Mortem's Tricks or Treats: There's No Such Thing As Problems...

Only opportunities!

Or, At least I am attempting to convince myself of such...

To get to the point, I grew fatter and my DIY dressform no longer reflects my true body shape. I had to increase its size by one.

"Before"

Part of the reason I didn't want to doodle on Frankiestein much is because I knew eventually my wayward ways will start to accumulate at an incredible rate as I get closer and closer to my 30's-- the idea of spending that much time cursing over my bad joints attempting health always leaves a bad taste in my soul. So, in saying that... it truly disappointed me to know I would have to cover up what is still the best tattoo idea I've ever conjured on a whim. C'est la vie.

I researched a little on how to tackle this problem, and the solution was unanimous-- quilt batting and a 4 way stretch cover.

The supplies are extremely inexpensive (not including my store discount): $6.99 per yard for my swimsuit lycra spandex, $3.50 per yard of 4oz batting, $2.99 for a large needle set that includes a curved or tapestry, cotton tatting thread for $3.99, and finally an old bra.

I didn't use any fancy method of fitting my batting, I cut rectangles and drew with a sharpie marker the relative curve it had to sit on, cut and then tape it down till I found a seam to pin it together, often creating darts.

There were some areas that needed a little extra loft (my bust and derriere), and I shaped and pinned them accordingly, until finally everything was ready to be sutured up.

One of the most alarming things about creating a double is taking on a third person perspective of your entire body. It gives you a truly unbiased look of every nook, every cranny that ultimately makes up you.

Once the batting is sewn in place, it was time to ready the cover... but unlike others, I didn't seem to gain as much weight on my collarbone and neck area. That measurement stayed the same, so I didn't have a space to pin and make taught the fabric I was to use.

I grabbed a garment that had enough curve and was tight fitting... which sadly happened to be something I made not too long ago.

I pinned around it and cut along the inner edge of the pins. Serged the sides and began creating darts until, inevitably, I came out with a true to shape dress form, with every number matching up digit for digit...

I even wore some tight clothing to show my... umm... "curves".

Unfortunately, during the slipping on of the cover, Frankiestien suffered an arm and boob collapse, but it didn't seem to affect the overall look and sizing-- likely because of the bra... but she'll need repair when I eventually drop the weight we both gained. If that day even comes...