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Fabulous Fit system - what size dress form should I use?
ErinMichelle Intermediate IL USA Member since 1/26/09 Posts: 9	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/12 8:25 PM After a bit of research, I've decided that the FF padding system is probably the best replacement for my old adjustable cheapie (which I don't actually hate, it just worked better when I was a different size and could get a pretty accurate double just with a stuffed bra). I need to buy a dress form to go with the system, and am leaning toward Roxy based on reviews and price. So what I'm wondering is how much bulk the FF pads add, and thus how much smaller than my measurements I should go for the base dress form. I have a few fit issues, namely a fuller bust (D cup), short torso, and wider hips. I currently measure 35-27-37. Is it easier to work with something that needs minimal padding, or would going a fair bit smaller (the smallest form from Roxy measures 32.5-24.5-34.5) leave more room for the pads and doing things like shifting the waistline?
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6990	Login to reply to this post In reply to ErinMichelle << Like this post Date: 7/12/12 8:58 PM One thing I'd like to suggest is that you buy the form based on your upper bust measurement. This area is the hardest to fit and if you buy a size larger than it is, it will be very difficult to work with. I bought a FF system and I really loved it. But the upper bust measurement was bigger than me. I often thought of shaving down the master form, but then realized I might mess it up. If I ever get to the point of buying another one again, I'll buy it by my upper bust size. In fact, the owner (can't remember her name now) made this as a suggestion. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
ValerieJ   Advanced Beginner PA USA Member since 6/14/06 Posts: 537	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/12 9:33 PM Definitely go smaller, and then use the pads. When I ordered mine they were very helpful in picking the right size. The pads only get you so far, though. I put an old bra on mine and used fiberfill to get the bust closer to me. I also found that I had to put pads in place based on where I needed the width. Just take their directions with a grain of salt. I wished I had a few more pads, Indidn't think what it came with was quite enough. However, it is 500% better than what I had before (nothing).
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6111	Login to reply to this post In reply to ErinMichelle << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/12/12 9:59 PM I recommend that you go smaller and build up the form. That way you can shape the bust, waist and hips to match your shape not just your measurements. Put a good bra on your form and pad it out. I bought the smallest form I could find (size 2 PGM), and I also bought the Fabulous Fit Pads. Unfortunately, I couldn't use any of the pads because they were far too large for my figure (33-26-36). I did however use the two bodysuits that came with the form and I padded the form with batting. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2469	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/12 10:45 PM First, I'd call Fabulous Fit and ask what size padding kit to buy. They're very helpful, and their advice can help you figure out what size form to go with. I think, though, that you'll want to go with the size you mention in your post. I went in the opposite direction (had a tiny form first, bought the FF to make it usable), but I think mine was a similar size to that (about a size 2 RTW), and with whatever size kit the folks at Fabulous Fit advised me to buy, I was able to get fantastic results. I'm a DD cup and only needed to use additional padding in a couple of places. I added a couple of those "chicken cutlet" bra pads at the bust, and two old shoulder pads at the shoulders (I have a low bust point and couldn't seem to get that measurement correct any other way). Miss Fairchild raises an excellent point about the high bust measurement. I was concerned when I ordered mine, b/c my form was actually larger in the high bust than I am by about an inch or so (my body narrows above the bust, and the shop display form, lacking arms, goes in a graceful V). But the FF folks said it would be OK, and honestly, I haven't had any problems with it. Now, I don't know if it depends on the specific garments you're making on it (I do a lot of things fitted over corsets), so just take that for whatever it's worth! Just for fun, you might check out these photos of a project I fitted on my padded-out form. Here's a bodice in progress: http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/395564830.jpg And here's the finished version, on me: http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/23882966/398340158.jpg ------ ~Gem in the prairie
peaceykeen Beginner TX USA Member since 5/21/08 Posts: 79	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/12 10:58 PM I made my dress form as small as it can go because of the high bust being a little bigger than me on my My Double dress form, and used the size small FF system to pad up. It is not enough pads for my D cups so I need to do the bra thing but everything else was enough for me. My measurements are 39-30-42. ------ I'm learning one mistake at a time! :) http://shawntasews.wordpress.com
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2580	Login to reply to this post In reply to stirwatersblue << Like this post Date: 7/12/12 11:32 PM Here are your great pics! Fantastic work! -- Edited on 7/12/12 11:33 PM -- ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6111	Login to reply to this post In reply to stirwatersblue << Like this post Date: 7/13/12 7:19 AM Unfortunately, the Fabulous Fit pads are the same size, regardless of the size of the kit you buy. The only thing that changes is the size of the body suit. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
Lynnelle   Intermediate MI USA Member since 4/8/07 Posts: 2376 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/25/12 3:01 PM I am in between sizes at the moment and am unsure if I should get the medium or large cover. Any suggestions? Thanks. L
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/25/12 3:06 PM Whatever you decide on, it might be worthwhile to read this marvelous experience with what you might call a 'difficult' dressform:

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