Making a Custom Dress Form

The Paper Mache Method

Many of us desire to have a custom dress form with our exact measurements and shape to help with draping and fitting issues. Like many, I have tried all of them and found one that is economical, fast and very durable. 

The results are as follows.

The Duct Tape Double – was too sticky for pins. It starts to droop and ‘melt’ after some time, especially if your sewing room is warm.

The Styrofoam Double – was very messy to make, and ‘grew’ no matter how carefully the foam was applied. It was also very flimsy to use.

The Adjustable Consumer Form – has open spaces no matter what size you are with no way to pin or fit your pattern where it is crucial to fit.

The Paper Mache Method – has very accurate results. I was surprised that the finished measurements matched mine EXACTLY! It was quick to make (within one hour), inexpensive, pinnable, and retains your true body shape. Finally, an affordable body double that fits!

The Paper Mache Method was developed by Connie Crawford, Fashion Patterns by Coni, after researching the professional dress form method and several other custom form processes. If your body shape changes, this method is SEW fast and economical that a new form can be easily made whenever a new body size is needed.

Pictured here are two incomplete Paper Mache Methods in their rough forms. The openings need to be reinforced and then stabilized on the inside. After which they will be stuffed and mounted on a stand. Finally they will be covered with a custom fitted shoulder princess seam muslin cover.

They look like very shapely ladies!

If you would like your own Body Double, contact me to schedule your wrap!

American Sewing Expo, 4-H, and Fall Classes

This past fall I was able to catch up with friends from all over the US, even a few from London, ON. One very familiar face was Lori at the ASE who forgot her machine's cord. With SEW many friends I was able to secure a temporary replacement for the day. She surprised me on the last day with a beautiful tea mug filled with wonderful hot tea! I did not get the opportunity to thank you, Lori, SEW a huge hug and a big THANK YOU! You are a GEM!

Saturday evening was the Fashion for Passion Runway Show. Their mentor was none other than the ‘Queen Mum’, Becky, a wonderful friend! Becky did a fabulous job offering each contestant encouragement and guidance throughout the two days they were given to create their look.

Saturday afternoon the Innovation Generation contest featured 11 young participants who each modeled outfits they made during the past year. They were fabulous - I would not want to be a judge! The beautiful young lady who won 1st prize and the Grand Prize was 15-year-old Erin, who made a black wool coat (fabric from Fabricationsonline.com) and a black wool jumper (fabric from Fabricgallery.net), each trimmed in raspberry suede. She did a superb job and deserved it! Congratulations, Erin!

Erin is one of my 4-H sewing students, a meticulous seamstress and very fashionable young lady. I am SEW proud of her and all of my young 4-H students! Each of my young 4-H sewing participants took numerous awards at the local county 4-H fair this past August in sewing and several other categories. They are a joy to work with and I always look forward to sewing with the kids.

Fall classes have started and more will begin following the holidays. Please visit often as class information is updated often.
If you are interested in the Pants Drafting, Fitting & Design Class, be sure to let me know as size is limited and there are very few spots left.

Classes are designed for everyone: Hands On or Lectures, Beginners thru Advance. All classes are limited in size for individual attention. A few of the upcoming classes include: Sew Like a Pro; Custom Pants Drafting & Fitting; Custom Bodice Fitting, Making Your Own Dress Forms. Please visit often as class information is updated often.