DIY Mannequin

In my desire to make myself some glorious garb, and the fact that each time I'm begging my husband for assistance to see what it fits like to tell me how many inches it needs in the adjusted at the hem, what the measurements are on my bust, etc. etc. I went shopping for a mannequin, but in addition to the fact that none of them really were shaped like me, they were very expensive.

So I went to my trusty stand-by when I want to do something but have no idea how.  Pinterest! (haha) I found this on a Russian website, but delightfully simple photos helped me know exactly what I needed to do.

In case you don't have a google translator or have questions, here's my quick run down.  Take a t-shirt, one that's snug and long - mine was an old one I had in my drawer so I got it for free.  Put it on.  Have a friend tape you up snugly and smoothly (some wrinkles are workable.) I used about 3 rolls ($15) of tape on mine, but I am definitely larger than their model.  You'll note on the photos that they secure under the bust with a circle of tape, and they also drew a line around the waist where you bent.  I didn't understand why until I cut up the back, but do it, it helps a lot.   

When you are fully taped, snugly and securely, have your friend take a pair of scissors and slice it up the back.  You want to align these marks to ensure that its straight.  

When you pull it off it will keep your shape very well.  Start by putting cardboard in the sleeves and neck.  Then tape them into place.  When you have capped them and secured the back stuff it.  I filled mine with a hodge podge of a bunch of different things, cardboard, newsprint, stuffing, and chipped foam.  The best thing I found was the chipped foam, but I'm glad I did a variety of them as it would have taken a lot more to fill it with just the foam.  I ended up spending about $15 on the foam and stuffing, and cut apart two horrible old lumpy pillows that needed to be replaced anyways.   

To make the stand I spent $11 on wood, $8 on the 4x4, I cut it down to roughly my heighth.  Then $3 on a 2x4.  We cut this into roughly 16 inch pieces, and screwed them into place, taking some care to make them as level as possible.  (We already had the screws.) And you're set, for less than $50 you'll have a mannequin that fits you to a tee. 

  

She-she's Partlet

When She-she had fully "designed" her lavender dress (I drew options of square, round, or keyhole necklines, different options for sleeves, skirt flairs, etc and she picked) and we were at JoAnn's choosing the fabric, she went absolutely crazy about the little purple and white striped material and the purple ruffle.  So we decided to go ahead and get a bit and make her a coat, but as its summer and we only go to a few winter events, I decided first to do a Partlet.

If you aren't familiar with the Tudor period you likely don't know what a Partlet is - I didn't know what it was called until I tripped over it on Pinterest.  I didn't even know it was a separate peice from the dress (as you can see later in the photos.)  You'll likely look at the rest of her dress and say "uh...Not TUDOR" and I'll say "Nope, but it was my daughter's vision and she's 3 so deal with it!" (Haha) 

The partlet, according to Renaissance Tailor, could be worn over or under the clothes, and is similar to the modern day "dickie" in function, though I have read also that it was occasionally lined with fur or wool and used as a sort of jacket-vest for cold weather.  

You may note the painting by an Unknown "Master" to the right shows a fur lined "over" partlet, whether the blueish-silver material is a heavy brocade or embroidered, is unclear, however, based on the thickness along the sleeves I like to think this one was more of the "for cold weather" styling. 

The young lady in pink, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, c. 1553, shows the partlet warn under, a sort of lacy material with a heavily collared ruff.  I particularly love the fact that the collar has jewels around it, like a necklace, but as it alludes to a sheer consistency I think its more for decoration then warmth or modesty.

The partlet worn by Mrs. Regina Baumgartner, born Honold painted in 1540, shows much more elaborate decoration, pearls with embroidered embellishments and three gold chains, one of which is like a modern day choker.  But confusingly this one looks like its both worn over and under her gown.  Note the way it lays over the shoulder material, but under the bodice.  I think perhaps this may be an example such as Renaissance Tailor was discussing in her article, when she said:

Somewhere between the Tudor and Elizabethan period, the partlet migrated from the outside of the garment to be worn under the garment but over the corset.

 In any case the partlet adds beautiful period decor and a sense of authenticity to our costuming.  

I fashioned She-she's after a simple photo I found online.  I did alter it from tying straps to a little bit of cheating elastic for the comfort and ease of use of my child.  I also lined mine with the same purple the rest of her dress is in.  Renaissance Tailor also has a step by step portion in her article. 

The fun thing about this one was how incredibly simple it was to make and how easy it would be to go all out on it.  Start to finish, She-she's took me less than a half hour, and she loves it!  I'm thinking I may make a more elaborate one to go with my red velvet Tudor when its closer to completion.