judy.

This weekend I hoped to get a lot more accomplished than what actually got done (well sort of). Thank you Judy. For my fashion draping class a mannequin, or a Judy, is required for 'draping' purposes. And since there isn't enough Judy's for each designer in class we were required to construct our own for the first assignment. So last Tuesday at 8:30am, we all came to class prepared to construct our Judy's, or in my case my Jessica. Initially the idea was to cover ourselves with brown paper tape so we would have a body form identical to our own bodies. Well that didn't work out so well. When returning to the fashion studio to complete my body form, it was warped and hopeless. So back to the beginning, except this time I used an available Judy that had almost the same measurements as my figure. And the process of constructing my own Judy begins. (with a happier ending)

First using tape paper tape we cover the figure; following the lines and forms of the body for an accurate result. Make two layers.

When the paper tape is completely dry, continue by removing the constructed form from the supporting figure buy cutting down the centre back. Immediately repair the constructed form by applying tape on where the cut was made. To reinforce and to add more durability to the body form, apply another layer or two to the inside of the form.

Using foam core or cardboard cover the bottom, neck and arm wholes (if not already covered). Then cover with paper tape. If the Judy is going to be on a stand, cut a whole at the bottom of the form to insert a pole.

Once the form is completely covered with the paper tape, mark reference points.

Centre Front

Centre Back

Side Seams

Princess Seam (Front)

Princess Seam (Back)

Jewel Neckline

The next stage is to cover the form with batting and fabric, so when draping fabrics can be pinned to the Judy.

And this is what I have completed so far. I still need to finish covering my Judy with the batting and then with organic cotton. Then I will be adding the necessary markings that will be referenced when the Judy is used for draping and constructing garments. I am definitely glad I decided to start over and construct my body form from a standard Judy, the results so far have been worthwhile.

A fun filled weekend with Judy.