To Dressform or Not {stitching tip}

For the longest time, I did not use or have a dressform. My grandma had one, and on occasion I would play with it, sort of like a big doll with no head, arms, or legs. For the most part, I found it more bother than worth. That was until Santa brought the correct size last Christmas. Now, it is by far a sewing essential. I love it. It allows me to fit my clothes properly without enlisting my husband or me making the wild body movement just to pin a fitted bodice.

Unfortunately, one dressform does not work for everyone. If you are thinking of purchasing a dressform, size matters. You can purchase custom forms which are fitted to specification that you provide and are not adjustable. Dressforms also come in an adjustable version. The benefit of the adjustable version is that you can change the size by turn dials. So, let's say you followed through on your new year's resolution to drop some weight; well you can dial down the measurements as you shed the pounds.

Santa had to get a little help on which dressform to purchase. This entailed taking all my measurements. You will want enough slack to be able to adjust your dimensions---both bigger and small. The size range of the form should be printed on the box or product discription. I ended-up with this form from Simplicity. Overall, I like the tool, but there are certain things that drive me crazy. One, the body is not rotatable. The entire form has to be moved if I want to see the back. I have been thinking about putting it on casters. The second problem is that I cannot tighten the screw enough to hold the height for much more than an afternoon. Oh, and I have yet to figure out how to use the hem attachment (it is the weird part sticking off the stand). What I love about the form is that it is completely adjustable, which works out well since I never stay the same size.

 

This is a simple black dress that I made years ago.  For some reason I made the wrong size and could never wear it---because the zipper would not close. Needless to say, it has sat in my closet just waiting for me to be the "right" size. I faced the truth and realized that no matter how much I tried, my rib cage will just not shrink.  In the picture above (to the left) you can see how far off the sizing was. 

 

Having the dressform made this massive alteration easy since I could pin and measure the garment myself.  I knew how much I need to expand the bodice and could check that I was achieving the size by dressing my form.  I would recommend investing in a form, but only if you are going to sew frequently or make your own alterations.  It makes things so much easier.