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seeking help with antique dress form

(I posted this already on rec.crafts.textiles.sewing, then found this NG seems to have much higher traffic so am posting here as well.)

I looked through the faq and google first, but didn't find the specific information I'm seeking, so I'm hoping someone here may be able to help me.

I recently picked up an old White brand dress form that is not in the best of shape (the metal moveable bits are all rusted though most of them still move, the fabric cover is dirty and has some tears, and the top knob is missing), but it was well within my price range at only $2 (at a yard sale) so I'd like to try and make it usable.

Does anyone know where I might be able to pick up a knob or whatever was used on the top, and also literature or a manual on how this thing works? I emailed White but I'll be surprised if they can provide me with anything on it. I'm kind of figuring out how it works, but without the top part it's hard to be sure.

Also, how can I tell if the fabric is mildew stained? What is the best way to clean/disinfect the fabric (and the wood inside the fabric) without removing it?

If it's helpful, I can take some pictures to show what I'm dealing with.

thanks in advance, Kirsten

Reply to
Filigree00
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What I did with an old dress form was pad it and cover it with a form that was fitted to me. Just like the Uniquely You type of form. You have to be bigger than the original form though.

Sandy E

Reply to
Corasande

About the rest of your questions I don't know, but you can set the form outside on a sunny day with low humidity. That will help eliminate the mold. You may have to do it several times to really get rid of it.

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Reply to
SewStorm

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been keeping it outside (under cover on the porch) since it's so dirty, so hopefully the fresh air has killed anything that may've been growing.

Kirsten

Reply to
Filigree00

Great idea. :) I've been trying to get it functional enough to just take photos of clothing for ebay, and so far have covered it with an old turtleneck and skirt to cover the icky fabric. The body is kind of warped, so I was thinking of just filling in the wierd-shaped areas. I have it set up all the way closed, so adding to it all over (to match my figure) shouldn't be a problem. Thanks!

Kirsten

Reply to
Filigree00

Re: seeking help with antique dress form snipped-for-privacy@aol.comspamless (SewStorm) Also, how can I tell if the fabric is mildew stained? What is the best way to clean/disinfect the fabric (and the wood inside the fabric) without removing it?

Reply to
sewingbythecea

My worry, if it is mildew, is that as soon as your humidity in the house rises sufficiently, it'll be right back. Very hard to kill mildew spores.

Kay Lancaster snipped-for-privacy@fern.com

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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