I’m in the USA and I have had my professional dressform for over 10ths. I have ballooned in size and i didn’t want t get rid of it. The bust and waist are fine but my hips MERCY!!!! I found a company “Fabulous Fit” has kit with foam pads for bust, hips, tummy, back etc and it come with a fitted knit dress to place on the dressform and you can move the pads around under the Knit dress and get your prefect or close to perfect fit.
Thank you I recently got quite a bit larger than mine and had watched videos about this that didn’t help. That company sounds like a life saver for people like us.
Those foam pads are expensive and really not enough padding in the sets. I'm not sure we can get them in UK but I padded mine out following a Craftsy class with pieces of foam and covered it with a toile of a straight princess line dress though I didn't bother with facings or hems but put a zip in the back in case I, hopefully, manage to lose weight!
Believe it or not, I use a store display mannequin as my dress form. There is a man locally (USA) who has a couple of barns full of old store mannequins and I found one that is standing straight and has detachable arms! I sized her up to fit me by covering her with a couple of fulled wool sweaters, so she is pin-able as well. It was also 1/4 the cost of a professional dress form. What luck!
I have had Matilda for about 40 years and she is a champ. She is a basic foam model from the fabric store that came with a heavy canvas cover that you fit to yourself. As I have changed shape, so has she. I used quilt batting and a cheap bra to pad her out and bought a shapewear slip to go over it all.
Where I work, the floor below threw a bunch of forms out for the trash! I went in to work and saw one all on it's lonesome at the freight entrance. It was in stella condition and pretty much my size! I was overwhelmed. I felt like it was waiting for me. Needless to say, I grabbed that girl and with the help of a dear friend, took her on the train home! My best find EVER!🙏🏼🙌🏽🙌🏽💕 If I'd been aware of the others thrown out, they would have come home too!
I was super lucky that my daughter bought me a basic Styrofoam mannequin for my birthday a couple of years ago. I then found a class where we were guided through the process of padding them out to reflect our individual shape. Doris is a pretty good body double now, and she is very useful when I am checking both design elements and fit 😊
I just started sewing a little over a year ago. I got my mannequin (medium) from Walmart (on sale). It’s a lovely dark blue, vertical pinning, adjustable form. I purchased it because I wanted to start sewing for my daughter. WELL!!! Once I unboxed it, I quickly realized that the bust area will NEVER fit her in this life time (waaay tooo small). The rest of it did match her size. So, I figured that I’d use it for myself. My hips!!!! Even adjusted to the widest… NO! This video has given me hope for my mannequin, so I don’t feel like I have to get rid of it. Thanks a million, Evelyn!!! 😅❤
I think a DIY with plaster and fill with foam sort of idea is the only thing that would work for me. I have scoliosis, (crooked back) and think any modification of an existing "dolly" would be extremely difficult, or impossible. Also, for the same reason, I don't want my clothes to fit too closely, or the curvature seems more pronounced. Leveling skirts is good. Tops not too fitted, and bloused or hanging over, low waisted styles are what seem to be best for me. Thanks for this good review, ideas, and opportunity for a good mannequin! Peggy
I never considered my scoliosis when I order my bootstrap pattern a few years ago. Then I stared loosing weight.now I gained it back and am trying to loose it again. I really should make up the pattern I have every thing here to make it since 2019 and I graduated college in April 2022.
I successfully made a form of my daughter with plastering her torso and filling it with great stuff spray foam. Shel Ives across the country and I was sewing her wedding dress. I had her perfect shape until she had my girl and children. 😉
I'm from Germany, living in Croatia. Both of my mannequins, adjustable, are from Burda, Germany. My first one I ordered from Germany, and I had to pay the same amount of taxes as the price was, because at that time it was not allowed,as a private person to buy and bring into the country of Croatia a professional tool from another country. So it was quite expensive 😱. The second one I got from my Mom, when she stopped sewing garment for herself and others. Its a pity that they dont have wheels, but you just gave me the idea to put some on to the wooden cross(now the feet of my repaired mannequin ), Imagine a simple cross foot of a Christmas 🎄 tree ... Thank you for this very interesting video. See you🌹
Do you have any sewing resources in Germany you could share? Favorite stores for supplies, machine parts, or dress forms? I just moved here a year ago, I'm watching this video and quite certain that I'll have to sew my own form 🙈
I've wanted a dress form but never actually looked into buying one. Your video has prompted me to look into it! As usual, you've given such good, detailed info, Evelyn. Thank you!
My daughter works at Hobby Lobby and bought me one - for a reason. I was having a heck of a time altering her wedding gown. She bought it second hand and I don't think it was the fit for her. Anyway there were beads and I mean beads! And they were all falling off! I was trying to sew them back on and trying to alter. Anyway. She bought it and said, "now you can finish my wedding dress". Of course she married a year ago. Hmm She has a one year old. I better get busy! I also picked up an adjustable one from Habitat for Humanity. Can't wait to start using both.
My cameras are all named Betsy. I have a mini-me half-size mannequin and at the moment her name is Gertrude (this may stick, we'll see). I got her primarily so I could teach myself draping without draining the fabric department at the local thrift shops. I'm still in the stage of slowly padding her up. Fabulous collaboration. Congratulations. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
LOL neat, I gave up on ever finding something that'll be my size, anything with narrow enough hips is gonna be too short-backed... and get ready for more of the white crap, it's not done with us yet....
@@bunhelsingslegacy3549 Mama Nature is going through menopause this coming week. Warm, snowstorm, warm. As for Mini-Me, I've been loosely whip stitching the batting in layers. So I've moved the butt up to accommodate the sway back and I'm half estimating my front butt. Also, I'm trying to avoid the 'loaf of bread' effect on the bustline. It takes a while. Partially because, every time I stop, I'm wondering just how much more I have to add... lol.
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Hey Robin! We're doing OK. I got my FR entry in. It was the first time using the timer on my camera - maybe if I call it 'an artistic choice'... Meh. Just means I have allot to learn about technology. Right now I'm in the post deadline tireds. I still have the lining to sew in. And the buttons. And the buttonholes. Basically, everything took way, way longer than I thought it would. Still, was enjoyable. Rain, snow, rain. Makes a body miss 1970's snowbanks.
