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Member since 9/30/05
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 7/5/09 6:33 PM ET
what a revealing exercise! i finished my paper tape dress form (PTDF or DF for short) with the help of my mom, a former alternations person and excellent seamstress. i added some foam padding between the PVC-pipe shoulder bar and the PTDF so that it matches my "higher shoulder" due to scoliosis.

i have some questions.

1) do you cut your tissue patterns based on how it fits/drapes on your DF?

2) for body imperfections, how exactly do you fit the pattern? i plan to visually look at how it drapes and offset the imperfection by adjusting the blouse hem (or dress hem) as need be). i'm thinking that with a higher shoulder on the left side, the left hem of a blouse may need to be slightly longer. (?)

3) how did you finish the neck/collar line? my PTDF is hollow and there are holes where my neck, arms, and bottom hem are. i used the Sew News article directions to create my PTDF and i forgot to mold a neck for myself as part of the DF . it is probably still salvagable - i could add a neck
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~jeannine
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 7/6/09 9:29 AM ET
In reply to bzar
Congratulations on your DF! I had the same revelation when I had mine done; scoliosis bump on my right shoulder and my spine curved that way. Isn't it something to see it in real life? I always knew mine existed, but I didn't know exactly how.

To answer your questions
1) I cut the pattern using my regular measurements, alterations, etc., then I fit it to the DF.
2) Body imperfections are handled on the DF, by adjusting this seam, moving that one forward, etc. I found through a class here on PR that my problem side sleeve needs to be moved forward in my armhole by 1/4" and that the side seam needs to be moved more forward by the same amount. With your higher shoulder, you might be able to use a small thin shoulder pad on your left side. This balances the shoulders without having to do major alterations. I found this works for me.
3) When I had my PTDF, for the neck, I used a strip of posterboard about 3" wide and as long as the neck. Then I taped it together (like the gentleman collars of the 1800's) and taped it inside my neck. Then I closed the hole with more posterboard. You could make a small pincushion here.
For the arms, I'd suggest adding more filling to the armhole so it falls out slightly and taping it to the armhole.

I used masking tape for my PTDF, as well as I wasn't wrapped tight so the DF was much too large; about three sizes. But I still wish I had it; mostly for the visual.

HTH
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

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Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 7/6/09 9:36 AM ET
In reply to bzar
I agree with Beth and think you should even the shoulders out with shoulder pads of different thicknessness.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 12/27/06
Posts: 710
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Posted on: 7/7/09 11:41 AM ET
In reply to bzar
i recently made a ptdf but did not see the Sew News article, as the link to it no longer functioned. perhaps you have already done what i am about to suggest, and if that is the case please excuse me.

my form is hollow as well, and to make it sturdier without adding bulk to the exterior i added another layer of tape to the interior. it was less difficult than i thought it would be, and i have more faith in three layers holding up than in two.

looking at has definitely taken some getting used to, but SO worth it!

enjoy yours!

  
Member since 9/30/05
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 7/7/09 9:34 PM ET
In reply to ElizabethDee
elizabeth - yes, i did that too. when i removed it, the "gummed" parts were facing the inside of the PTDF, so i did exactly what you did. i had a lot of extra strips left over, so those came in handy. i especially reinforced the shoulders since that's where it hangs from the PVC stand.

is your PTDF hanging from the shoulders too? as mentioned, i made the PVC pipe stand. i'm strongly considering adding a piece of wood in the shape of the circumference of my waist to the inside w/the PVC pole going through the middle of it. at the moment, the PTDF is just "floating" on the PVC and "she" kinda bobs to and fro.

i'm thinking that i need it to stay put when i start draping my garments on it.
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~jeannine
  
Member since 12/27/06
Posts: 710
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Posted on: 7/8/09 10:49 AM ET
In reply to bzar
i think you will want yours to stay put!

i wish i could advise you, but i didn't make a PVC stand. mine sits over a wire dress form base. pieces of the base were sautered off so that the ptdf could fit on it.

it seems only logical that if you treat the area inside the waist with the same support that you gave the area inside the shoulders that it would work just as well -- however, logic has never been my strong suit.

have you done a search here to see how other people have stabilized their forms?

good luck.

elizabeth
  
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