken accurate measurements and completely
filled out your Dream Coat Builder. Now it is time to box up
your collection, slip your completed Dream Coat Builder with
measurements into your box and contact us on Etsy to let us
know that you’re ready to move on to the next phase in your
Dream Coat creation. You’re second 33% payment will be due at
this time.
Anticipate…
This is the hardest part! Dream Coats take time,
love, and tons of positive energy to bring into
the world. Depending on length and style an
Enlightened Platypus Dream Coat may have as
many as 200 individual pieces that are hand
cut from vintage knits and meticulously pieced
with careful attention to color, pattern, texture,
weight, and stretch. Heaps of planning, oodles of
measuring, and tons of careful attention to detail
are what make our coats a delightful mix of art
and fashion.
Assuming everything is in order, your Dream Coat will
be complete in 4 to 6 weeks after we have received
your sweaters. So please be patient while Lisa Marie
works her magic.
Twirl…
When your coat is ready to make the
journey home we will contact you on Etsy
to announce the good news! Your final
33% payment and shipping will be due at
this time. It won’t be long until you are
one of the lucky few twirling and dancing
in your very own custom made Dream
Coat! We LOVE getting photos of our
happy clients modeling their new works
of art so please feel free to send some our
way!
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SYOS Dream Coat Builder
What 3 words best describe your vision?
Here are some ideas to get you started: bright, muted, rainbow, joyous, gothic, elegant, wild, psychedelic
Style:
Hoodie
Jacket
Perfect
Pixie
Nymph
Dryad
Empress
Pixie
Hem:
Sleeve:
Rows
Fitted Flared Petal Cuffs
(+$45)
Closure:
Bricks
Tiny Squares
Peek-a-Boo
Cuffs
Custom Crocheted
Sleeves
(+$28)
(+$200)
Tie Waist
Zipper
(+$20)
Hood:
Fairy Queen
EP Signature
Would you like to accent any
areas with patchworking?
(see page 13 for details and pricing)
Would you like to add any
accessories to your order?
(see page 18 for details and pricing)
SYOS Checklist
Think you are ready to seal up that big box of sweaters? If so, make sure you have all the following:
Dream Coat Builder (yes, even if you already provided this information electronically)
Full set of measurements
3 bodice options that are clearly labeled
The appropriate number of sweaters for your chosen Dream Coat style
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Measurements
We will need your complete set of measurements before work can begin on your custom creation.
Height: No cheating!
Bust: Don’t squish yourself! Measure all the way around your bust and back at the fullest
part. If you are taking your own measurements, use a mirror to make sure the tape
measure is parallel to the ground all the way around.
Underbust: Measure under your breasts as high up as you can go. Be sure to keep the tape
measure parallel to the ground across your back.
Overbust: Measure from your shoulder seam (the seam on a t-shirt that goes from your
neck to your shoulder) straight down over the fullest part of your bust to just under your
breasts.
Center Back Bodice Length: You’ll need a friend for this one! Measure from the nape of
your neck down your back to your waist line.
Arm length: Measure from the top of your shoulder to your wrist. Make sure to keep your
arm bent with your hand on your hip. DO NOT add extra inches to this measurement;
we will do that for you.
Upper arm: With your arm hanging loose at your side, measure wherever it is biggest
above your elbow.
Waist: Measure around wherever it is the smallest (if you have “no waist” measure around
yourself directly below your bottom ribs). Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the
ground all the way around.
Hip: Measure wherever you are widest. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the
ground all the way around.
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Pullover Hoodie
33% Deposit: $60
33% payment: $60
33% at completion: $60
Total Price: $180
You will need 7 to 9
sweaters for this style
Dream Hoodies are an easy, everyday
wearable piece of art; a way to express your
unique artistic spirit while just bumming
around.
These hoodies embody the comfort of your
favorite sweater on a cold day with the
panache and magic that is a signature of every
EP design.
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Dream Jacket
33% Deposit: $75
33% payment: $75
33% at completion: $75
Total Price: $225
8 to 9 sweaters
Dream Jackets are comfortable and
easy to wear on a daily basis. These
unique, zippered sweater jackets
provide extra length through the
bodice to hug your curves and really
show off an hourglass figure. The
double ended zipper offers you the
convenience of adjusting the fit of
your jacket for whatever you may
choose to layer up with underneath.
