marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,282 
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Post by marimoose on Aug 23, 2015 20:00:49 GMT
I don't have a dress form and have roughed it along the way with much tearing out of seams when I have daughter try garments on. It was so much easier to sew when they were all shaped like boys with no curves(and my youngest is very curvy, totally opposite of me and several inches taller) so I was considering getting a dress form. I asked some of my favorite ladies at Joanns but only one had a dress form, that she recently inherited from a friend who no longer used it. Not one of them had ever purchased one. Does anyone use these and if so, any recommendations? There are several varieties and all over the board for prices. I don't want to waste money and basically be getting a rack that will just become a clothes catcher like so much fitness equipment becomes.
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Post by vspindler on Aug 23, 2015 20:03:15 GMT
I confess that I have one but I have not used it yet. I bought a kit to help customize the fit better and haven't gotten it totally set up for my shape.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,708
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Aug 23, 2015 20:10:39 GMT
I used to use my mom's old dress form, purchased in 1956. Mom would use patterns from Burda magazine, all the tracing & a real pain.
When we moved 15 years ago, I gave it to a friend who had a shop that carried unique items. She still has it.
I don't sew clothes anymore except for t-shirts that can be done using my serger.
Dress forms can be expensive. It might be easier to take good measurements of your dd and use this basic paper form to help with making clothes for her. I took a class at the local cc many years ago. Made some great outfits using this method, until I got pregnant.  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:30:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 20:15:08 GMT
I don't. My mom does. It can be a frustration saver for sure. Just be sure the form you choose will expand/contract to the sizes you foresee sewing. Which is why I never got one. I couldn't find one that fit my boob measurement.
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marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,282
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Post by marimoose on Aug 23, 2015 20:21:13 GMT
I used to use my mom's old dress form, purchased in 1956. Mom would use patterns from Burda magazine, all the tracing & a real pain.
When we moved 15 years ago, I gave it to a friend who had a shop that carried unique items. She still has it.
I don't sew clothes anymore except for t-shirts that can be done using my serger.
Dress forms can be expensive. It might be easier to take good measurements of your dd and use this basic paper form to help with making clothes for her. I took a class at the local cc many years ago. Made some great outfits using this method, until I got pregnant. And sometimes I think that maybe I should look into a place that would offer classes to train me in how to better use paper forms. I am pretty much self taught with a little middle school home ec, way back when they offered such things. |
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Post by vspindler on Aug 23, 2015 20:25:31 GMT
Depending on your daughter's size you could consider making a duct tape dress form. There are a number of instructions available online but the gist is that you have her wear a tshirt, cover her in layers of duct tape, cut it off and fill with foam spray or stuffing. I guess it is harder when it is too big, doesn't hold its shape as well, which is why I didn't have someone help me make one.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,708
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Aug 23, 2015 20:31:05 GMT
Years ago, (1980's) our community college offered such courses. Now it may be available only at specific colleges that have a fashion construction department. There may be stuff on you-tube.
The way that I was taught if a person was in "proper portions" was to lay down on a large piece of paper and have a friend outline your body. Then fold the paper, starting at the head. If the paper folded in 8 ways (accordion style), matching the size of the head, then you had the body proportions for general design. There were many other things to take into consideration.
I took a seminar with Ms. Palmer & Ms. Pletch (again 1980's). They were the home fashion design people at the time.
When mom passed, I boxed up all her old Burda magazines (German magazine). Sheritan College in Toronto was so pleased to receive them. |
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Aug 23, 2015 22:00:52 GMT
I have wanted one and, if I am going to continue to sew for dd, it would make sense. But, I would want one that would be expandable from her tiny size to mine.
Will have to read up more on paper forms. A friend (one who took a leotard making class with me) has said that we should find a pattern making class to take as well.
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Post by mdpea on Aug 23, 2015 22:54:11 GMT
I recently inherited one from a friend who was cleaning out her garage, she had never even opened it & neither have I, TBH.
I hand-baste a paper pattern to mine or DD's measurements & try that on (inside out so the the seams can be re-pinned) before I cut.
definitely recommend a course (or online videos) of how to re-size patterns to fit. It's really not that complicated & saves a lot of heartache.
You might also learn how to adjust patterns to create different styles, which is my favourite thing to do.
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Post by gryroagain on Aug 24, 2015 0:14:12 GMT
I made several (she grew, lol) for DD, since she is only one I sew for. I did the duct tape form- put a big t shirt on her, wrap her in duct tape, cut it off up the back, tape it back together and stuff it (I used old plastic bags, worked fine). Perfect fit for leotards and dance wear, she was getting tired of being stuck by pins when I had pinned things and wanted to "just make sure it fits right".
I recently tossed the first little one because we are moving, sniff sniff. So tiny.
For a hard to fit person or garment, they are wonderful time savers- no ripping stuff out and redoing it.
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Aug 24, 2015 1:28:21 GMT
@**GypsyGirl** Wow! I may even be able to get in to see the costume shop at the Met later this year to see it in person. Very cool! I can totally picture it.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 24, 2015 2:10:13 GMT
I agree with learning how to both make your own patterns and how to fit a manufactured pattern. There are a lot of YouTube videos and websites. Start there. It's not that complicated until you get into pants or suit styled jackets, once you get the basic idea. I think you will be happier with the results, especially since people change sizes over time. And you would need a separate specialized maniquin to make pants.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:30:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2015 2:32:44 GMT
I have wanted one and, if I am going to continue to sew for dd, it would make sense. But, I would want one that would be expandable from her tiny size to mine. Will have to read up more on paper forms. A friend (one who took a leotard making class with me) has said that we should find a pattern making class to take as well. The offset one is recommended for tutus. |
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