Replies

1. 
   Seamster411 | Jul 20, 2006 05:22pm | #1

   I have a My Twin that I purchased in a local Hancocks Fabrics (a local fabric store in our area).  I waited until it was on sale and then purchased it with an additional 10%off because I am a sewing guild member.  I purchased this one because I have trouble fitting myself, my weight fluctuates and this model is adjustable.  I am not totally comfortable using it and using it to my best advantage but I am learning (and I do a lot of alterations and sewing for others but just not myself.)  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a dressform and this was a good solution for me.

   Diane

1. 
   SamHan | Jul 21, 2006 06:17am | #2

   Thanks Diane....are you uncomfortable using it because it's new to you or some other reason? 

   Jeanne

1. 
   Seamster411 | Jul 21, 2006 06:33pm | #3

   Hi Jeanne,

   You have really made me think!!! I know that I haven't spent enough time working with a dressform.  I have done some fitting with it but I haven't "fine tuned" the dummy at this point and I still have fitting when I complete a garment.  i haven't made much for myself (except for skirts) that I have been pleased with.  I am busty and even though you can 'dial' in the measurement, it still isn't where your bust line always is.  I have been sewing since I was 8 years old (I'm 56) and I do all kinds of sewing, quilting, alterations, home dec stuff and in the last two years, made 3 wedding gowns and assorted bridemaid dresses just for my daughters alone.  So figuring out how to fit myself is not a top priority (especially since I work full time).

   But I must say when I do use my dress form I am glad I have it. It helps me to see how a pattern will hang and it helps me to fit the bigger picture.  I think the only kind of dress form that would help would be one made from a cast of your body and I know you can make them...only then would you get a true way to fit your unique body.

   One of the best things that I have for fitting is a three way mirror.  My husband bought it for me for Christmas last year and I use it all the time, not just for sewing.  i can see the back part of me when I am trying on a garment.

   Hope this helps you make a decision...when I went to buy my dress form I went with one that was not so expensive so if I decided I didn't like using it, I wouldn't be our much money.  I also use it for letting a garment hang on it before I hem.

   Sorry for the rambling.

   Diane

1. 
   SamHan | Jul 22, 2006 06:00pm | #4

   Hi Diane,

     Ramble away...lots of good insight.  :-)  The form looks nice, I checked it out online.  I've become rounder, lol, & am getting back to sewing after a few yrs.  Not making fancy stuff but shirts & whatnot to get back in practice.  I like the way this form can change along with my shape too, I definately don't like clothes that are too tight & I think this will help me lots.

   Thanks bunches!

   Jeanne

2. 
   Vick | Jul 23, 2006 05:56am | #5

   Dianne,

   I've been debating with myself about buying a dress form and you helped convince me I should buy one. Thank you.

   I think I will also do the 3 way mirror. I had seen one along time ago in a home, I don't know why I didn't think of one myself.

   We use them when we buy retail clothing. I don't know why more people don't have them at home!

   For the person who is also considering a dress form, if you type in Dress form several companies will come up in your browser.

   Vouge even teachs a class in how to make one.

   (i'm not that creative myself though)

    

    

3. 
   user-116736 | Jul 24, 2006 10:35pm | #6

   A tip I learned from another person is to put one of your bras on the dress form and stuff the cups; that way you get a  bust that resembles your own.  You adjust the dressform itself to fit your below bust and high chest measurements and the bra fits for your actual breast placement. (high or low, close together or far apart) This is also good when a special bra is being used--say a push up bra.

    

2. 
   SamHan | Sep 24, 2006 05:48am | #7

    Hi Diane,

     I had to write & tell you thank you!  I bought the My Twin & love it...or should I say her?  :-)  I set all my dials to be me & have a shirt I'm working on hanging on there.  Really nice for seeing how it's coming along & for making adjustments here & there.

   Thanks again for the help!

   Jeanne