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Member since 6/6/11
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Posted on: 4/3/17 4:16 PM ET
Can anyone recommend a dress form (under $300ish preferably) that they really like? The one I have has moved across the US twice and definitely looks it. I don't want to spend a fortune, I'd like it mostly for hemming and zipper fitting since my husband is totally sick of pinning up hems and endlessly zipping half-sewn dresses onto me. I've been looking at the Dritz one online mainly because it's adjustable but it gets very mixed reviews. Thanks
-- Edited on 4/3/17 at 4:18 PM --
  
Member since 7/18/09
Posts: 1312
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Posted on: 4/3/17 5:26 PM ET
The Fabulous Fit dress forms are on sale for $387, a little over your budget, but they are quite good. The padding is insertd to match your shape and it has not shifted as the stretchy 'shell' is tight and holds it in place.

I have one and have been very happy with it.
  
Member since 11/28/13
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Posted on: 4/3/17 6:06 PM ET
I bought a used Wolf on Craigslist for $300 a few years ago. It was in superb shape. It is padded with Fabulous Fit pads and additional wadding.
-- Edited on 4/3/17 at 6:07 PM --
  
Member since 6/21/11
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Posted on: 4/3/17 6:35 PM ET
The hard thing in my case is finding any dress form that can be used as a base for me. I have 38 hips, but my bra is 30A. My back waist measurement is 14.5", and most mannequins are 16".

I've just ordered the one and only petite, flat-chested adjustable mannequin I can find (Yamata). It's supposedly very teen-like, and the back waist is 15".

However, I will use the Fabulous Fit pads to build up the booty (and maybe raise the waist a tad?) and add in my funky-cool scoliosis curves.

I'll let you know how it goes. I find it hard to fit by myself, especially since I am extra asymmetrical, and I'm hoping that this purchase will enable me to bump up the level of my sewing again.

I'm very happy with my most recent skirt, but I know I'd have a better fit if I could look at it on a dress form and adjust it.
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2022 SWAP
CAPSULE ONE: two dresses (done), five blouses (2/5 done), jeans (store bought), pencil skirt (one denim, one brown).
  
Member since 3/24/04
Posts: 26392
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Posted on: 4/3/17 7:11 PM ET
In reply to AmberSage
Can you post a photo of your current form? There's often a way to get them looking good again if it still meets your needs.
  
Member since 11/28/13
Posts: 8897
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Posted on: 4/3/17 8:43 PM ET
In reply to demoiselle
I hired someone to do this for me because I'd never have been able to do it myself and I have no fitting buddy. Even using the Fabulous Fit pads and wadding instead of the traditional method of drafting a muslin cover it was a slow process, requiring many judgments.

  
Member since 6/21/11
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Posted on: 4/3/17 9:18 PM ET
In reply to pointpatou
I wish I had a buddy!
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http://www.instagram.com/therevenantartist

2022 SWAP
CAPSULE ONE: two dresses (done), five blouses (2/5 done), jeans (store bought), pencil skirt (one denim, one brown).
  
Member since 11/28/13
Posts: 8897
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Posted on: 4/3/17 10:47 PM ET
In reply to demoiselle
I bought a Craftsy course on fitting because despite taking lots of classes in which I had to sew a standard size for a dress form I have no confidence in fitting myself.

The person who padded my dress form has helped me fit a few patterns. It wasn't a simple or quick process, and I had to give up on some of the patterns. It wasn't the person's fault, but when you're paying by the hour and obtaining fitting help is a luxury it smarts to come up dry. The time can go so quickly.
  
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