Dress maker's mannequin

I have several Adjustoforms. Very good they are too. :) BUT no form is going to mimic your shape exactly unless you tailor make it for yourself, and this is possible but time consuming... And if you change size, you have to start from scratch! Even so, nothing really comes close to fitting the real you. The fixed form only mimics they way you were standing on that day and in those shoes and undies... And it doesn't have the squish factor for fitting things like boned bodices!

I find I get the best fit and the best use from my forms by dialing them up to a 'best fit' and then padding out at the bust/hip/tummy where needed, and combining this with actual fittings.

You might want to consider getting pattern software. Then you can make something that fit *you*. Just plug in your measurements, and the software generates a pattern in your size. Wild Ginger makes both pattern drafting software and smaller 'modules' for specific items such as jackets, blouses, or slacks.

I just got the jacket module - printed out a pattern but have not had a chance to cut fabric yet!

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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You might want to consider making yourself a Duct Tape Double.

I made one with the help of dh a few years ago, and it is invaluable. Mind you, it isn't completely perfect. The waist came out too big, and eventually the base sagged a little, but those are both easy to fix. The main thing is that it is, indeed, an exact replica of my shoulders and bustline, so I can fit those areas perfectly. Waists (in garments) are easy to reduce.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

Kate XXXXXX skrev:

I second this! I put an old bra on my dummy and then padded it with odd bits of quilt batting. Then I laughed manically as I poked and prodded the "boobies" into the right shape, made sure they were even, etc. Harri didn't understand WHY this was so funny until I explained that it was the first time in my life that I've ever padded my bra!!! :-)

Erin

p.s. This isn't the only duct tape double on the web, it's just the first one I had in my favorites. If you google, you will find others, some of which have free instructions (which is what I used.)

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

You guys are so wonderful!! Thank you. I never would have thought of a computer program or making one!!!

Dana :)

Welcome to the club. I learned about both the duct tape double and Wild Ginger software on these boards and the AOL ones. Now I have a program which prints out patterns which are very close to fitting me as they print out, and a duplicate me on which to fine-tune the fit.

Stay with us, and we'll help you along with both projects.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Dear Dana,

Another consideration is to purchase a "soft" mannequin. You then make a cover for it, using your measurements, and no ease allowance. I put a jacket zipper in the back of mine, so that it could be removed. You can then stuff it to get an almost perfect facsimile of yourself, complete with love handles and other bumps. It's also easy to pin into. I did this at school umpteen years ago.

Teri

Sound a brilliant idea Teri.

What is a "soft"mannequin. What are they called when you ask for them at the shop?

Is it like a blow up doll type of thing? Cannot use pins though! LOL

Thanks Katherine

Dear Katherine,

It's made of foam rubber, and when you put the custom cover on it, it becomes "you." If you've got a sewing magazine, I'm sure there's an ad for one in there. I can't remember the brand name. Anybody know?

Teri

Probably something like:

's the one I long for, now that I live alone. Beverly

Dear Beverly,

Yup, that appears to be the ones, although I think there may be another, cheaper brand.

Teri

Did a Google on Uniquely You, and came up with this website with pictures.

write to them and see if there is anything like that in Australia.Thanks

Katherine