@@stevezytveld6585 too right Cathy. Do you remember the winter of 1995/96? Ottawa broke the snowfall record for the year in December!! I don’t want that much snow but this up and down temperatures are driving me spare! Last I looked at the weather they weren’t sure what we were getting yet. It just says mixed! I could live without freezing rain again! I’m glad you got it in ok. Can’t help you with technology it changes too fast for me to keep up. So take some time for yourself and chill. Then worry about everything! Oh and I saw a picture it said calandra dates are closer than they appear! I may have to needle point that on to a pillow or figure out away to put it on a shirt!!! Lol
Morgan Donner did a great video on making her own personally sized dress form. I would probably have to do that as my measurements make a custom fitted one necessary.
I made my own Diy using a pre-ordered pattern to fit my body shape. I had to buy all the materials : fabrics, fiberfiller and a stand. I am happy with the result, so far it costs me 1/4 of the price of a pre-made mannequin and I can pin through it. But it's a LOT of work. Please let me know what you think.
I am in rural Canada and I had an adjustable as that was all I could get. No matter how I tried to pad it I could not get it anywhere near what I needed so I finally got rid of it. I now know thanks to this video that the issue was the length, I am very long in the body and as you say I padded it out bust and hips but no way I could make it longer bust to waist. Thank you for sharing.
I love my manican that I made from a customized Boostrap pattern. She has really taken my sewing to a new level. However, the project is more for someone who has some good sewing skills. Don't need to be a pro, but it has some fiddly bits and is definatly not something that you're going to "whip up in an afternoon."
I made one, too. I had an adjustable one before but as I have the shortest waist of the northern hemisphere it was never much use. It*was* not easy, though, especially not the internal structure.
@@ClaudiaArnold This is one of the reasons that I asked this community about a small adult female mannequin that would fit a coreset. I could pad out such a mannequin or even modify a bootstrap pattern as a cover. But, bootstrap bodies need stronger structure and rarely work very well without some help.
@@bcase5328 I never thought about making corsets, but I am pretty sure the bootstrap bust - which is essentially just a stuffed cushion - could be squished into a corset. As it lacks ribs and hipbones, though, the result might be misleading if the corset is not of the very structured, late 19th century type. If you look up Sewstine's videos, she mentions her manequin that was laser-cut from foam based on a 3D scan of her wearing a corset. I think she mentions the company who does it.
Ive my great grannys form. I fully intend to get the pattern to make a me sized one but ill put it over top of hers! That way ilĺ be using something of hers whilst make things for myself
I love your videos. You are an expert who describes things plainly and well. You cover a thorough range of topics and skills. Also, you are adorable. Your eyes are so bright with enthusiasm. Your outfit in this video makes you look like Snow White. I especially note how well it fits and how well it is crafted. We are so lucky to have you, Teacher!
I help my students pad out their personal dress forms. What I have found often is that while the manufacturer will tell you to use the body circumference, especially bust to select the dress form, this often results in having a body form that is too large for the person. Measuring around the chest, above the bust is a better measurement for the “bust” of the form… especially if the company making the form tends to give them wider backs
Strange!! I've always wondered how people can use an old bra to pad the bust on their dress form, when the bra tends to make up the whole entire breast on the form and I would assume that in real life there's space between your body & the edge of the cup. I figured maybe everyone just uses a bra that's too big for regular wear, but maybe it has more to do with this!
I had a cheap foam shop (child’s) mannequin from Amazon. Made a Bootstrap custom cover for it, and shaved off foam and filled it with wool and batting where needed. I also bought a dress form stand, with hemming tool and wheels, to put it on. It’s about as perfect as I can get for pint-sized me!
I have an adjustable dress form which I thought would be more useful that it has been. "Diana" is very close to my own measurements and I use her to do the very basic fitting and then do the final fittings on myself. My co-worker is an excellent seamstress, so I'll bring my garment to work and she'll pin the final adjustments. I'll then take the garment home for the sewing. Diana has been the most useful for modeling the finished garments. I'll take photos of them on her and then post to my social media groups if I feel like sharing. (I'm terrible at taking selfies.)
I have a homemade dress form from a custom bootstrap pattern, stuffed with tiny fabric scraps and the insides of second hand throw pillows. It works well enough. Even with all the measuring it's still not perfect, but it's a good starting point if you're on a budget and willing to wrestle with a fiddly pattern.
do you think bootstrap dress forms are a good beginners project? dress forms and mannequins are really hard to come by in my country, let alone in inclusive sizing so I've been considering buying a bootstrap pattern for a while.
@@morphinpink I'd say that if you have sewn some clothes already, you can probably make it. It just gets a bit bulky and fiddly in places, but there are youtube tutorials to help. Making a mock-up first will also help if you're unsure if you can do it.
Thank you so much Evelyn, I really really enjoyed listening to you talk about the dress form. My first one was brought to create my daughter’s wedding dress. And it’s adjustable too. And your so right it doesn’t replace fitting with your person your making a garment for. I might be having a look for another one soon. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
Hello, I just came across your videos and have been slowly going through them. I'm starting to learn to sew and found many helpful tips in just the terminology ones I have seen so far. I know I want to make myself a cloak/robe for halloween and got to thinking about it, decided I would need a dress form. Mostly so that I could have something to hang the cloak as I make it on. I went on Craigslist and found an older one, the ad said it might have been made in the 60's or 70s. Its an adjustable one but it was 25 dollars which I thought was a good entry level form to use simply to hang things off. Now thanks to your video I learned I can pad it to make it look more like me. So I'm going to get some foam padding and start doing that. I'm really looking forward to learning more about sewing. I am going to continue to watch your videos cause they seem clear cut, you have a very easy listening voice and explain things simply. I am really appreciating all the work you have put into them so far. Thank you very much for making all these.
