My garment making career started in seventh grade.  The only place I could find clothes that sort of fit was in the Boys Department at JC Penney, because I was a very tall skinny kid.  A lot of years have been spent dreaming of having my very own Dress Form Fitted to my shape.  Then one morning I woke up and thought, “What am I waiting for?”  This article is not about how to fit your dress form (it will include some helpful YouTube video links), but about my adventure and things that I know now that I wish someone had told me before I started.

What to expect –

• My first consideration was budget.  I would have loved to say I have unlimited funds and could purchase a Professional Dress Form.  In the real world I have a Mid-Range Budget. 
• Look at reviews to get an idea of what will and will not work for you. 
• Do Not expect you dress form to come out of the box and be a perfect double for your body.  Every woman is unique.
• Do some basic measurements of yourself, it will give you a good place to begin.  Bust, Waist, Hips, Hip to Waist, Neck, Back Waist Length and Height from back of Neck to floor.  

Selection –

I had narrowed my choices down to two Adjustable Dress forms.  I then compared my measurements to the two dress forms.  I went with the one that my measurements fell into the middle of their size categories.

Waiting for my dress form to arrive was the worst part.  I tried to “Buy Local” but no one carries Dress Forms locally.  She arrived in one box.  Assembly required.

Help!

The thought of trying to measure and adjust everything all by myself was daunting, so I call in reinforcements to help get my Dress Form fitted.  My sister Karen was up to the challenge.  I found two handouts that were helpful with measuring and having a place to write all of those measurement down. Here are some of my thoughts: 

• Have the same person do ALL of the measurements. Everyone does it a little different. You want ALL of the measurement transferred from you to the Dress Form to be measured the same way.   You will need even more measurements, Height, Bust Point, Front Bust, Waist and Hips, Back Bust, Waist and Hips.   Measurements – https://www.dritz.com/wp-content/uploads/kit4rwkhf92wmlmikzov.pdf
• Once we started adjusting the Dress Form we discovered, Yes, we need padding, because the Dress Form has a A+ Cup Bust and I have more.  My curves are in different places than some of the Dress Form.  Bra, Polar Fleece, batting and Shoulder pads combine with a good sense of humor are a must.   
• Padding Ideas – https://www.dritz.com/wp-content/uploads/balcqor0lojirqkncv5t.pdf
• Nick Verreos, he makes it look easy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrGBTFk5RTo
• Connie Crawford – Connie know her stuff, this is best, most realistic information We found – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sLYGdd8bvw

Then it come down to adjusting here and there.  Measure, adjust here and there.  Padding, measure, adjust here and there.  Total time 4 ½ hours and a lot of laughter.  It was really interesting to see my shape in 3D, as opposed to 2D (Flat) in a mirror.

We added a snug fitting T-shirt, so I would not get frightened every time I look her way.

My Only Issue –

The only real issue I had with the Dress Form that I purchased was the base. If you look at the very first photo of the Dress Form it has a silver base that was worthless. Flimsy, if you breathed on the Dress Form it would fall over.

Found a great office chair at the Goodwill for $4.99. When I got it home discovered it was in much better condition than the one in my Studio. Swapped them and gave the office chair and Dress Form to my husband Mike (man that makes all things you cannot buy at the store). And this is what I got back.

A stable rolling base for my Dress Form. She has her dancing shoes on. Works perfect!