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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>



Formatting copyright © Mark S. Harris (THLord Stefan li Rous).
All other copyrights are property of the original article and message authors.

Comments to the Editor: stefan at florilegium.org