I have one of the cheaper Dritz adjustable forms that I padded out and added an old bra to fit my size then covered it with a tight fitting knit shirt to pin into. If you are a smaller size, one of the decorative display mannequins from Hobby Lobby (in the US) padded out would work great and would be very affordable (coupons!).
Being plus size AND tall in the body, I eventally just got the largest adjustable form I could find. Then i wrapped it in wadding in the areas it needed, then i added a bigger padded bra to it that is the same as the ones i use. Because i am longer in the waist too, i was able to pad out the waist to the hips, then pad out the hips lower down, and to accomodate the sway back, using wadding in the right spots and volumes meant i have a form close to what i actually am. I dont drape off of it...but I do use it to get a feel for how it will look while I go. Best way to do it. Then i just covered the whole thing in thin stretch cotton. But I have always coveted a JK mannequin!
Thank you! This video helps. I’m planning on restoring and recreating Victorian and Edwardian clothing, so I want an age appropriate dress form. I’m going to bring a pin and ruler with me now when I look.
I have a good professional mannequin that I used currently for decoration. I have an adjustable mannequin in the box in my closet. I use them periodically when I’m things for others but foe myself the most use I get is in hemming skirts of projects because I can move around them and measure and it’s quite good, I still have to try things on myself. It’s a beautiful accessory but it is not a need for sewing it’s a want. You can always get a bootstrap pattern and make your own if you need it, they are made to your measurements you then sew them up and stuff them. They can be helpful for historical clothes because you can take the measurements over your foundation garments and then use them for draping. 😅
I purchased my male mannequin from JK Trading, they were absolutely brilliant to do business with. If anyone is looking to buy a mannequin I would suggest they take up you offer.
you willed that company into the collab lol. mine is a me made, asked someone how they felt about getting together with trash bags & duct tape lol, next step was using the duct tape form as a pattern , got mesh cut into pattern , bent clothes hangers to my shape for structure, stitched, stuffed, $40 canadian, serves purpose for now, hangable, pin able, so cheap i can switch out covers anytime i like. next new cover, going to be smart, attach hooks , velcro or zip for washing or reuse depending on look i'm going for. great video as always Evelyn
Very informative! I have an adjustable one as I’m making for multiple sizes. But the dream would be to have one like yours in every size 🤩 Regarding dress form options, you can also use companies who take all your measurements (and I believe there are body scanners involved sometimes) to create a dress form pattern of your body. You then sew it and stuff/fill it. Could be worth looking into for someone who sews a lot for themselves ☺️
Bootstrap patterns do computer generated patterns for personalised dress forms and also personalised covers for existing forms, which should be a bit easier to sew. If you are not sure if you could make one there are several videos on you tube that take it through it. I found it fiddly but not difficult. The most difficult bit is the internal structure so if you are not sure the getting a cheap smaller form and making the cover might be an easier option.
My dress form is called Maisie.Strange as I don't name things I have normally! I bought Maisie just a bit smaller than me and then padded her out to my shape and size. I was horrified at what I looked like! The only thing which was hard to get around was the shoulder to waist length. I am long waisted and the dress form fully extended is still a bit short. I have to be aware of that when fitting clothes. I made a princess line dress with a straight skirt in a calico sort of fabric like a toile i.e. not finished wth facings or hems to cover her in my size but put a zip at the back so if I lose weight (Please!) or put weight on I can remove it to make any necessary adjustments.
Yes, I have a dress form that I need to pad up. It it is similar to yours. I got her from Amazon. She is a size 14, and I named her Tishe.! It gives her an identity of her own.❤ She is mine. The name was my nickname when I was little.
I have a very old dress form that I use for displaying handbags. It’s small. But after watching this I may try padding it out. It’s the fabric covered hard kind that is adjustable ( just not my size) and it also has a knitted cover that stretches over it. It’s worth a shot right? Lol love your videos. Thanks
I enjoyed your video. I appreciate the information about padding out the "dolly", I didn't know that was the only way to make it like me. Unfortunately, I live in a small 2 bedroom apartment, the 2nd bedroom has to be my sewing area, office and my dryer room so no room for a "dolly". If I get into a more spacious apartment I would like to have one. Thank you for all your helpful information.
This was a really informative video. I was a little disappointed though, as I literally just purchased this exact same dress form from JK trading two weeks ago. If I had of waited I could have used your discount code. JK trading are a great supplier and they offer good service and are friendly and quick to respond to any enquires. I really love my new dress form. I’ve padded up dolly using wadding and running over it with a steam iron. This smooths out the padding. I then made a stretch cover to slip over her. Thanks for the video Evelyn.
Literally ordered a collapsible shoulder dress form off of eBay right before you uploaded this video! At first I tried getting a pinnable display mannequin but the maneuverability (or lack there of) was way too difficult. I’m super excited to pad it up based on a blog post that Brooks Ann posted about replicating your body with the quilted batting!
I've thought about making one, my body had changed over the years. Especially this year as I just had s double mastectomy (quer related not illness, I'm non- binary) so far I've altered a few of my clothes by sewing down curved bodice seams. A dress form might help as I alter more of my clothes. I might be able to buy a male form and pad out from there. Hmmm
I have been tempted to get the beatrice form mannequin that you self make so it can be me exactly. Im just not sure if i can handle looking at a replica of myself
One Day I Will Have One! I've been looking for one at thrift stores and consignment shops. They are So small. I am not! That's going to be A Lot of padding!😆
Hi Evelyn Thank you so much for your videos I am new to your channel and I really enjoy your style. I came across your what dress form to buy video. I am curious why you don’t mention a dress form that is 3/4 torso with thighs?
I’ve had a few dress forms, and while you can certainly pad them up to be quite like your own figure- My frustration has always been that dress forms generally come with 5” ( or wider) shoulders And I have narrow shoulders. Though you can add more circumference to the body of the form, you can’t reduce the shoulders lengths or make the dress form smaller than it is.
Iv had an adjustable dress form for around 8 years but have never used it because it needs padding and as I'm plus size I can't bear the thought of seeing my body shape everytime I go I to my sewing studio !!
