Project: Duct Tape Mannequin

     This is for all of you who hate getting poked and prodded while working on your sewing masterpieces.  This is a mannequin that will help you in sizing and creating your own shirts and dresses.  To begin, find a friend you're comfortable around (otherwise, it might be a tad.....no, a lot...awkward!).  Also, make sure this person is capable of handling scissors.  For us, it became a bit of a challenge ;)

       What you need:

• Competent partner
• Duct tape, or Gorilla Tape, which is what we used (about one and a half average sized rolls)
• Large t-shirts
• Scissors
• Filling (we used foam)
• Cardboard
• Tripod stand

     
 First, after putting on a large T-shirt over a well fitting under shirt, have your partner begin to tape from your neck down your chest using small pieces to get the shape right.

Then continue to tape down the hips. It's okay to just wrap the tape around until you get as far as you want to go.

Now add another layer of tape, making it pretty if you'd like.

Note: A second alternative is to paper mache it after stuffing.

Cut up the back, trying to keep it straight and even, being EXTREMELY careful not to cut skin.

Now just put a hanger in it and tape the neck closed to hold the hanger in place, and tape the back opening closed.

Tape over the arm opening.

Using whatever filling you prefer, stuff your mannequin so it's firm and will hold it's shape (and isn't lumpy!).

Cut cardboard so it is the same shape and size as the bottom of the mannequin, and cut a hole in the middle big enough to run the rod through. Secure the cardboard to the underside of the mannequin, and run the pole through the hole, taping it in place.

After completion, clothe your mannequin and display your beautiful figure!

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