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Perfect Pixie
33% Deposit: $107
33% payment: $107
33% at completion: $107
Total Price: $321
14 to 15 sweaters
Perfect Pixies are our shortest,
lightest and flirtiest style Dream
Coat. These mini Dream Coats
are roughly 35”-37” from the
nape of the neck to the bottom
hem. The unlined skirt should fall
to mid-thigh and can be tailored
shorter for more petite fairies.
This is the perfect lightweight coat
for warmer spring and fall days or
even cool summer evenings.
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Pixie
Pixies are slightly longer and fuller than my
Perfect Pixie style and take your coat to a higher
level of luxury and functionality by adding a satin
lining to the skirt and hidden welted pockets at
the hips. This Dream Coat is roughly 40” from
the nape of the neck to the bottom hem for the
regular version and 36” if you order it petite.
15 to 17 sweaters
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33% Deposit: $131
33% payment: $131
33% at completion: $131
Total Price: $393
Nymph
20 to 22 sweaters
33% Deposit: $160
33% payment: $160
33% at completion: $160
Total Price: $480
My Nymph style is a twirly below the knee
choice for those of you looking for a bit
more drama in your Dream Coat design.
The longer, fuller skirt features 3 rows of
hems, which allows for intricate patchwork
detailing.
Nymph coats also feature satin skirt lining
and deep, fleece lined hidden pockets.
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Dryad
By far my most popular style, the
Dryad offers a huge, satin-lined
skirt for your twirling pleasure
while still being casual enough for
everyday wear. This style has an
inherent versatility to it and can be
designed in the spirit of elegance or
whimsy.
25 to 30 sweaters
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33% Deposit: $184
33% payment: $184
33% at completion: $184
Total Price: $552
Dryads fall at around 50” from
nape of neck to hem, or around
46” for the petite version. My
signature hidden pockets are
included so you can easily carry
just about anything you might
need on your next adventure.
Empress
The Empress is by far our
most sensational and aweinspiring style. With hem-lines
often reaching a wonderfully
ridiculous 30+ feet, these
magical creations are sure to
make you feel like a fairytale
princess.
33% Deposit: $210
33% payment: $210
33% at completion: $210
Total Price: $630
35 to 40 sweaters
The length of an
Empress style Dream
Coat will depend
on your height
(recommended for
fairies 5’4” or taller)
and can vary from a
petite 52” to as long
as 60”. The massive
skirt is lined with
billowing satin and
includes fleece lined,
hidden pockets.
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Hem Options
Dream Coat hems are all those lovely horizontal rows at the bottom of the skirt. The
longer the coat you choose, the more hem choices you’ll have, so be sure your favorite
option is available in your chosen style.
Rows of Ruffles
This hem style is an option for any length
of coat and creates the most dramatic
ruffling.
The coat style you choose will determine
the number of rows in your hem.
Bricks
These bricked hems are a fun way to add
a bit of patchworking to your design.
A single row of bricks is available on
Nymph, Dryad, and Empress coats.
Piano Key
One of the most dramatic hem styles,
the piano key hem looks amazing in high
contrast color sets. This option is available
only on Dryad and Empress coats.
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Hem Options
(continued)
Tiny Squares
These tiny squares are wonderful at tying a color
set together. This option is available for your
Nymph, Dryad, or Empress coat.
Extreme Patchwork
The ultimate expression of energy and
pure, unadulterated whimsy, this is the
most time intensive element available
on an Enlightened Platypus Dream
Coat. Each of the hundreds of tiny
pieces is hand-cut and stitched together
to create a vibrant cacophony of color
and texture. The result is a stunningly
elaborate garment brought from
another world into this drab reality of
mass production and bland uniformity.
Patchwork can be added to one, two,
or more areas of a Dream Coat. Each
area is listed separately to allow you
to mix and match to your heart’s
content.
Hoodie/Jacket Hem $45
EP Signature Hood $55
Nymph Hem $250
Dryad Hem $300
Empress Hem $350
Skirt Gores on any style $450
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Sleeve Options
Fitted Sleeves
with Thumbholes
Our most popular sleeve style, fitted
sleeves taper down from the bicep to the
wrist to create a flattering slender fit.
Flared Sleeves
with Thumbholes
This style flares out from the bicep
to the cuff to create a very loose
fitting sleeve.
Petal Cuffs
These petal cuffs are hand crocheted
just for Enlightened Platypus. They
come in a variety of shades, but are
limited to a specific set of yarns.
Ordering these sleeves may add 4-6
weeks to your coat’s production time.
$45
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Sleeve Options
(continued)
Custom Crochet Sleeves
These elaborate belled sleeves are made
exclusively for Enlightened Platypus by
renowned crochet artist Dottie Scher.