What about the good old Plastiform dress dummy? I simply love my "Olga" dummies. They are exact body doubles and quite pinnable when you put a t-shirt on as a cover.
Evelyn, I recognize that jumper from a previous video you posted. What is the Australian word for it? In the US, a jumper is a sleeveless dress made to be worn over a blouse.
How do you compensate for height difference in a mannequin? I’m looking for full body one for dresses , skirts, tops, and pants. Most I see are for heights 69 inches & above. I’m 62 inches in height. Would that 7 inches matter?
How do you find a mannequin for historical costuming? I am small with petite proportions and coresets change the shape of ribcage and waist. You can add to a mannequin, but how do you find a small adult female mannequin, small enough for a coreset?
Morgan Donner (actually it might have been Abby Cox🤔) made one using the modrock foam insulation method. She wore the corset she wears most often and then wrapped cling film over the top so that she didn't ruin it and then got her husband to do the mod rock part. She (whichever of the two it is) has a video showing her process.
I made one of myself with the help of a friend, an old t-shirt a bunch of ducttape, stuffing and a way too small mannequin. The low budget way to get a custom dress form
Hi Evelyn Thank you so much for your videos I am new to your channel and I really enjoy your style. I came across your what dress form to buy video. I am curious why you don’t mention a dress form that is 3/4 torso with thighs? I am wondering if I wanted to get into making bathing suits, pants, shorts would I need one with legs? 😉 Ihopeurhavingasuperfantabulousday
Bootstrap has arms and legs too. Told you need an arm for the body as if not the body form.is too narrow across the shoulders. Told that company doesn't have a shoulder to shoulder measurement offered,. Been studying every totorial there is and gathering up 'information' and hearing their 'corrections' they found had to happen. Reading all the comments too discovered a comment saying that 'Staples' is able to print off the pattern in its full pieces so no playing with print size paper taping them together.. I wish there was a 'class' with a knowledgeable 'teacher' where we all did a 'Bootstrap' body form and had help and fun .. Wish I could round up a few enthusiastic body form wanters and find a 'teacher' and get together in a church basement bringing our sewing machines and supplies , where these could be trusted left and resume over the next few evenings until we have completed. Wish I could do this that way. Blessings GiGi
There have been times when I wanted a Mannequin in my size with all my flaws. I have not tried to make a mannequin out of an over-sized T-shirt and Duck tape yet; because, I can't get the tape on the T-shirt in the correct places by myself. Plus, I'm not brave enough to ask someone to help me. There is not enough room in my sewing room for one anyway. However, it would be nice to own one with all my flaws.
I have been unable to find any dress form that has an A cup bust line. They all start at B cups so I find it impossible to do anything to get the bust to fit for my shape.
I think a problem I may experience is that my measurements lie. My bust is way squishier and always has to be taken in at the first mockup, my "natural waist" isn't where I'd ever want a waistband, I have to shorten the back by 2" if there's no waistband, and the measurement where I need a waistband has to be at least 3" tighter than what's a comfortable measurement or my pants fall down. And though my hips measure 39", I can slip size 32 pants (34" waistas measured) off without undoing the button...
trying to decide between a 3/4 mannequin or a full body mannequin to make dresses and intimates. Anyone here have a full body mannequin and find it unstable or constantly have to remove it off the pole to take off the garment?
I made my dress form by making a plaster cast of myself and casting it with foam. It actually cost a lot less then the a decent dress form and is my exact proportions and shape. I have very unusual proportions, particularly a very long torso, and had very poor results trying to pad the one I already had. It is a little unsettling though since she even has my exact slouchy poster.
... measure the upper chest to fit is most important... ... tape measure under the arms and above the breast, the upper chest area... ... everything else can be padded...
You should invent a dress form for people who have had mastectomies. The male dress form is not compatible to the female shape with regards to the hips and waist ratio, yet no female dress form has a flat chest.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m in the USA and I have had my professional dressform for over 10ths. I have ballooned in size and i didn’t want t get rid of it. The bust and waist are fine but my hips MERCY!!!! I found a company “Fabulous Fit” has kit with foam pads for bust, hips, tummy, back etc and it come with a fitted knit dress to place on the dressform and you can move the pads around under the Knit dress and get your prefect or close to perfect fit.
Thank you I recently got quite a bit larger than mine and had watched videos about this that didn’t help. That company sounds like a life saver for people like us.
Thank you. I saw on Amazon you could do that. I will check out that company.
What a great idea!
Those foam pads are expensive and really not enough padding in the sets. I'm not sure we can get them in UK but I padded mine out following a Craftsy class with pieces of foam and covered it with a toile of a straight princess line dress though I didn't bother with facings or hems but put a zip in the back in case I, hopefully, manage to lose weight!
I saw a video of a woman who put shape wear on her mannequin and stuffed it to her dimensions.
Believe it or not, I use a store display mannequin as my dress form. There is a man locally (USA) who has a couple of barns full of old store mannequins and I found one that is standing straight and has detachable arms! I sized her up to fit me by covering her with a couple of fulled wool sweaters, so she is pin-able as well. It was also 1/4 the cost of a professional dress form. What luck!
Wow! Would you be able to share his contact info? Thank you.
I have had Matilda for about 40 years and she is a champ. She is a basic foam model from the fabric store that came with a heavy canvas cover that you fit to yourself. As I have changed shape, so has she. I used quilt batting and a cheap bra to pad her out and bought a shapewear slip to go over it all.
I just got my first girl and I’m going to name her Evelyn because you will be there with all your inspiration !!
Where I work, the floor below threw a bunch of forms out for the trash! I went in to work and saw one all on it's lonesome at the freight entrance. It was in stella condition and pretty much my size! I was overwhelmed. I felt like it was waiting for me. Needless to say, I grabbed that girl and with the help of a dear friend, took her on the train home! My best find EVER!🙏🏼🙌🏽🙌🏽💕 If I'd been aware of the others thrown out, they would have come home too!
I wouldlove to have been on that train with the three of you!
