I'm think about getting a dressform-- I can't afford much, and I would like to know if any forms are especially recommended, or if especially not. I have a number of books, such as "waisted efforts", which focus on draping rather than flat pattern design.

Specifically, I am considering the Uniquely You dressform, which consists of a pinable foam form, compressed into the proper shape by a tailored cover.. Alternatively, I may be able to stuff a moulage, a la Kenneth King, which some turn of the century books appear to recommend.

Yes those dressforms are usually quite expensive so I decided to make my own, they can be filled with an expanding foam. Maybe you can get a used one for less money.

- If you want to do any kind of big skirts, DON'T get one of the ones that hangs by the back of its neck from a stand (for pants)! There isn't the space for a puffy skirt or hoop or bustle.

- I hear the adjustable ones (with screws and all) can have problems with very heavy skirts pulling the hips out of adjustment.

I have heard decent things about the squashy foam ones, and the nice thing would be that you could do different covers for corseted and not, or even your different periods of corsets, and change out as necessary. I've seen advice to carve away foam if it doesn't compress down enough, and of course you can always add extra stuffing (if the cover is big enough) to fill it out.

When I needed a curvier display model I used this pattern from Atelier Sylphe.

Its perfect for curvy shaping and the fabric is of your choosing.

www.etsy.com/listing/61697595/ref-vic-ha...ern-from?ref=pr_shop

there are also many tutorials on how to go about it. Good luck and keep us posted please.

Kindly,
S&S

I have just purchased a gorgeous historical shaped mannequin from Roxy Displays.

www.roxydisplayinc.com/webpage/bodyforms...le/black/fh02bk.html

The details are:

JF-FH02BK
$49
$42 (Form Only)


Historical Female Form

Bust34"
Waist21"
Hip38"
Height28"
CrossShoulder 14"

Female Foam Dress Form with
Hanging String on the back of Neck
(We do not sale form alone.)

They state they do not sell the mannequin alone, that is not true. I called Nina and asked for just the mannequin without the stand. As it is for table display. Its so cheap and shipping was only $14 to NYC. Good luck designers

Kindly,
Sin & Satin Corsetry

That's a lovely form. How are you liking it? Is it a display form only or can you pin into it?