Once you have approved the color
palette for your Custom Dream Coat,
Dottie will put her own artistic eye
to the design, carefully selecting the
perfect yarns to compliment your color
set. She then hand crafts a unique set of
sleeves just for you! $200
Peek-a-Boo Cuffs
Lisa Marie’s new favorite! These fluttery
ruffles peek out under the finished edge of
your cuff, giving your Dream Coat a touch
of vintage romance. $28
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Closure Options
The Classic EP Tie Waist
By far our most requested closure style, the
crossover tie waist is lined and structured
so you can cinch it in as tight as you like for
that perfect hourglass look.
This design allows for maximum adjustability
through both the waist and the bust. Dream
Coats with a tie waist are guaranteed to fit
you now and for years to come.
Full Length Zipper
The full length zipper closure allows your
bodice to close as much or as little as you
like.
This option is only available with an in
studio fitting, please email us for pricing and
availability.
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Hood Type
Fairy Queen Hood
This perennial fan favorite is
our take on a whimsical 15th
century liripipe hood. A symbol
of fairies, elves, and all things
magical!
Besides the delightful theatrical
flair, the best thing about the
Enlightened Platypus Fairy Queen
Hood is that the long hood “tail”
creates a slimming V down the
back helping to accentuate the
perfect hourglass silhouette.
EP Signature Hood
An instant classic!
This easy to wear look is ideal for
all occasions. Our EP Signature
Hood frames your face perfectly
when worn up and creates a
dramatic collar when pushed back
on your shoulders.
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Add-on Accessories
One for me, and one for you…and one for me…
Add-ons! We’ve been getting so many requests by our custom clients to use leftover bits
to create a little extra something either for themselves or for someone special. So we’ve
decided to make these add-on items available to custom clients who are purchasing a
Dream Coat or Dream Hoodie.
Add-on items are made with materials from your Dream Coat color set only.
Sorry, these creations are not available for custom order by themselves.
Armwarmers
Loved by all! These Dream Sleeves feature
thumbholes and come in sizes average and
large. They make perfect gifts, even for your
favorite tough guy.
3 lengths are available:
Short - Fingerless mittens! $25
Mid - Designed to end at mid forearm. $28
Long - All the way up over the elbow! $38
Scoodie
Combining the fun of a scarf
with a practical and useful
hood. These creations feature
an EP signature hood that looks
fabulous worn up or down. $148
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Supply Your Own Sweaters
Handbook
Hand selecting the sweaters for your custom Dream Coat is a fun and exciting process. Below, I have
included basic requirements each of your sweaters must meet and some fun tips to make creating your
Dream Coat as easy as possible.
Requirements
Acceptable Materials
“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”
Remember, these are sweater coats and are constructed from sweater knits. Keep your focus and
don’t be distracted by velvet dresses, velour jumpsuits, crocheted afghans or anything else that might
tempt you on your quest for the perfect sweater. Sweaters are easy to differentiate from other textiles
because they stretch and are made from knitted yarn. The very best Dream Coat making sweaters are
mid weight, soft and warm.
The Bodice
“The Most Important Piece”
The bodice of your coat is the foundation for the entire design. Quality and fit are essential elements to consider when evaluating a potential bodice sweater. These sweaters must be sturdy, winter
weight knits capable of supporting the weight of your coat’s skirt and hood.
Since this sweater will become the bust and upper arms of your Dream Coat, it is essential that it fits
you well in these areas. Make sure the shoulder seams hit you in the correct spot and there are no
holes or runs in the material.
Due to the large number of considerations regarding neck shape and general construction, please
supply three different bodice choices for us to select from. The unused bodices will be incorporated
into other areas of your coat.
Size Requirements
“Bigger is Better”
Larger sweaters are better suited for creating Dream Coats than smaller sweaters. Unless you are
looking for your bodice sweaters, skip the size smalls and mediums all together, but if you do find
one in the perfect color or texture, only count it as half a sweater. Large-XXXL sizes are best and
men’s sweaters work great too! Children’s sweaters can be added to the mix for sentimental reasons,
but don’t provide enough material to be counted toward your goal.
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Thick vs. Thin
“Not All Knits are Created Equal”
Dream Coats are carefully constructed using a wide variety of knit weights with each group doing
a specific job. If you only send thin, spring and summer sweaters, then the finished coat will also be
thin and hang limply on your frame. Conversely, if you only send the thickest winter wools, then
you’ll end up with a very heavy, bulky coat. Instead, try to include a variety of weights and textures,
with the majority being a range of mid to heavy, winter-weight knits. The more variety you give Lisa
Marie to work with, the better she’ll be able to design your coat with all the bounce and twirl you’d
expect from an Enlightened Platypus creation.