I was super lucky that my daughter bought me a basic Styrofoam mannequin for my birthday a couple of years ago. I then found a class where we were guided through the process of padding them out to reflect our individual shape. Doris is a pretty good body double now, and she is very useful when I am checking both design elements and fit 😊
I just started sewing a little over a year ago. I got my mannequin (medium) from Walmart (on sale). It’s a lovely dark blue, vertical pinning, adjustable form. I purchased it because I wanted to start sewing for my daughter.
WELL!!! Once I unboxed it, I quickly realized that the bust area will NEVER fit her in this life time (waaay tooo small). The rest of it did match her size.
So, I figured that I’d use it for myself. My hips!!!! Even adjusted to the widest… NO!
This video has given me hope for my mannequin, so I don’t feel like I have to get rid of it.
Thanks a million, Evelyn!!! 😅❤
Dolly was my mother’s name and she was an excellent seamstress, I miss her so much and every-time I sew, I think of her.
I think a DIY with plaster and fill with foam sort of idea is the only thing that would work for me. I have scoliosis, (crooked back) and think any modification of an existing "dolly" would be extremely difficult, or impossible. Also, for the same reason, I don't want my clothes to fit too closely, or the curvature seems more pronounced. Leveling skirts is good. Tops not too fitted, and bloused or hanging over, low waisted styles are what seem to be best for me.
Thanks for this good review, ideas, and opportunity for a good mannequin! Peggy
Check out bootstrap fashion. They create a pattern based on your measurements. It does take a lot of work, but I learned so much from doing it.
I never considered my scoliosis when I order my bootstrap pattern a few years ago. Then I stared loosing weight.now I gained it back and am trying to loose it again. I really should make up the pattern I have every thing here to make it since 2019 and I graduated college in April 2022.
I successfully made a form of my daughter with plastering her torso and filling it with great stuff spray foam. Shel Ives across the country and I was sewing her wedding dress. I had her perfect shape until she had my girl and children. 😉
I'm from Germany, living in Croatia. Both of my mannequins, adjustable, are from Burda, Germany. My first one I ordered from Germany, and I had to pay the same amount of taxes as the price was, because at that time it was not allowed,as a private person to buy and bring into the country of Croatia a professional tool from another country. So it was quite expensive 😱. The second one I got from my Mom, when she stopped sewing garment for herself and others. Its a pity that they dont have wheels, but you just gave me the idea to put some on to the wooden cross(now the feet of my repaired mannequin ), Imagine a simple cross foot of a Christmas 🎄 tree ... Thank you for this very interesting video. See you🌹
Sometimes you can make an old rolling chair base work
Do you have any sewing resources in Germany you could share? Favorite stores for supplies, machine parts, or dress forms? I just moved here a year ago, I'm watching this video and quite certain that I'll have to sew my own form 🙈
I've wanted a dress form but never actually looked into buying one. Your video has prompted me to look into it! As usual, you've given such good, detailed info, Evelyn. Thank you!
My daughter works at Hobby Lobby and bought me one - for a reason. I was having a heck of a time altering her wedding gown. She bought it second hand and I don't think it was the fit for her. Anyway there were beads and I mean beads! And they were all falling off! I was trying to sew them back on and trying to alter. Anyway. She bought it and said, "now you can finish my wedding dress". Of course she married a year ago. Hmm She has a one year old. I better get busy! I also picked up an adjustable one from Habitat for Humanity. Can't wait to start using both.
My cameras are all named Betsy. I have a mini-me half-size mannequin and at the moment her name is Gertrude (this may stick, we'll see). I got her primarily so I could teach myself draping without draining the fabric department at the local thrift shops. I'm still in the stage of slowly padding her up.
Fabulous collaboration. Congratulations.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Hey Cathy how are you doing today? We are getting sunshine!! A nice change from the storms we’re between or so I’m told.
LOL neat, I gave up on ever finding something that'll be my size, anything with narrow enough hips is gonna be too short-backed... and get ready for more of the white crap, it's not done with us yet....
@@bunhelsingslegacy3549 Mama Nature is going through menopause this coming week. Warm, snowstorm, warm.
As for Mini-Me, I've been loosely whip stitching the batting in layers. So I've moved the butt up to accommodate the sway back and I'm half estimating my front butt. Also, I'm trying to avoid the 'loaf of bread' effect on the bustline. It takes a while. Partially because, every time I stop, I'm wondering just how much more I have to add... lol.
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Hey Robin! We're doing OK. I got my FR entry in. It was the first time using the timer on my camera - maybe if I call it 'an artistic choice'...
Meh. Just means I have allot to learn about technology. Right now I'm in the post deadline tireds. I still have the lining to sew in. And the buttons. And the buttonholes. Basically, everything took way, way longer than I thought it would. Still, was enjoyable.
Rain, snow, rain. Makes a body miss 1970's snowbanks.
@@stevezytveld6585 too right Cathy. Do you remember the winter of 1995/96? Ottawa broke the snowfall record for the year in December!! I don’t want that much snow but this up and down temperatures are driving me spare! Last I looked at the weather they weren’t sure what we were getting yet. It just says mixed! I could live without freezing rain again!
I’m glad you got it in ok. Can’t help you with technology it changes too fast for me to keep up. So take some time for yourself and chill. Then worry about everything!
Oh and I saw a picture it said calandra dates are closer than they appear! I may have to needle point that on to a pillow or figure out away to put it on a shirt!!! Lol
Morgan Donner did a great video on making her own personally sized dress form. I would probably have to do that as my measurements make a custom fitted one necessary.
I made my own Diy using a pre-ordered pattern to fit my body shape. I had to buy all the materials : fabrics, fiberfiller and a stand. I am happy with the result, so far it costs me 1/4 of the price of a pre-made mannequin and I can pin through it. But it's a LOT of work. Please let me know what you think.
What company did you buy from?
@@rc31802 Likely Bootstrap fashions.
I e been thinking of going that route. Joey sewy has some vlogs on it. Thank you for sharing
I have one of those too. It was an interesting project in its own right.
