Making a Mannequin- Part 1

I have always wanted a mannequin or dressmakers dummy, but in all my years dressmaking I have never justified the expense.  The time has come to rectify this situation, but I am still not willing to buy one.  A few years ago I read in a magazine about how to make a dressform from duct tape and stuffing. 

There are many websites that describe the process, but basically you wear an old T-shirt, wrap your torso in tape, cut it off and tape up the cut then stuff the shape and you have something that is similar to your body shape.

I enlisted the help of daughter to help 'wrap' me and here is the very unflattering picture of me in a half wrapped state.

I have been saving odd bits of old clothes and addments of material etc.  which I used to stuff the bodyform.  I also inserted a tube that had held a wall planner up the center of the form so that I could insert my 'stand' which used to be a mop!!

And here she is in her 'raw' state.

There's some finishing to be done to smooth her out, but overall I'm very pleased.