Friday, June 29, 2007

I Cloned Myself

Yes, it's true. Well, actually, Autumn did most of the work.

Every time I try to sew for myself, the project turns out well, but doesn't fit right. I looked into buying a dress form, but they are very costly, and I understand that they don't really replicate you exactly. So, I researched and learned how to make one. It seemed easy enough.

I've been thinking about this for months now. This week I went out and bought the necessary supplies. Duct Tape, and batting. Yep. That's it. Oh, you also need an old shirt, because you really don't want to stick duct tape to your body. And if you want it on a stand, you'll need supplies for that too.

I'll spare you the freakish pictures of me wrapped in duct tape, although Autumn did take one. You are very welcome!

We tried this on Wednesday. It took close to three hours. I moved too much, and it really turned out much larger than my actual self. We learned from our mistakes, and worked on this again Thursday afternoon.

This time it took Autumn about two hours to wrap me. Instead of a t-shirt, as the directions suggest, I used a turtleneck. Much better! No plastic wrap next to my skin. No hair getting caught in the tape by my neck.

This project was very tiring. You really can NOT move while being taped. Try standing absolutely still for TWO HOURS! My knees were really hurting by the end. And then, we cut the form off of my body, and Autumn's work was done.

I taped the form back together, stuffed it, and fashioned a stand. I'm very pleased with the result, and the entire family thinks that this does indeed eerily have my shape. Abigail laid her head on the bust and declared, "Yea, it's your size, but you are alot softer!"

For more Show and Tell stories visit Kelli's house.

28 comments:

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

Ok, now I've heard it all...interesting uses of duct tape! A few years back there was even a contest for kids to make prom clothes out of duct tape. Pretty creative stuff going on out there. Actually, your form looks like it works pretty well! Good Job and Good luck!

Christy said...

Wow.

You are brave and very patient!

Ya'll did a really good job!

Kim said...

I'm impressed. I've always heard you could make a dress form from duct tape.

Trella said...

Wow! I can't imagine having to stay still that long. You have determination, and how sweet of Autumn to help!
I hope you now have success in your sewing projects.
Amazing the things you can do with duct tape.

Momma Roar said...

Very cool project! I always remember the form my grandma had at her house - it always frightened me as a little kid. I hope it works well for your next project. And good job, by the way, on being still for 2 hours!

Mrs. Anna T said...

I wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of you in duct tape :P Must have looked so funny!

All the good hard work pays off in the end, doesn't it?

ellen b. said...

I'll have to come back later to see cuz none of the photo's are showing up for me right now.
http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/

LBP said...

That is so cool! You are right about the dressmaker "dummies" I got one for Christmas one year and I never been able to get it to replicate my size. What a great idea, I may have to give it a try.

Randi said...

Yeah! Just last night my daughter was talking about investing in a dress form for herself. I think this will be a great alternative for her!

You MUST post the duct tape picture. Please!?!?

Tracy said...

Leigh Ann,
It IS scary to walk into the room and see it standing there. It looks like there's a person in the room.

Linda,

Anna at Pleasant View Schoolhouse made a duct tape form and placed it OVER her ready made form. She says she has great success with it.

Randi,
You really should make one. Stand included, it was less than $30! And, ummm... No, I will not be posting the picture. Sorry. I really felt it was a bit immodest. Sort of like looking at an undressed mannequin!

HsKubes said...

What a great job and wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing this!

~ Christina

Susan said...

Sounds very interesting. The pictures didn't show up on mine :o)
Susan

Lori said...

I can't see the photos either.
I'll come back later.

I'm sure it was neat project.

Mary L. Briggs said...

How interesting--I've never heard of such a thing! I can see that it would work,though! I don't think I could stand still for 2 hours. Thanks for sharing.

Marci said...

Oh boo... I can't see the pictures. I will have to check back later.

This sounds like a very interesting project!!!

Anita said...

Wow, that's interesting! I had a look at the link, what a great idea it is!

Happy sewing and thanks for staring this show and tell story!

Best wishes from Germany,
Anita

Jodi said...

I love your title on this post. I've contemplated doing this ever since seeing Anna's (Pleasant View). Your's turned out delightful.

And I'm so glad you dressed her ~ lol! [After viewing your links, I see what you mean about looking immodest when taped up. It even looks a little immodest when it's completed, but still au naturale.] :o)

Karen said...

Hey Tracy,
I've been formulating a plan in my head for a while now about doing one of these, too. I'm glad you shared your trials with it, so I can use your experience. I just priced those forms at the store, and can't believe how much they cost! I found a website that shows (I think) the same one you constructed. Very smart.
I also love the idea of a turtle neck.
In response to your comment on the dish soap, I've been waiting and waiting for it to go on sale! I lucked up and found it half price. I also am very careful, and only use a small amount at a time. I'm making it last and last......
Daisy is so cute with her new "do". She looks like a sweet puppy.

Betty said...

Well, I never knew you could do this...this is amazing....duct tape is so versatile.....thanks for coming by to see me and hear about
Tab......Betty

Paula said...

Amazing! My legs and back are hurting just reading about your project. :)

I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of your clone.:)

Barbara H. said...

That's amazing -- I never would have thought of that. I had never heard of it. I'm glad you have an affordable and accurate dress form!

Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts

Kelli said...

Wow!! That is the neatest thing, Tracy!! It was so nice of Autumn to help you out, it sounds like a time consuming job! It sure will come in handy when it's time to sew clothes though!
Kelli
P.s What do we have to do to see that duct tape picture? ;0)

Unknown said...

So cool! And the last sentence cracked me up!

HsKubes said...

I wanted to thank you for your comment/thoughts on my dresses only post. I appreciated what you had to say.

~ Christina

Momma Roar said...

Just wanted you to stop by my blog again today - I've nominated you for an award! Play along if you like!

Leigh Ann

Gena said...

I have seen this somewhere else and I'm going to HAVE to do it. I very seldom sew for myself, because it is very hard to fit yourself (if you know what I mean). Your dress form looks great! I think my oldest daughter would have a great time wrapping me in duct tape and making me be still for 2 hours. Payback for her, probably.

Emily said...

What an ingenius idea! Thanks for sharing Tracy.

Tori Leslie said...

Wow I just looked through all your sewing posts and your so talented. You inspire me!!!