Nah, seriously, I often get asked about my dummy, so I thought I'd tell you a bit about her. She's pretty darn old - I'd say she was a 60's or 50's model. A friend of mine spotted her in a garage sale one day. She knew I sewed, and would love a dummy, so she went over to the lady running the sale and asked how much she wanted for her. The lady said "I really just want to clear this stuff out - I'll take what you'll offer." Much to my friend's embarassment, she only had $1.65 on her, but the lady said "She's yours!" and pocketed the shrapnel, presumably happy to have a bit more space cleared more than anything.
So Sabrina, as I named her, came to live with me (I tried to pay my friend the $1.65 back but she wouldn't hear of it!) As funky as Sabrina looks, she's not really in good enough condition to be used as a true dressmakers mannequin. Most of her parts don't slot together very well, and last time I tried to adjust her, the bolt I was twisting broke clean off in my hand. So I mostly just use her for photos, or for letting garment pieces hang until I am ready to sew them again. She wears the cover (spencer I believe somebody called it yesterday) because it keeps her insides warm. Nah, I think it is to give a smooth line over her moving parts. She's definitely not like the new models where everything fits together perfectly!
So that's Sabrina. She's pretty old, and fairly useless as a dummy, but I wouldn't be without her. Besides she's always good for a photoshoot, or to even insert as a character in those daft stories I can't help myself from writing. If you were after a good adjustable dress form, though, the Diana models are very good. Tessuti Fabrics sells them, and will be more than happy to order in a size for you if so required.
I'm feeling bad that poor old Sabrina is sitting up there all naked. This is a family-friendly blog - I can't be having any nudey rudeys sitting about! Better put something on her quick smart...
...oh look! That Butterick 5601 is coming along nicely, innit? (hee hee!)
Sabrina is a bit prettier than my old Sally despite the ravages of age. Sally is a modern, tacky and impractical. Love Sabrina's latest dress - its a good pink.
ReplyDeleteThis blog wouldn't be the same without your cool stories or your unique dressmakers dummy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Butterfly :)
ReplyDeleteShe's pretty spesh that Sabrina!
ReplyDeleteI like the look of that pattern ;)
It's the things that come your way/find, with a story behind them, that makes them extra special - great find!!
ReplyDeleteSabrina sounds like she'd enjoy a cuppa tea with my Glady's - Glady's is a bit more Gen Y but she respects her elders.
ReplyDeleteShe's a real beaut! And you're right, they're wonderful company in the sewing room (although my Miss Gertrude's stand keeps coming apart....).
ReplyDeleteI've got one just like Sabrina, although I haven't named her yet...
ReplyDeleteHow do I adjust her to my size? I see all the screws inside but how do I manage to get to them? Would love some advice.