Question

If you are looking for recommendations for a dress form I'd suggest rec.crafts.textiles.sewing and alt.sewing . The people there are good about giving their experience and opinions about purchases. There's a lot of people here who sew other than just quilts so you'll probably have somebody shout out and answer. I only quilt when there's a loaded gun held to my head and the people in this group still let me hang out and chime in.......bring chocolate, they are positively shameless about being gracious and welcoming to anyone baring or smelling of chocolate ;)

I think John (who just happens to create mahvelous quilts) may have dabbed a bit of Hershey's syrup behind his ear before his very first post and we haven't let him out of sight since!

Val

Hi Diana and welcome to the group. This is an international group, so my suggestion applies only to the USA. Those of us who are lucky enough to live close to a Hancock Fabrics or a Joann Fabric and Crafts store have signed up to receive their monthly coupons and there is always one for 40% off one of a product that is NOT on sale. That is when I go in and get some of my sewing and quilting supplies. I sometimes use my coupon to get one of the sewing magazines for almost 1/2 price. Sometimes I get other things. Once I got yards of heavy duty vinyl to recover my golf cart and saved about $30. So my suggestion is to sign up for a sales ad for the coupons. Joann's also has an online store. Hancock's may too, but I am not sure. I live within 10 miles of one and in the winter I am 6 miles from the other when I go to Florida. Hope this helps. Barbara in SC

Atlanta Thread Company sells dress forms. Both male and female styles. Joanne's also can order one for you if you have a store near you. Both of these outlets sells forms which are adjustable. If you are looking for a size specific form then you will probably have to stay with Atlanta Thread Company, and be prepared to pay double what you would pay for the ones that are available from Joanne's. There are lots of other vendors, and somebody will probably chime in with their names, but I have bought forms from both of the above and have been satisfied with price and availability. Below are two links.

John (wearing the chocolate after-shave)

Diana, Ive seen references several places online to making your own homemade dress form with duct tape. I just googled for you, and found an article from Threads magaizine with 4 different ways to make your own custom dressform (2 involve duct-tape). Good Luck!