ggexpansive
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Date: 2/26/12 1:48 AM Question about a store dress form that you make a fitting shell for ( to make it you size and shape) vs. a duct tape form. Which is best, do you think the store form would be worth the money vs. the tape form? Has anyone made a tape form? Any in put would be of help thank you.
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Miss Fairchild
 
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In reply to ggexpansive
Date: 2/26/12 8:03 AM Duct tape form, hands down. I've made two tape forms--one out of duct tape and the other out of masking tape. I'd suggest masking tape, though. Why? Because due to its thinness, it can replicate any nuances on your body. The duct tape is too thick to show things such as protruding shoulder blades, etc., and has a tendency to "melt", meaning your form will take on a different shape in hot weather.
The other thing about a store dress form is that the bust shape is a standard one and women's busts are all different. When I had a store dress form, I often thought of shaving the bust area down (it was too full). That's not to say that the Fabulous Fit (an online company which you didn't mention) forms aren't good; they are, but you have to decide where to put the padding, etc., whereas on a tape form, the "taper" is going over those places for you. ------
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nancy2001
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In reply to ggexpansive
Date: 2/26/12 9:26 AM Different people will have different advice about dress forms. The truth is that each type of dress form has its advantages and disadvantages. And what may be acceptable for one person may be a problem for someone else. And so much depends on your personal figure and measurements.
I have had three different types of forms, and none of them were perfect. My current form is a PGM that I ordered at a steep discount from the PGM website ($149 including shipping) and then padded out to approximate my figure using a set of Fabulous Fit bodysuits. While I love the form and its stability and appearance, the form's upper back is very slightly broader than mine (the other measurements and the shape of my padded out form are identical to mine. A smaller sized PGM form would have solved the problem, but I bought the smallest sized form the company manufactures.
I used to own a Uniquely You (a vintage form that I bought used). I performed surgery on the bust and was able to get a good likeness of the upper torso by padding it out. But the form's stand was extremely flimsy and tended to topple over, which I regarded as a major problem.
I also owned an inexpensive fiberglass store mannequin. I performed surgery on it and padded it out to approximate my figure. But I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
As far as the Dritz forms go, a few people like them, but I've heard many complaints: flimsy, hard to adjust, strange figure.
As far as the duct tape doubles go, some people like them and others don't. I've heard that the double ends up being somewhat larger than the person who was taped. I've also heard these forms have a tendency to collapse in on themselves over time. ------
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Date: 2/26/12 9:46 AM I have the Uniquely You form, and I never did use my duct tape double one, where I do use this. One of the big things is pinning for me, and I could never get the duct tape one to pin right. I got the UY for a few dollars more then the adjustable forms at a store, so I was happy with the price and form.
The stand on it does leave something to be desired, yes. But like Nancy said, there are pros and cons to each, and personal preferences enter into it a lot.
I've had both. The duct tape I disliked so much I never used it, and the UY form I use often. |
Nancy Rhodes
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Date: 2/26/12 9:50 AM Look into Jan Bones' method, using paper tape. Upside is not too difficult to achieve.. downside, not pin-able as it is a hard shell. Big advantage is not terribly expensive. I prefer it to the (made in the 90's duct tape one I tried) it was sort of clumsy in the end. I think the ULTIMATE would be the plaster bandage then the interior is cast in foam. That is on my wish list.. right now the company name escapes me. They are in California, do travel on occasion but have not been east for enough for me to make a go of it. (I am in Ohio). Jan's website is Lingeriesecrets.com.
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Fictionfan
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VT USA
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Date: 2/26/12 9:50 AM I just wrote a review of my Uniquely You form. I never had any luck with the duct tape form. Maybe it would have been better if I'd filled it with sawdust, but it just wasn't holding shape and I had a hard time figuring out a stand that would hold up and work. The duct tape double didn't have anything inside to attach a stand to! Commercial forms will have something. ------
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RMJ
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CA USA
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Date: 2/26/12 10:29 AM I love my DTD (duct tape dummy).
Here is my review
-- Edited on 2/26/12 10:30 AM -- |
KathySews
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Date: 2/26/12 10:40 AM My issues with the commercial forms are that I could not adjust for my
- short shoulder width
- short waist length
I had a form that I padded out by adding a bra etc, but the too wide shoulders were a big problem for me.
Forgot to add, I made a dtd and agree pinning is an issue but at least I can check fit through shoulders. Still looking for the perfect dress form 
-- Edited on 2/26/12 10:41 AM -- |
tourist
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Date: 2/26/12 10:55 AM I love my DTD in spite of the fact that she is looking slightly sad these days.
Local friends are doing paper tape dummies this weekend and I am so sad that I can't be there! Masking tape sounds like an excellent idea, too. ------
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Elona
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Date: 2/26/12 12:33 PM I have the custom-made, expandable foam MyTwin dressform.
And LOVE it. The thing reproduces my very individual figure quirks like no other dressform I have ever had in decades of sewing. It is rather pricey, so I saved my pennies for a while to get it, but the cost can be lowered if you do it yourself, and various strategies for that are mentioned at the website.
That said, If I were doing it again on a smaller budget, I would unhesitatingly go for the paper tape form mentioned above. They are light and can be incredibly durable; I have seen one that was nearly a hundred years old and in beautiful shape still.
-- Edited on 2/26/12 5:14 PM -- |
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