clothng-forms-msg - 3/24/06
Commercial and home-made clothing forms. For fitting and displaying clothes.
NOTE: See also the files: sewing-msg, sergers-msg, sewng-machnes-msg, sewing-tools-msg, sewing-tables-msg, fabric-SCA-msg, fabric-ident-msg, CMA-sew-supl-msg, patterns-msg, clothing-FAQ, clothing-msg.
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NOTICE -
This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.
This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org
I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.
The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make no claims as to the accuracy of the information given by the individual authors.
Please respect the time and efforts of those who have written these messages. The copyright status of these messages is unclear at this time. If information is published from these messages, please give credit to the originator(s).
Thank you,
Mark S. Harris AKA: THLord Stefan li Rous
Stefan at florilegium.org
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Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 98 13:57:27 MST
From: Steve Hemphill <hemphill at io.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
j'lynn yeates wrote:
> question to the clothing types out there ... are there adjustable
> male clothing forms available (locally?) ... for some armour projects
> (mail tailoring for example) they would be ideal. any second hand
> shops/sources that might have female forms (have had several
> outstanding metal/jewelry commissions that i would like to start on,
> and such a form would make the work a lot easier)
>
> 'wolf
Years ago, when I first started sewing, the only male body forms
available were in New York for a pretty hefty sum (approx. $400-$1000).
I have never seen an adjustable man's form, but you can get an
inexpensive female form at several local cloth stores (they aren't
terribly sturdy, but will do the job for a period of time). You can
also get custom made forms of yourself out of NY if you are willing to
spend the money, however, the techniques discribed in "Threads" magazine
will do just fine. Look in "Threads" for the ads for custom forms.
Eule von Haginbald
mka Steve Hemphill
Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 98 00:43:22 MST
From: "Mary Temple" <noxcat at hotmail.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
>I just received instructions on how to make a dressmaker's form using
>duct tape. If anyone's interested in them, let me know.
>
>Bruno
there's actually an article in last month's Threads magazine that shows
four different ways of making custom fitted dressmakers forms. I've got
it if anyone's interested.
Catriona
Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 98 13:47:05 MST
From: Steve Hemphill <hemphill at io.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
bruno at corridor.net wrote:
> I just received instructions on how to make a dressmaker's form using
> duct tape. If anyone's interested in them, let me know.
>
> Bruno
I also have a paper/class that I've done for the past 10 or so years on
a similar technique using plaster bandages. Over the past few years
I've made/helped make several dozen of these forms....won't sew without
them!
If anyone would like a copy of my paper, let me know.
Eule von Haginbald
mka Steve Hemphill
Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 98 13:57:26 MST
From: scott white <swhite at cimedia.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
For what it's worth, I used a masking tape dummy of myself as a tool for
determining placement of my fairly large wrap-around tattoo.
I put on sweats & an old T-shirt and then had a neighborhood spinster wrap
me in several rolls of tape. We snipped it in half with scissors & then
stuffed it with newspaper.
The thing was hideous, but it did the job. I can only imagine what the
garbage men thought of it when I finally threw it out ...
Gnith
Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 98 12:13:01 MST
From: Steve Hemphill <hemphill at io.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
j'lynn yeates wrote:
> How would that approach work, if instead of newspaper, it was
> internally supported, the arm, torso, and neck holes blocked, and
> the cavity was injected with some of the expanding urethane
> construction foam ??? ...
>
> 'wolf
That's what I use....2 part pour able polyurethane foam. It runs
about$25 a set (for part "A" and part "B") and can be had at an insulation or
building supply. Don't even try the stuff in the can which is available
at "Home Depot"....it's very expensive for a complete body form and
doesn't work very well.
The 2 part pour able foam (3lb. density) will expand to 25 times it's
original size ( in about 30 seconds) so you only need about 1 1/2 - 2
1/2 cups per body form (depending on the model's size) so it's best to
go in with a couple of folks to minimize the cost. If about 3 - 4 folks
chip in to purchase the foam, plaster bandages and other misc. supplies,
it comes out to just under $50 per person. Just be sure not to get the
stuff on your clothes! It doesn't come out with anything!
Eule/Steve
Ya' know, if enough people are interested, I could possibly have my arm
twisted to do a short class on the subject sometime, somewhere.
Normally, I do about an hour long class with supplies and a
demonstration, but it can be shortened (and I don't currently have any
supplies)....the paper, by itself, might not be very self-explanatory.
