Thought Planning: Dress Form

It may be that not many know what a "Dress Form" is, in the sewing and fashion design world this is a tool used when dress making or any type of clothing really to help with the perfect fit! Traditionally it was used by dress makers and tailors dating back to the early 1800's (likely even earlier) when making outfits for people. Those of you that know me know that I sew a lot and I am just beginning to sew clothing more often up until recently I hadn't sewn a garment since 2003! Nearly 10 years later in September of last year for my wedding I decided to sew my five bridesmaids their dresses with the help of my Mom; she sewed 2 for me and I sewed 3(highly time consuming yet a must for any bride with a love to sew and a want to help their girls with dresses; not suggested for the beginner sewer).

So began my journey and interest in owning my own dress form (I fancy myself sewing many of my own garments soon in an effort to be more cost efficient and the idea of reusing and up cycling items already in my home). Another large factor in my textile garment adventure is having a growing toddler who I frequently like to outfit in garments made by me (now that I too am Mom!). As you may have all noticed I mention my mom a lot in this post well I am proud to say she taught me all of my sewing skills and was there for many of my firsts in fabric sewing; i.e. successes & blunders!

My current dilemma is whether to purchase a dress form or make a diy one as I love crafting my own gives me the chance to add my own touches and perfect something new (I love achieving new finished projects the sense of accomplished and complete is so wonderful!).

Leave me your thoughts and ideas under the comments on what you think I should do I love suggestions :-) I will keep all of you posted on my progress on this search. I did find quite a few ideas on pinterest that include duct taping or paper taping ones person I am not up for that sounds like a complicated uncomfortable mess and for my fellow 2D composition friends we all remember what paper tape was like not fun! I would love to either paper mache or sew one from fabric.

In the meantime here is one of my most recent finished sewing projects for you all to enjoy

My Brother and Sister-in-law gave me a wonderful bday this year that holds 100 projects each created out of one yard of fabric-here is one of my completed project from that book (if either of you two are reading this thanks again I love this book!). This apron is called grandma's clothespin apron it has a large pocket in the front for clothespins (that's right old  fashioned hang it on the line laundry or for hand drying all of those wonderful hand washed outfits). My husband and I are planning to reorganize our laundry room to make it easier to use and more convenient with the look of an at home Laundromat (ok so nothing to outrageous but I want a folding table!). I am really excited about it in the meantime I am working on projects here and there that will be useful towards this laundry room redo!