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I am considering purchasing an adjustable dress form to be reused for many different ladies, probably the Twin Fit by Dritz. I will need to reset the size and shape for each new order. I will probably need to get three forms so I will have small, medium, and large. I am making custom garments for ladies who order them over the internet and all I have to work with is a list of measurements.
What are you opinions about how accurate I will be able to get the fitting of these garment by dialing in the measurements?
I do understand the advantages of a sewist having her own personal fitting form for making her own clothes. That is not the question here.
Please share with me your comments good and bad about adjustable forms and about the method of fitting I am trying to make work. Thank-you.
Joey
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I have just one dress form, (made by Singer) which I use for custom sewing. The problem is that they are only adjustable at certain points, so you cannot adjust for things like high hip, sway back, disproportionately large bust, and other things of this nature. I always begin on the dressform, but fit on my customer seldom matches precisely, even when the measurements at bust/waist/hip are identical. For fitted garments there is no substitute for custom fitting.
In addition is the problem of measurements - tape measures stretch over time, and I have had problems with customers sending measurements to me which don't match those I take when they arrive. The only solution to this is to suggest that customers buy a new, inexpensive tape measure for their measurements, and make sure you replace yours regularly, which minimizes the risk. Good luck with your venture!
I make clothing to order and I have often thought I would be able to use a couple of dress forms. However the more garments I make the less I believe they would be useful as a true and accurate form of the clients body. This is because the most ordinary looking body can be dramatically uneven, left to right, front to back and so forth. I do have a very basic form which I find hugely useful to hang dresses on to see how they are coming along as I sew them. They are also useful for using the draping technique but only if my client falls into the range of my dress form.They are also a good place to put a beautiful dress that people will admire as they discuss their planned project with me.
All the best
Claire in Oz
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