Other than fighter practice, what other venues do we have for something
like this?
Subject: Re: BG - Duct Tape Dummies
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 98 01:32:46 MST
From: CRICKETRED at aol.com
To: bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG
<< I just received instructions on how to make a dressmaker's form using
duct tape. If anyone's interested in them, let me know.
Bruno >>
http://www.leanna.com/DuctTapeDouble/
go to this site.. gives great directions
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 16:02:19 EST
From: <LadyEirinn at aol.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins/duct tape double
http://www.leanna.com/DuctTapeDouble/
This may be what was discussed earlier, I have meant to do this, but I keep
thinking I'll lose weight and then have to make another one! Plus, I'm not
sure I really want to see what I look like! <grin>
Lady Eirinn
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 16:26:05 -0500
From: Irene leNoir <irene at ici.net>
To: <sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu>
Subject: Re: mannekins
Ragnar wrote:
> Does anyone have any thoughts on how to build
>transportable,collapsible and preferably inexpensive mannekins or frameworks
>to display tunics, cloaks,hoods etc. I'm trying to figure out both free
>standing for hard surfaces like indoors and something that can be attached
>to a pole ala Vlad the Impaler for outdoors wind resistance. I know about
>making paper mache body casts but would prefer something less bulky.
A friend has a great stand that I saw just this past weekend. She took a
music stand and got an extender pole for it to increase the height.
Mounted on the top of the vertical pole is a men's suit hanger (the kind
with the extra wide shoulders with lots of shaping) that has had the wire
hanging hook removed.
Admittedly, it has no arms, so garments with sleeves would be displayed
with the sleeves simply hanging at the sides. However, otherwise it does
a great job, and folds down very compactly.
Jessica Clark
SCA: Irene leNoir
irene at ici.net
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 15:33:43 -0600
From: Rikki Mitman <esmitman at ghg.net>
To: "'sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu'" <sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu>
Subject: RE: mannekins
From: Irene leNoir [SMTP:irene at ici.net]
>Mounted on the top of the vertical pole is a men's suit hanger (the kind
>with the extra wide shoulders with lots of shaping) that has had the wire
>hanging hook removed.
Admittedly, it has no arms, so garments with sleeves would be displayed
with the sleeves simply hanging at the sides.
You could always stuff the sleeves with tissue to give them some "body."
Teleri ferch Pawl
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 18:44:45 -0600
From: Roberta R Comstock <froggestow at juno.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins
You could do a wooden tripod with the previously mentioned coathangar at
the top, finished with a neck spike holding a foam wig head. Cover the
head with a neutral fabric such as a section of opaque tights thigh.
This would display hoods and cowls, as well as cloaks and tunics.
Alternatively, use portable holes stuck in the ground and have the upper
part mounted on a single piece of closet rod or pvc pipe. For indoor
sites, you can stand these in christmas tree stands or indoor flag pole
bases.
hertha
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 14:39:52 -0800
From: Lady Eleanor <hekav at gte.net>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins
Irene leNoir wrote:
a men's suit hanger (the kind...
> Admittedly, it has no arms, so garments with sleeves would be displayed
> with the sleeves simply hanging at the sides. However, otherwise it does
> a great job, and folds down very compactly.
The sleeves could be pinned up at the waist or some other "natural" looking
pose. That's what I do...with at least *one* of them anyway...when I photograph
the gowns I do. It makes the display look a little less static, and adds some
small bit of extra interest, and makes the sleeve more noticeable. :-)
They could also be stuffed with tissue and held in place
with a wire. Just another thought.
Lady Eleanor
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 23:21:26 -0500
From: "Gryphon's Moon" <margritt at mindspring.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins
> Does anyone have any thoughts on how to build
>transportable,collapsible and preferably inexpensive mannekins or frameworks
>to display tunics, cloaks,hoods etc. I'm trying to figure out both free
>standing for hard surfaces like indoors and something that can be attached
>to a pole ala Vlad the Impaler for outdoors wind resistance. I know about
>making paper mache body casts but would prefer something less bulky.
>
>Ragnar
My wonderful husband made me a "PVC person" by cutting lengths of PVC to
the proper length and then joining them with various elbow joints. The base
is shaped like a capital "I", with an upright for the body extending off
the center of the "I". There's a joint in the middle to make it more
compact when it's taken apart, and a "T" shaped section for the shoulders.
