Replies

1. 
   KBTsewer | Jun 11, 2009 10:35pm | #1

   Janet Moville who's based in Lancashire is one person to ask.She runs courses on making a fitting buddy either on a one to one basis or part of a class.Log onto http://www.isew.co.uk and you'll find details about her.I did a course, fitting my dressmaking form to my measurements, at Linton Tweeds Carlisle but that was some years ago.Also suggest emailing the editor of Sewing World as she might know of courses in London or London fringe.Her name is Wendy Gardiner '[email protected].
   Hope this helps.

1. 
   Gravergaard | Jun 12, 2009 01:10pm | #2

   Thanks a lot.

   I have written to the people so hoping for good response.

   Kind regards

   Lulu

1. 
   KBTsewer | Jun 13, 2009 03:30pm | #3

   Have just found Janet Moville's web address. It's http://www.sewjanetmoville.co.uk.E-mail enquiries = [email protected].
   You'll be able to see what her workshop calendar is. Glad to help.

   Edited 6/13/2009 8:30 am by parrot

1. 
   Gravergaard | Jun 15, 2009 12:09pm | #4

   Thank you again, i will contact her and find out when her next course is.

   Regards

   Lulu

1. 
   gingerink | Jun 16, 2009 05:36pm | #5

   I've been impressed with the "My Twin" dressform system.  It's DIY (you would need a helper), but it fits you precisely--not only size, but shape and posture and any irregularities.  You can buy the kit with its manual, a DVD how-to, and/or the stand for the dressform at the web site http://www.mytwindressforms.com.  There are also seminars available and workshops.

   Basically, you have a helper wrap you in plaster bandages (like making a cast for a broken arm) and just before the plaster sets hard, your helper cuts it (bandage scissors included) up the front and back so you can take it off.  The plaster bandage "cast" is very carefully taped back together and allowed to harden.  Then, neck and arm holes are covered w. duct tape and the cast is swabbed all over inside with surgical soap (for easier release) and filled with spray foam insulation (from the building industry!)  After the foam hardens, take off the tape, take off the cast from the foam, and mount the dressform on some kind of stand.  You might also want to make a stretch fabric cover for your dressform, with all the horizontal and vertical marks on it, etc.

   And no, I'm not a rep for the company, just a home sewer who has done custom sewing/alterations in the past (moved on to custom stained glass windows), but I still sew for myself.  And I'm not only a funny size, but I also have a bit of scoliosis (crooked back, uneven shoulders, rib hump, etc.).  As an artist, I care what I look like, and have struggled with fitting my own clothes.  I believe the MyTwin is my answer; now I'm waiting to deal with a bit of pudge...and then I'll make the dressform.  I've already bought the kit.  : )

    

    

2. 
   Cindy_Lynn | Jun 22, 2009 07:57pm | #6

   Hi GingerInk!
   I've just bookmarked this link as I too have scoliosis (severe enough I'm disabled from it) and have always been horribly conscious of how my clothes droop across my right shoulder front and stretch across the right shoulder blade. Although I love many stripes, I can't wear them because they always look 'crooked' on me and seem to emphasize my disfigurement, especially the horizontal ones. Thank you for posting it!
   Cindy Lynn

3. 
   gingerink | Jun 22, 2009 09:10pm | #7

   Glad this helped, Cindy Lynn! 

4. 
   7armadillos | Jul 02, 2009 11:12am | #8

   Is there a pattern somewhere for making a stretch fabric cover for a dressform?

5. 
   gingerink | Jul 02, 2009 03:46pm | #9

   Thanks for your question, Armadillos!  This is the source I'm impressed with: http://www.dressformdesigning.com/dressformbasic.html

   If it doesn't meet your needs, type "pattern dressform cover" into your browser and see what comes up.

   Wishing you all the best!

   GingerInk