dressmakers dummy/ dress form

[RunsWithScissors]

Hello,

Starting to get back to sewing clothes for myself after a long time. First time around I had access to a dressmakers dummy and a very savvy mother that taught me how to sew. They are both quote far away now, so looking to buy a dress form for myself.

I saw this one and thought it could be really good as it also has the option for fitting trousers.

Does anyone have this form, or a similar one, or any feedback at all really :-D ?

Hoping to not spend much over £100.

Thank you!

I have the lady valet one. It doesn't have the option if fitting trousers but as I never make them it's fine.

I love mine as I have no one around who can help me with fitting. There's only dh who tends to stand there holding a box of pins and looking totally hopeless. You'd never think that mil is a retired tailor!

I also use it when I need to let something hang for a while before hemming it.

Also I dress her up at Halloween and stick her in the front window. She makes an excellent headless horseman

I have that one - though not the trouser version. I don't use her as much as I hoped. I think it's because I can't alter the bust/highbust difference as much as I would like. I probably need to do something nifty with padding, but haven't been bothered enough.

Thank you both. Good to hear the brand is good.

I might use he idea of padding out any bits that need it ;-)

I'm quite short, and find a lot of things in shops don't fit well, not just too long at the bottom iyswim, found making clothes myself seemed to work better. Must admit the great British sewing bee has made me keen again as well.

Raven, like the Halloween idea too :-)
thank you!!!

I have the Diana model of dress form. Best way to adjust the bust is to rather delightfully dress the form in a well fitting but old bra and stuff until correct size reached!

Guaranteed to make kids, DH and even the dog rofl!

I will do that, and also adjust the neck to waist distance. (I think I can do that). I'd definitely use her more than for hems if she was bit more me.

Ha ha 3littlewomen....I did that, and DH tested her (via a quick feel ) to see if my padding was accurate.

It's quite freaky to see yourself standing in front of you. I never knew I was so short

before you buy new try your local freecycle group. I got Hilda, she's a tough viking woman and built to match, that way.

HildaIsTheNameOfMyDressFormTiggaxx

Brilliant love the bra stuffing, will make good use of the old sad ones in the back of my drawer.

dawn love the name for your form. Will definitely check freecycle first.

Thanks all!

If you are feeling brave (and have a willing helper) you could always make a gaffer tape dress form - there are links all over Pinterest.
Basically wrap yourself in cling film wearing your normal underwear, tightly encase yourself in gaffer tape from neck to bum (you need someone else to do the taping), cut free down the back. Then tape back up and stuff. You can then put it on an old floor light.

Mine is good for pinning tops and checking fit though I do have an adjustoform dummy too.

Some links here:
www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3631/close-fit-duct-tape-dress-form/page/all

Thanks chocolate! I might give that a go! Gaffe tape is truly brilliant stuff, isn't it?

Oh my god, what if your willing helper won't cut you out of the gaffer tape??? This made me chuckle!

Visit Valentino's Displays for a dressmakers dummy. Cheap mannequins for sale from a UK company. Free delivery over £100. Next day delivery, ordered mine through them