This works great for displaying embroidered garb entered in A&S
competitions! I usually cover the neck opening with a piece of contrasting
cloth.
PVC can be painted, but you'll need to rough up the surface first. Believe
me, there's nothing more frustrating than watching paint slide off of a
freshly painted PVC bed frame. :-( (For those who are curious, the bed
frame surrounded an air-mattress, and was simply to hold up the curtains.
It didn't support any significant weight).
-Margritte
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 12:26:13 EST
From: <LadyPDC at aol.com
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins
Ed.Moore at okdhs.org writes:
> I'm still working on functional and realistic hands but don't see how to do
> it with off the shelf parts and may have to cut finger bones strung
> together with a stiff but bendable wire.
> Ragnar
Try going to a magic shop. They have very realistic looking hands and arms
for joke type magic tricks at very reasonable prices.
Constance de Larose
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 10:54:14 -0800 (PST)
From: H B <nn3_shay at yahoo.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: RE: mannekins
--- "Moore, Ed" <Ed.Moore at YM_M4I5S3S_2.org> wrote:
> Thanks everyone for your input on mannekins. I've
> settled on skeletons made
> of PVC plumbing pipe and joints....
If you find yourself wanting to set these outside
somewhere and there's a moderate breeze, you may be
able to weight them with gallon or half-gallon milk
jugs filled with water. I found this trick in a
photography book -- good way to increase stability of
your tripod (hang it from the centerpost) without
having to buy a heavy (expensive) tripod. I should
think you could be able to weight the feet of your
people (attach with duct tape?) and keep their feet on
the ground. May help indoors to counter-balance heavy
garments hanging from shoulders, too. Since you can
usually get water fairly easily anywhere except
tramping though woods, you don't have to carry your
weighting very far. If the feet will show on male
models, perhaps you could fill up the legs/feet, if
they are water-tight?
This whole concept sounds intriguing -- let us know how
it turns out!
-- Harriet
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 13:36:07 -0600
From: Roberta R Comstock <froggestow at juno.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: mannekins
On Fri, 26 Mar 1999 11:22:42 -0600 "Moore, Ed" <Ed.Moore at okdhs.org> writes:
>I'm still working on functional and realistic hands but don't see how to do
>it with off the shelf parts and may have to cut finger bones strung together
>with a stiff but bendable wire.
>Ragnar
Cheap white cotton gloves. Use pipecleaner or other wire in the fingers,
making a loop in the end to prevent it from poking through. Then stuff
around the wires with cut-up bits of old nylons or poly fiber fill
stuffing.
Hertha
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 08:32:42 -0500
From: Ron Charlotte <ronch2 at bellsouth.net>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: A&S Tourney Help?
At 09:07 PM 12/27/00 -0600, Isabeau-Sophea wrote:
> If I am to use garb, and I have no dressmaker's dummy, how best
>to display it? I am allowed 2 small peices of luggage(less than 75lbs). Is
>there a type of dummy that can be broken down to fit into a small duffel?
One trick that I've seen used is to make a human shape out of fabric and
transport it flat, then stuff it with newspaper when you need it. It's
cheap, and pretty easy to whip one out. Approximately sized (stuffed
undergarments will fill out the needful curves)
Ron Charlotte -- Gainesville, FL
From: Catalina Ana de Salamanca <catalina at ravenkeep.org>
Date: December 4, 2005 6:03:41 PM CST
To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
Jennifer Miner wrote:
>>>
Do you still have instructions on how to make a dressmaker's dummy out of duct tape? I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out. I want to learn how to sew my own clothes. As you can see from my picture, I have a major hip/waist ratio problem with today's clothes. I can't buy a pair of pants without having to have the waist taken in. It would be nice if I could just do it on my own. I bought a machine, and I'm learning the basics.
Heather
<<<
I'm not sure if you were talking to me, but I have a site you can
look at anyway:)
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00002_p5.asp
Clone Yourself A Fitting Assistant, page 5
This one has several different methods to make dress dummies.
Try the one that works for you.
~Catalina
From: Peters Athena <drgngoddess_2k at yahoo.com>
Date: December 4, 2005 6:30:12 PM CST
To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
You can find the instructions that I follow to make my
dummies at this website:
http://www.leanna.com/DuctTapeDouble/textA.html
These are her very basic outline instructions but by
using these and perusing her taping tales
(http://www.leanna.com/DuctTapeDouble/Tales/tales.html)
which give helpful tips from others who have used the
method, I have been able to succesfully make two duct
tape dummies.