I am in rural Canada and I had an adjustable as that was all I could get. No matter how I tried to pad it I could not get it anywhere near what I needed so I finally got rid of it. I now know thanks to this video that the issue was the length, I am very long in the body and as you say I padded it out bust and hips but no way I could make it longer bust to waist. Thank you for sharing.
I love my manican that I made from a customized Boostrap pattern. She has really taken my sewing to a new level. However, the project is more for someone who has some good sewing skills. Don't need to be a pro, but it has some fiddly bits and is definatly not something that you're going to "whip up in an afternoon."
I made one, too. I had an adjustable one before but as I have the shortest waist of the northern hemisphere it was never much use. It*was* not easy, though, especially not the internal structure.
@@ClaudiaArnold This is one of the reasons that I asked this community about a small adult female mannequin that would fit a coreset. I could pad out such a mannequin or even modify a bootstrap pattern as a cover. But, bootstrap bodies need stronger structure and rarely work very well without some help.
Bootstrap do a pattern for a mannequin cover.
@@bcase5328 I never thought about making corsets, but I am pretty sure the bootstrap bust - which is essentially just a stuffed cushion - could be squished into a corset. As it lacks ribs and hipbones, though, the result might be misleading if the corset is not of the very structured, late 19th century type.
If you look up Sewstine's videos, she mentions her manequin that was laser-cut from foam based on a 3D scan of her wearing a corset. I think she mentions the company who does it.
It is a "Beatrice Dress Form".
Ive my great grannys form. I fully intend to get the pattern to make a me sized one but ill put it over top of hers! That way ilĺ be using something of hers whilst make things for myself
I love your videos. You are an expert who describes things plainly and well. You cover a thorough range of topics and skills. Also, you are adorable. Your eyes are so bright with enthusiasm. Your outfit in this video makes you look like Snow White. I especially note how well it fits and how well it is crafted. We are so lucky to have you, Teacher!
I help my students pad out their personal dress forms. What I have found often is that while the manufacturer will tell you to use the body circumference, especially bust to select the dress form, this often results in having a body form that is too large for the person. Measuring around the chest, above the bust is a better measurement for the “bust” of the form… especially if the company making the form tends to give them wider backs
Strange!! I've always wondered how people can use an old bra to pad the bust on their dress form, when the bra tends to make up the whole entire breast on the form and I would assume that in real life there's space between your body & the edge of the cup. I figured maybe everyone just uses a bra that's too big for regular wear, but maybe it has more to do with this!
I had a cheap foam shop (child’s) mannequin from Amazon. Made a Bootstrap custom cover for it, and shaved off foam and filled it with wool and batting where needed. I also bought a dress form stand, with hemming tool and wheels, to put it on. It’s about as perfect as I can get for pint-sized me!
I have an adjustable dress form which I thought would be more useful that it has been. "Diana" is very close to my own measurements and I use her to do the very basic fitting and then do the final fittings on myself. My co-worker is an excellent seamstress, so I'll bring my garment to work and she'll pin the final adjustments. I'll then take the garment home for the sewing. Diana has been the most useful for modeling the finished garments. I'll take photos of them on her and then post to my social media groups if I feel like sharing. (I'm terrible at taking selfies.)
I have Diana too
I have a homemade dress form from a custom bootstrap pattern, stuffed with tiny fabric scraps and the insides of second hand throw pillows. It works well enough. Even with all the measuring it's still not perfect, but it's a good starting point if you're on a budget and willing to wrestle with a fiddly pattern.
do you think bootstrap dress forms are a good beginners project? dress forms and mannequins are really hard to come by in my country, let alone in inclusive sizing so I've been considering buying a bootstrap pattern for a while.
@@morphinpink I'd say that if you have sewn some clothes already, you can probably make it. It just gets a bit bulky and fiddly in places, but there are youtube tutorials to help. Making a mock-up first will also help if you're unsure if you can do it.
Eileen, I will never think of that name the same, lol Very useful info, thanks. Take care, be well
Thank you so much Evelyn, I really really enjoyed listening to you talk about the dress form. My first one was brought to create my daughter’s wedding dress. And it’s adjustable too. And your so right it doesn’t replace fitting with your person your making a garment for. I might be having a look for another one soon. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
Very helpful and realistic for every budget. Many thanks!
Hello, I just came across your videos and have been slowly going through them. I'm starting to learn to sew and found many helpful tips in just the terminology ones I have seen so far. I know I want to make myself a cloak/robe for halloween and got to thinking about it, decided I would need a dress form. Mostly so that I could have something to hang the cloak as I make it on. I went on Craigslist and found an older one, the ad said it might have been made in the 60's or 70s. Its an adjustable one but it was 25 dollars which I thought was a good entry level form to use simply to hang things off.
Now thanks to your video I learned I can pad it to make it look more like me. So I'm going to get some foam padding and start doing that. I'm really looking forward to learning more about sewing. I am going to continue to watch your videos cause they seem clear cut, you have a very easy listening voice and explain things simply. I am really appreciating all the work you have put into them so far. Thank you very much for making all these.
Have you seen the Ditto Form? The company will scan your body with a computer and create a custom form that is a replica of your body. It’s amazing.
Sounds good as long as your body doesn‘t change :D
I have one of the cheaper Dritz adjustable forms that I padded out and added an old bra to fit my size then covered it with a tight fitting knit shirt to pin into. If you are a smaller size, one of the decorative display mannequins from Hobby Lobby (in the US) padded out would work great and would be very affordable (coupons!).
Being plus size AND tall in the body, I eventally just got the largest adjustable form I could find. Then i wrapped it in wadding in the areas it needed, then i added a bigger padded bra to it that is the same as the ones i use. Because i am longer in the waist too, i was able to pad out the waist to the hips, then pad out the hips lower down, and to accomodate the sway back, using wadding in the right spots and volumes meant i have a form close to what i actually am. I dont drape off of it...but I do use it to get a feel for how it will look while I go. Best way to do it. Then i just covered the whole thing in thin stretch cotton. But I have always coveted a JK mannequin!
Thank you! This video helps.
