This post utilizes a photo gallery. Click on the images for comments and directions as well as to scroll through easily.
Have you ever been sewing and get to an integral moment where you have to fit your garment and there is no one around to grab those back seams, or maybe your significant other has that "I've tried that on 7 times and now I want to burn it with fire," look on their face? I've been there more times then I can possibly count.
You know what else? I am a teacher who works non-profit and was aghast at pre-made mannequin prices...and I have not found a store bought mannequin yet that resembles my body type.
So enter the "ME." This is the name I gave to my duct tape mannequin that I made about 3 years ago. My ME is still going strong and has only had to undergo one, breast lift surgery (gravity gets us all). The ME can be made for both men and women and can be made very cheaply.
Here is what you need:
-2 Large rolls of duct tape (you will use all of this for one person.
-Pair of sturdy scissors
-1 old t-shirt that fits you snugly and comes down to the largest point on your backside.
-stuffing in the form of foam, old clothes that were going to goodwill, old pillows, etc. (Mine is a proverbial time capsule).
-A friend who you don't mind getting up close and personal with.
After creating my ME, things fit better, not just tighter. I can do all activities in my clothing that I could not before...like throwing spears. It gave me the option to build on to my outfits, while they were on the ME, helping to create interesting elements such as fancy sleeves. Not only that, but the ME allows the maker to create personal body blocks and create original patterns for differing types of garb.
You know what else? I am a teacher who works non-profit and was aghast at pre-made mannequin prices...and I have not found a store bought mannequin yet that resembles my body type.
So enter the "ME." This is the name I gave to my duct tape mannequin that I made about 3 years ago. My ME is still going strong and has only had to undergo one, breast lift surgery (gravity gets us all). The ME can be made for both men and women and can be made very cheaply.
Here is what you need:
-2 Large rolls of duct tape (you will use all of this for one person.
-Pair of sturdy scissors
-1 old t-shirt that fits you snugly and comes down to the largest point on your backside.
-stuffing in the form of foam, old clothes that were going to goodwill, old pillows, etc. (Mine is a proverbial time capsule).
-A friend who you don't mind getting up close and personal with.
After creating my ME, things fit better, not just tighter. I can do all activities in my clothing that I could not before...like throwing spears. It gave me the option to build on to my outfits, while they were on the ME, helping to create interesting elements such as fancy sleeves. Not only that, but the ME allows the maker to create personal body blocks and create original patterns for differing types of garb.
Here is the picture tutorial on how to construct your own ME. Follow along and each has comments and tips.
Now, stuff that ME with whatever you have laying around....if you are a larger person, stuff with lighter objects so your ME wont be so heavy. If you stuff it with foam, the foam can expand after it has been squished in, causing your back seam to POP!
People I have made ME's for have used all sorts of stuff for stands such as sawed off coat racks, tripods, dow rods, short thin tables and brooms!
To seal up the bottom and neck of the ME you can cut thin plywood to the needed shape and duct tape around it to secure. Sleeves can be duct taped over as well. Get creative, make this work for you with whatever you have lying around the house! My ME cost $13.45.
People I have made ME's for have used all sorts of stuff for stands such as sawed off coat racks, tripods, dow rods, short thin tables and brooms!
To seal up the bottom and neck of the ME you can cut thin plywood to the needed shape and duct tape around it to secure. Sleeves can be duct taped over as well. Get creative, make this work for you with whatever you have lying around the house! My ME cost $13.45.