If you feel these instructions are too basic though
and you need more detail, you can also order a full 30
page guide from her for as little as $10 for the
electronic version.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other
questions. :)
-Vyvyanne
From: Eule <eule at ecpi.com>
Date: December 4, 2005 9:53:29 PM CST
To: 'Barony of Bryn Gwlad' <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: RE: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
I've been using the form I made using the following technique
(http://www.mytwindressforms.com/) for about 15 years now...Ariella's
for about 12 years. They have stood up very well over the years. It's
a little bit more work but the results are superior (in my opinion).
Some other sites detailing how to make body forms claim that you will
have a hard time finding the materials (i.e. plaster bandages and
pourable 2 part polyurethane foam) however, I have not had a difficult
time finding them around town. Quick drying plaster bandages can be
found at medical supply houses and the 4 lb. 2 part pourable
polyurethane foam can be found at insulation companies...both can be
found in the phone book.
Btw, the polyurethane foam comes in two parts of 1 gallon each for about
$50 and you can make about 3-4 forms from that mix (the foam will expand
to about 25 times it volume). But be warned....if this stuff gets on
anything, especially clothes, it will not come out.
Eule/Steve
Unus sed Leo
From: Eule <eule at ecpi.com>
Date: December 4, 2005 11:37:53 PM CST
To: 'Barony of Bryn Gwlad' <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: RE: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
From: Stefan li Rous
>>>
On Dec 4, 2005, at 9:53 PM, Eule wrote:
> I've been using the form I made using the following technique
> (http://www.mytwindressforms.com/) for about 15 years now...Ariella's
> for about 12 years. They have stood up very well over the years.
> It's a little bit more work but the results are superior (in my opinion).
Wow. 12 and 15 years is much longer than I would expect.
I also know that some of us, including me, have gained a bit of
weight over that same time period. How easy are the dummies made with
this method to modify? I assume adding extra material might be easier
than compensating for lost weight? Or is just better to plan on
making a new (dressmaker's) dummy in a few years?
I wonder if this method would make useable 3-D targets for archery
tournaments? Although getting the deer or boar to stand still while
the plaster dries might be difficult. :-)
Stefan
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous Barony of Bryn Gwlad Kingdom of Ansteorra
<<<
We've found that it's most effective to modify the pattern as we're
draping to accommodate any changes in our own sizes. Sometimes we'll
pad them out for some special purpose...depending on the need.
As for archery targets...sure, they would work but would be a bit
expensive. I would think that a form made of packed straw or sawdust
would be a more appropriate material though.
Eule/Steve
From: brandtfamily at sprintmail.com
Date: December 5, 2005 5:46:55 AM CST
To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
Seeing how simple this is. When your size changes drastically, just
chuck the old and make another one.
Pegasus
On Dec 4, 2005, at 11:37 PM, Eule wrote:
> We've found that it's most effective to modify the pattern as we're
> draping to accommodate any changes in our own sizes. Sometimes we'll
> pad them out for some special purpose...depending on the need.
>
> As for archery targets...sure, they would work but would be a bit
> expensive. I would think that a form made of packed straw or sawdust
> would be a more appropriate material though.
>
> Eule/Steve
From: Sunny Medlock <sunnyday78723 at yahoo.com>
Date: December 5, 2005 1:28:30 PM CST
To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
I have the UNIQUELY YOU DRESS FORM that you can see on this link:
http://www.sewserg.com/products/abp03900-0130.html
It is a similar idea to the duct tape version, but with foam and a
cloth cover. It is nice because it is very adjustable if you change
sizes. You just zip the cover off, put it on you, have a friend help
you mark the alterations, and then zip in back on the mannequin. The
fitting is also much more comfortable than being wrapped in duct
tape, or imagine, a cast for however long it takes to do that.
My only complaint is that you need help to get it fitted properly,
but that is true with other dress forms as well.
Elisabetta
From: gwenneth at dona.sca.org
Date: December 5, 2005 2:49:29 PM CST
To: bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] DRESSMAKER'S DUMMY
That's the one I use. My main issue with it is that you
can't adjust the arms eyes or neckline. Plus the stand is
a bit wobbly, so you have to be careful marking hems.
Gwenneth
> I have the UNIQUELY YOU DRESS FORM that you can see on
> this link:
> http://www.sewserg.com/products/abp03900-0130.html
<the end>