Any time I go shopping for clothes you can find me examining the construction of the garment. Not because I care if it is well made, but I am inspecting the feasibility of creating my own. I usually return home empty handed but full of inspiration. I just can't see paying some of the prices asked when I can make one similar for SOOO much cheaper. Unless it is on sale... like under $10. What can I say, I'm thrifty. I don't think I own an article of clothing that I paid more than $20 for. Ok, maybe a couple pairs of jeans. But even my 7's were only $35.
Which brings me to this project. I have been wanting a dress form for as long as I can remember and found these instructions a couple years back. Of course I would make my own, have you seen how much a real one is?!?! Haha, I am too funny. Ask any of my friends how many times I say "I could totally make that" when shopping with me.
Anyway, I FINALLY made one. And, with the help of my trusty side-kick, Anna, it was a success! My very own stunt-double dress form.
You definitely need to ignore any body/self image issues you may be holding with this project, it is a little odd to be looking at the shape of your body other than in a mirror! I opted to use paper tape which you can find in the shipping/packing section of an office supply store. You just tape over an old, fitted t-shirt and then cut it off once it dries. I also recommend watching a good movie or show to keep your mind off the fact that you can not move. We watched Muppets From Space, it was highly entertaining!
On a side note. For any of you pet lovers/owners out there, don't you just love that when you bend down to take a picture, pick something up or just try to utilize floor space they automatically think it is to give them attention... I do. It makes me laugh and I just had to share. This is Jasper:
Once I carefully took the form off, I taped the cut closed and paper taped over it. I then reinforced the neck, arms and bottom. Now all I need to do is stuff the form and create a stand for it. It was WAY easier than I thought and totally pain free :) I don't know why I put it off so long. Now I can make all those clothes that I study! For further inspiration, Kathleen over at Grosgrain just made this adorable little cardigan copy of an anthropologie find:
And wouldn't you know, she's giving this amazing creation away. But then again, she gives tons of amazing stuff away! Thanks for being an inspiration, Kathleen!
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