Embellishments
“The Glam”
Sequins and beads don’t play nice with sergers, so please avoid these! Also, please do not send loose
buttons or other embellishments as we cannot use them. If you’re looking to spice up your Dream
Coat; patterns, textures and metallic knits are a fantastic way to up the WOW factor.
Hygiene
“Avoid the eww factor”
An essential step in the sweater gathering process is to wash them. Once we receive your materials
we get right into the cutting process, so it is important that they are free of stains, pet hair and body
oils.
Quality
“Diamonds in the rough”
The quality of the sweaters you collect directly relates to the quality of your finished Dream Coat
creation. Be especially choosy and terribly picky as you search for the perfect pieces to add to your
collection. If a sweater is thin, faded, pilling, stained, holey, or thread-bare pass it by.
Shop Around
Shopping Tips
“Don’t Spend It All In One Place”
It is very unlikely that you will find all the sweaters you’ll need in one spot. It is easy to get carried
away on your first trip to the thrift store and end up with many sweaters that are less than spectacular. Remember to be choosy and set small goals for yourself. For example, you may decided to look
for a maximum of 5-10 sweaters per outing to ensure that you are only taking the best of the best for
your project.
Crafting Your Color Palette
“Free Your Mind”
Broader color palettes are much easier to gather when you’re on the hunt. Rather than choosing very
specific color goals such as all aquamarine and amethyst sweaters, you’ll have better luck if you base
your Dream Coat on a theme such as tropical, earthy or vibrant rainbow. Consider laying your budding sweater collection in a place where you’ll see them frequently throughout the day. The more
you look at them, the more you’ll see what’s missing.
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Choosing Patterns
“Don’t Be Afraid “
Patterns are your friend! Incorporating them is the very best technique to inject extra life and energy into a coat. I would strongly recommend that you consider highlighting four or more patterned
sweaters in your color scheme. Just be sure those patterns don’t introduce new colors into the mix
that don’t jive with your overall plan. Laying out your sweater collection in good lighting will instantly tell you whether a particular pattern works well or not.
Finding Recycled Sweaters
“Thrift Stores Not Fabric Stores”
The beauty of a Dream Coat is that it takes the old and makes it new again. That feeling can easily
be lost when incorporating mass produced fabrics. So please, don’t even think about heading to your
local fabric store. There are literally millions of vintage sweaters available to those willing to look.
If you don’t find quality winter sweaters out on the racks at a thrift store, ask to speak to the store’s
manager. She’ll be able to tell you when the fall/winter clothing is released and might even let you
shop the back room.
Checking Your Color Palette
“Putting It All Together”
When you feel your collection is complete, take a good look at the overall mix. Lisa Marie will be
working with exactly what you send and no more, so it is important that you are completely satisfied with what you have gathered before sending them in.
Keep in mind, if you want one color featured more than the others you’ll need to be sure that you
have the correct ratios of sweaters to achieve that effect. A common mistake is to gather a small
group of core sweaters you love and a large group of “filler” sweaters to meet the required number. When designing your coat, Lisa Marie will have to place sweaters based on a variety of factors
(weight, stretch, size, etc.), not just color, so while you’ll surely have your favorites, it is imperative
that you love every sweater you send.
A fun way to test your overall impression of your future coat is to throw all the sweaters up in the
air and let them land in a big heap. If the random mixture that turns up still makes your heart sing,
then you are set to begin the next stage in your Dream Coat creation.
Expectations
“Keep an Open Mind”
Hopefully you have chosen to commission an Enlightened Platypus Dream Coat because you enjoy
Lisa Marie’s unique look and sense of style. When creating custom Dream Coats we are happy to
work with each customer’s ideas and work towards bringing out each clients individual personality in
the finished design. The two best ways a client can do this are:
1. Fill out the Dream Coat builder. The words you choose to describe your coat’s mood will go a
long way in communicating a color focus.
2. Separate your sweaters into “loves” and “can’t live withouts”. This is an optional step that some
clients do in order to ensure that their very favorite knits will be highlighted in the finished design.
Remember that you are commissioning a piece of art and the best art comes from the heart…not a
specifications sheet. Try not to develop an overly exact concept and be prepared for your finished
coat to be a wondrous surprise!
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