Traiven3d
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ON CANADA
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Date: 1/7/13 9:34 PM Evening everyone!
I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good source for purchasing an adjustable male tailor form. I live up in Toronto, Canada so something more local will probably be much less expensive given the size of a form.
Another question. I'm currently working on a men's style vest, and I've been struggling with constructing the tie's at the back. They're limp and really difficult to press into a clean, crisp shape. I've thought of trying to add interfacing but feel like this may add a lot of weight and stiffness.
Cheers! ------
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QuiltSewSewSue
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AUSTRALIA
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Date: 1/7/13 10:14 PM On the vest I made, I think (from memory) that I used an iron-on interfacing on at least one side of the bands. Mine had vest buckles and were not tied though. The iron-on interfacing was a light weight one.
HTH  ------
Sue (Toowoomba Qld)
Love to sew....
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SheBear0320
 
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Date: 1/8/13 0:08 AM I did vests for my son's wedding last summer and used a light weight fusible woven interfacing on one side of the "straps" -- they were then attached with buckles. I made sure to trim the interfacing so that there was very little in the seam allowance which made them easier to turn and press flat.
The wearers ranged in age from 2 to 30 and the "straps" looked crisp and straight for all those photos from the back of the church.
Sorry I have no help for a male form -- I would love to find one to have in the studio as I do a lot of men's skating and dance costumes.
------
Sheila
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along:
33.625 yards sewn (as of 05/31/13)
21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/31/13)
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stirwatersblue
Intermediate
KS USA
Member since 12/13/08
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Date: 1/8/13 12:36 PM A professional seamstress pal of mine in England has a male form, so they're definitely out there. Have you tried ebay Canada?
This looks like mostly shop display forms, but maybe you'll find something in here:
http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=male+dress+form&_sacat=0&_odkw=male+tailor+form&_osacat=0&_from=R40
Alternatively, is there a reason you can't do what a lot of female sewists have done and make a duct tape double or pad out an existing male shop display form? I've been thinking of doing the latter for my DH (until he reminded me that he's always actually here for me to fit him in person! LOL).
Good luck! ------
~Gem in the prairie |
Traiven3d
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Date: 1/13/13 9:33 PM Thanks for your help everyone! Initially I was creating the ties from the lining fabric, and instead switched to the fashion fabric, a much stiffer wool. The ties are done, and the vest is nearly finished! I'll be sure to post up the final images of it when it's complete.
In terms of the male form I've started keeping an eye out on craigslist and kijiji to see if one pops up. I'd much prefer an adjustable one so I can make clothing for friends, family and perhaps one day, clients. I have found a few retailers online but I'm looking at quite a lot of money for it. $600+. Perhaps it will be something I get after I invest in an industrial straight stitch machine.
Thanks again! ------
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gramma b
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Date: 1/14/13 7:47 AM Bravo! Love vests on young men, notice all the musicians who wear them-there's a good client base.
I made one for my little GS for Christmas from an online freebie using a tweed corduroy, very GQ.
Soft drapery/upholstery fabrics also make unique vests.
Back in the day when men wore full suits to the office, retired H. had 4-piece sets. They came with coat, vest, and 2 pants. The coats got hung up so didn't wear out quickly, vests never worn so many turned up in Goodwill stores.
In a large metro area, check with local tailors, department stores, even performing theatres. Perhaps castoff dress forms, mannequins (even just the torsos) hiding in the back rooms?
I have seen affordable ones in many antique stores. Often the booth owner will sell a piece used for displaying vintage clothing.
-- Edited on 1/14/13 7:54 AM -- |
Traiven3d
Beginner
ON CANADA
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Posts: 36 |
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Date: 1/16/13 11:34 PM Yeah, I'm a sucker for old school fashion, and vests seem to be making a come back. One of my favorite blogs for inspiring menswear is here: men's fashion & style
Back to the topic of dressforms, today I stumbled upon two pieces of software that just might help me out: Marvelous Designer 2 and Optitex. Both work by allowing you to visualize your clothing on a 3d avatar before actually making them. It allows you to sew together digital pieces of cloth in a simple pattern maker, and wrap them around the digital avatar to see how they look. My day job is creating 3d art for films, so this may be a match made in heaven!
I'm going to see about getting trial copies of the software and see if I like them. I do already own Pattern Master 5, and these tools could be a great way for me to work on my patterns before committing to constructing them, and I don't have to worry about finding more space in my apartment! ------
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