I’m planning on restoring and recreating Victorian and Edwardian clothing, so I want an age appropriate dress form.
I’m going to bring a pin and ruler with me now when I look.
I have a good professional mannequin that I used currently for decoration. I have an adjustable mannequin in the box in my closet. I use them periodically when I’m things for others but foe myself the most use I get is in hemming skirts of projects because I can move around them and measure and it’s quite good, I still have to try things on myself. It’s a beautiful accessory but it is not a need for sewing it’s a want. You can always get a bootstrap pattern and make your own if you need it, they are made to your measurements you then sew them up and stuff them. They can be helpful for historical clothes because you can take the measurements over your foundation garments and then use them for draping. 😅
Thank you, so informative you are very talented love all your videos.I take it all in as I’m a beginner 🪡🪡🧵🧵
I purchased my male mannequin from JK Trading, they were absolutely brilliant to do business with. If anyone is looking to buy a mannequin I would suggest they take up you offer.
you willed that company into the collab lol. mine is a me made, asked someone how they felt about getting together with trash bags & duct tape lol, next step was using the duct tape form as a pattern , got mesh cut into pattern , bent clothes hangers to my shape for structure, stitched, stuffed, $40 canadian, serves purpose for now, hangable, pin able, so cheap i can switch out covers anytime i like. next new cover, going to be smart, attach hooks , velcro or zip for washing or reuse depending on look i'm going for. great video as always Evelyn
Very informative! I have an adjustable one as I’m making for multiple sizes. But the dream would be to have one like yours in every size 🤩
Regarding dress form options, you can also use companies who take all your measurements (and I believe there are body scanners involved sometimes) to create a dress form pattern of your body. You then sew it and stuff/fill it. Could be worth looking into for someone who sews a lot for themselves ☺️
Wow congratulations! What a great opportunity.
Edited to add I don’t have a dress form. Maybe some day!
You can get the foam ones on special cheaper, they are still overpriced for what they are but a good basis for sewing custom overlays
Bootstrap patterns do computer generated patterns for personalised dress forms and also personalised covers for existing forms, which should be a bit easier to sew. If you are not sure if you could make one there are several videos on you tube that take it through it. I found it fiddly but not difficult. The most difficult bit is the internal structure so if you are not sure the getting a cheap smaller form and making the cover might be an easier option.
Thanks for the information. I don’t have one. Love your videos ❤ my home is in Canada
Very helpful and I love your energy! Thank you so much!
Thank you. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers ❤😊
My dress form is called Maisie.Strange as I don't name things I have normally! I bought Maisie just a bit smaller than me and then padded her out to my shape and size. I was horrified at what I looked like! The only thing which was hard to get around was the shoulder to waist length. I am long waisted and the dress form fully extended is still a bit short. I have to be aware of that when fitting clothes. I made a princess line dress with a straight skirt in a calico sort of fabric like a toile i.e. not finished wth facings or hems to cover her in my size but put a zip at the back so if I lose weight (Please!) or put weight on I can remove it to make any necessary adjustments.
Yes, I have a dress form that I need to pad up. It it is similar to yours. I got her from Amazon. She is a size 14, and I named her Tishe.! It gives her an identity of her own.❤ She is mine. The name was my nickname when I was little.
Can u tell pls fibre or foam ? Which is best mannequin
I have a very old dress form that I use for displaying handbags. It’s small. But after watching this I may try padding it out. It’s the fabric covered hard kind that is adjustable ( just not my size) and it also has a knitted cover that stretches over it. It’s worth a shot right? Lol love your videos. Thanks
I enjoyed your video. I appreciate the information about padding out the "dolly", I didn't know that was the only way to make it like me. Unfortunately, I live in a small 2 bedroom apartment, the 2nd bedroom has to be my sewing area, office and my dryer room so no room for a "dolly". If I get into a more spacious apartment I would like to have one. Thank you for all your helpful information.
This was a really informative video. I was a little disappointed though, as I literally just purchased this exact same dress form from JK trading two weeks ago. If I had of waited I could have used your discount code. JK trading are a great supplier and they offer good service and are friendly and quick to respond to any enquires. I really love my new dress form. I’ve padded up dolly using wadding and running over it with a steam iron. This smooths out the padding. I then made a stretch cover to slip over her. Thanks for the video Evelyn.
Literally ordered a collapsible shoulder dress form off of eBay right before you uploaded this video! At first I tried getting a pinnable display mannequin but the maneuverability (or lack there of) was way too difficult. I’m super excited to pad it up based on a blog post that Brooks Ann posted about replicating your body with the quilted batting!
I've thought about making one, my body had changed over the years. Especially this year as I just had s double mastectomy (quer related not illness, I'm non- binary) so far I've altered a few of my clothes by sewing down curved bodice seams. A dress form might help as I alter more of my clothes. I might be able to buy a male form and pad out from there. Hmmm
Love your outfit! 😊 I know that’s not really the point of the video, but I just had to let you know.
Wow! This is such a good explenation. Thanks. 😀
Thanks! It's on my list of wants
7 minutes in and you finally share info.
Thank you for the information.😊
I have been tempted to get the beatrice form mannequin that you self make so it can be me exactly. Im just not sure if i can handle looking at a replica of myself
Me neither. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hi Evelyn, hope your treatment is going well. Please can I ask what you use to cover your dolly with?
One Day I Will Have One! I've been looking for one at thrift stores and consignment shops. They are So small. I am not! That's going to be A Lot of padding!😆
Hi Evelyn
Thank you so much for your videos I am new to your channel and I really enjoy your style.
I came across your what dress form to buy video.
I am curious why you don’t mention
a dress form that is 3/4 torso with thighs?
Have you ever used a sanded body cast to get the shape you need?
I remember in college art making a body cast of torso and body parts.
I’ve had a few dress forms, and while you can certainly pad them up to be quite like your own figure- My frustration has always been that dress forms generally come with 5” ( or wider) shoulders And I have narrow shoulders. Though you can add more circumference to the body of the form, you can’t reduce the shoulders lengths or make the dress form smaller than it is.
