This project took a few hours to do the paper tape part. We started out with a black garbage bag, since I didn't want to sacrifice a t-shirt for that part. We duct taped around the lowest portion, the waist and the upper chest (above the bust). The we proceeded to paper tape the rest. One layer (mostly) horizontally, then a vertical layer and another horizontal layer. We let it get as dry as I could stand it before cutting it off, so we didn't have very much collapse at all. We let it dry overnight. We closed up the back seam with tape. Then we cut out cardboard covers for the arm holes, the bottom and neck. We paper taped the cardboard covers into the neck and arm openings, closing them up. Hubby made me a wheeled stand and then we attached her to the stand with expanding foam, pillow stuffing and other batting until she was full. Then we covered the bottom hole with the cardboard and sealed that with tape too. I altered an old t-shirt to go over her, now we just need to transfer the centre back and front lines and my natural waist line onto the new t-shirt cover. Thanks so much for this. I can't wait to get started on the top as soon as my pattern arrives.This project took a few hours to do the paper tape part. We started out with a black garbage bag, since I didn't want to sacrifice a t-shirt for that part. We duct taped around the lowest portion, the waist and the upper chest (above the bust). The we proceeded to paper tape the rest. One layer (mostly) horizontally, then a vertical layer and another horizontal layer. We let it get as dry ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
Paper tape, plastic garbage bag, duct tape for the form. Wood for the stand and an old t-shirt to cover.
What are you most proud of?
That it was a success!
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
It takes a whole weekend with all the steps needed. First to make her, dry her, fill her, get her on a stand. Each step took time for me or for hubby to do. It is really rewarding when successfully done. She is pretty much spot on my size as we did tape tightly on the first layer.
Well done, that man!! That's an awesome looking dress form!! My hubby wrapped me a year and a half ago, with duct tape. He was a bit . . . optimistic . . . about the bust, so sadly, I was never able to trust the fit of the bustline as "Phyllis II" had a much perkier bustline than me!! :) I've lost weight since then, and about 2 dress sizes, so Phyllis II needs to be retired and replaced. I'm having trouble getting hubby motivated to go through the process again, but it's that, or he's going to have to watch Barbara's course with me, to learn how to do fittings!! Oh, the duct tape worked a treat, by the way, and it doesn't have to dry! But either will get the job done!
Your husband did a really good job, My husband "wrapped" me in the sixties, but we didn't have Barbara's instructions and he cut through my expensive bras by mistake while getting me out of the form! My daughter helped me with a second one years later. I've really outgrown that one and don't think I could stand an hour or more these days, so will have to forgo making another wonderful "helper". Mine were so useful back then. _ Oh I placed mine over an adjustable dress form - try to get one, as it works really well for these mache forms.
I agree with you Aromagal1 -- using a sponge and wetting only the glue side is MUCH better. Unfortunately, for the videotaping, we did not have a sponge so I had to demo plan B, which is to dip the paper tape strips and strip off the excess water with my fingers. If you have a big sponge, just get it sloppy wet, and run the dry tape, glue side down, over the sponge to activate the glue. This keeps the form dryer and the whole process goes more quickly.
This looks great and your lucky to have a hubby who helps you. Will have to try this alone especially since I need to make three of them. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate them..
Take your time, be thorough, press down the edges and smooth out the folds well. Don't overwet your paper tape. We used a "dripping wet" sponge, but did not soak the tape in water as BD does. (Don't get me wrong, you need to wet it well to activate the glue.) I think this helped cut down the drying time significantly. Start out wrapping nice and tightly and she'll be perfect when she's done. If you use expandable foam, be patient with it, it keeps expanding for a long time (we found it to be 30 mins or more). Next time I would fill the form (in stages/layers) with styrofoam peanuts and fill around that with the expanding foam.
This really does look professional. I have a dress form I purchased and then padded up to my measurements but I am thinking I should give this a try in the new year. Thank you for your post.
WOW! This is the most professional paper tape dress form that I have ever seen! It is at least as good as an industrial form (you saved about $1,000 for your efforts!) and it looks like you! Great job, and my compliments to hubby for his help!
This is shown here as a part of your class on Plus-size pattern fitting. But i don't see anything about it in the description. I need to make one of these! Do you have detailed instruction in that class?
I stumbled on this class yesterday. I was so thrill to find it! I have a daughter with more than just plus size needs, she has autism and IBS/Colitis. Medication has made her gain weight so quickly she has stretch marks on the back of her legs and other areas. She went from a C cup to a G and sewing for her has been a challenge. She is difficult to please. But I just can't wait to start! To make the dress form presents a challenge, but if I succeed, oh boy life will be much easier for all of us at home. I will keep you posted.
I stumbled on this class yesterday. I was so thrill to find it! I have a daughter with more than just plus size needs, she has autism and IBS/Colitis. Medication has made her gain weight so quickly she has stretch marks on the back of her legs and other areas. She went from a C cup to a G and sewing for her has been a challenge. She is difficult to please. But I just can't wait to start! To make the dress form presents a challenge, but if I succeed, oh boy life will be much easier for all of us at home. I will keep you posted.
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