Back in the 50's this is how you made hand made button holes. This way you could make buttonholes if you did not have a buttonhole maker.

I purchased a dress form with all the pads to make it "fit". Never have managed to get it to fit. Also made a duct tape form but don't believe my husband did the taping accurately. Last year took some classes and found out I have an additional 2 inches in my upper torso and 2 inches in my lower torso. The dress form I purchased won't accomodate dropping the bust two inches or the waist. Very frustrating experiences.