I totally agree. I also have very sloped shoulders, and so far can’t find one I can adjust.
Eileen sitting there like 👁👄👁 "after all we've been through" 😂
I think your new form should be called "Belle", as it's a beauty!
Iv had an adjustable dress form for around 8 years but have never used it because it needs padding and as I'm plus size I can't bear the thought of seeing my body shape everytime I go I to my sewing studio !!
Which is best ? Fibre mannequin or foam?
What about the good old Plastiform dress dummy? I simply love my "Olga" dummies. They are exact body doubles and quite pinnable when you put a t-shirt on as a cover.
Evelyn, I recognize that jumper from a previous video you posted. What is the Australian word for it? In the US, a jumper is a sleeveless dress made to be worn over a blouse.
Is it easy to remove foam? I'm quite flat and I'm only ever finding ones with a B cup (in my budget at least)
You look like Snow White in this video! ☺️
Good luck 👏✨
How do you compensate for height difference in a mannequin? I’m looking for full body one for dresses , skirts, tops, and pants. Most I see are for heights 69 inches & above. I’m 62 inches in height. Would that 7 inches matter?
Is there an American brand you’d recommend that’s similar to Dolly?
How do you find a mannequin for historical costuming? I am small with petite proportions and coresets change the shape of ribcage and waist. You can add to a mannequin, but how do you find a small adult female mannequin, small enough for a coreset?
Morgan Donner (actually it might have been Abby Cox🤔) made one using the modrock foam insulation method. She wore the corset she wears most often and then wrapped cling film over the top so that she didn't ruin it and then got her husband to do the mod rock part. She (whichever of the two it is) has a video showing her process.
@@SunnyMorningPancakes I've seen that video. I'm pretty sure it was Morgan Donner.
@@jenniferk7525 i think I'd watched a lot of both Morgan and Abby videos at the same time and I was confident it was Morgan until I started replying 🙂
I don’t understand the collapsable shoulder….never heard of that? What does it do?
I made one of myself with the help of a friend, an old t-shirt a bunch of ducttape, stuffing and a way too small mannequin. The low budget way to get a custom dress form
Hi Evelyn
Thank you so much for your videos I am new to your channel and I really enjoy your style.
I came across your what dress form to buy video.
I am curious why you don’t mention
a dress form that is 3/4 torso with thighs?
I am wondering if I wanted to get into making bathing suits, pants, shorts would I need one with legs?
😉 Ihopeurhavingasuperfantabulousday
Bootstrap has arms and legs too. Told you need an arm for the body as if not the body form.is too narrow across the shoulders. Told that company doesn't have a shoulder to shoulder measurement offered,.
Been studying every totorial there is and gathering up 'information' and hearing their 'corrections' they found had to happen.
Reading all the comments too discovered a comment saying that 'Staples' is able to print off the pattern in its full pieces so no playing with print size paper taping them together..
I wish there was a 'class' with a knowledgeable 'teacher' where we all did a 'Bootstrap' body form and had help and fun ..
Wish I could round up a few enthusiastic body form wanters and find a 'teacher' and get together in a church basement bringing our sewing machines and supplies , where these could be trusted left and resume over the next few evenings until we have completed.
Wish I could do this that way.
Blessings
GiGi
Hey 🤷🏻♀️
You didn’t say How much down in size we need to go?
This reminded me that you once save a Dolly from a place but she had been left out in the rain. Whatever happened to her?
Did you consider making yourself a Bootstrap form?
@@divinegoth There are youtubes about making one from them. I think Joey sewy is the oneI remeber.
There have been times when I wanted a Mannequin in my size with all my flaws. I have not tried to make a mannequin out of an over-sized T-shirt and Duck tape yet; because, I can't get the tape on the T-shirt in the correct places by myself. Plus, I'm not brave enough to ask someone to help me. There is not enough room in my sewing room for one anyway. However, it would be nice to own one with all my flaws.
Why do you need the cage curious
Has anyone tried a custom size bootstrap fashion dress form? Everybody keeps on sleeping on it. It's affordable and custom-made for you
What do you think about sew your mannequin with your own measurements?
I like the idea. Please let us know if that works.
I have been unable to find any dress form that has an A cup bust line. They all start at B cups so I find it impossible to do anything to get the bust to fit for my shape.
Bootstrap fashions.
I think a problem I may experience is that my measurements lie. My bust is way squishier and always has to be taken in at the first mockup, my "natural waist" isn't where I'd ever want a waistband, I have to shorten the back by 2" if there's no waistband, and the measurement where I need a waistband has to be at least 3" tighter than what's a comfortable measurement or my pants fall down. And though my hips measure 39", I can slip size 32 pants (34" waistas measured) off without undoing the button...
trying to decide between a 3/4 mannequin or a full body mannequin to make dresses and intimates. Anyone here have a full body mannequin and find it unstable or constantly have to remove it off the pole to take off the garment?
Excellant video, full of great advice and information.
Eileen! Too funny!
I made my dress form by making a plaster cast of myself and casting it with foam. It actually cost a lot less then the a decent dress form and is my exact proportions and shape. I have very unusual proportions, particularly a very long torso, and had very poor results trying to pad the one I already had. It is a little unsettling though since she even has my exact slouchy poster.
Yup did Same and worked great.
Good, the adjustable forms are too expensive
I don't have a mannequin and it's OK not to. I seem to do fine without one.
I was given a Dianna dress form but it is way to big for me and believe it or not I cannot find anyone who wants it lol
... measure the upper chest to fit is most important...
... tape measure under the arms and above the breast, the upper chest area...
... everything else can be padded...
I name mine Dolly too! I would never call her Eileen because that's my name and believe me I've heard all the I-lean jokes there are.
❤
Hi Evelyn if you or any of your students want to sell your downgrade mannequins to someone in Australia - I'm on the hunt for dress forms...
🤗🤗🤗
You should invent a dress form for people who have had mastectomies. The male dress form is not compatible to the female shape with regards to the hips and waist ratio, yet no female dress form has a flat chest.
u r so cute omgg
Hi, gift me one dress foam