DIY DUCT TAPE BODY FORM

[Other People s Junk]

I have a Husqvarna sewing machine- I don't remember what model, but it's from 1999.  It's all computerized, so makes it easy to select the stitch, width, tension and all that. 

That said, I would really rather have my Mom's old Singer!  I'm not sure what it is she has, but it's probably from the 70s.  It's reliable and a better machine all around, even if you do have to use cams for special stitches/ buttonholes.  (On the buttonhole issue, my Mom's machine beats mine, hands down!  Mine somehow overlaps the stitches, so when you slit it open, the threads get split, too.  Boo Hiss!) 

Also, I can remember being able to sew 90 mph on my Mom's machine (ok, probably not THAT fast  ), but on mine I have to sew at a moderate speed, as the screw that holds the foot attachment is right where you put your hands to guide the fabric- if you go too fast (and you aren't paying attention) it thunks you on the hand and boy, does that HURT.  It's a major design flaw!

I haven't looked at sewing machines (new) in ages, so I don't know what the more recent models are like.  Mine was a large chunk of change at the time, but it was a gift, so I can't complain!   

[lizardsally]

If you're looking for a modern sewing machine the ones to look for are Berninas and Jenomes.  For older machines you can't beat a Singer Featherweight - that's my thrift grail.  I've never found one less than a couple hundred bucks but I know Jay has 'cos he mentioned it in another thread!  Apparently the big deal with Featherweights and other older machines is that because they only do basic stitches they sew in a REALLY straight line.  Which is very important for quilting!

Back to the original topic of this thread - I would LOVE to find someone to help me make duct tape double.  I've been wanting one for years now, but all my craftily inclined friends live far away, and I just can't trust my boyfriend to do it properly!  Seriously, I just think it would be best to have another crafty person help me make one since she'll have a better idea of *why* I am making it, and will be more inclined to do it right!

I researched this heavily a few years ago and "they" say the best sort of tape to make it from is actually that paper tape that you have to moisten in order to make it sticky.  If you use that stuff the form will be very heard and won't need stuffing to keep it's shape.  Plus, you can stick pins directly into it and they'll hold and won't get gummy from the duct tape!

[Cookie]

Sally, I would be happy to be your duct tape double buddy!  I agree that the tape you moisten would work best.  You should come over and copy whatever you want out of my craft books, too, on our copy machine.  We could do this all the same weekend we have our garage sale if you and the mister want to get in on that and bring some stuff to sell.  How about the first weekend in January?  Anyone else who lives near us I'd be happy to do a duct tape double for, too. 

[SecondhandSophisticate]

You're a sweetie, Cookie! Can you do mine? Only not the first weekend in January, lol, but someday.  Are you guys moving soon?  Did you get your dream house?

I got my kitchen counters and sink yesterday, after six weeks of no kitchen. Still need backsplash, paint, floor, but Hey! At least we can do dishes now, lol.

[lizardsally]

Seso and Cookie, can we all do it together?  It would go soooo much faster with 2 people doing the taping, don't you think?  Maybe there's another date we can choose that works for all of us?  I would even be willing to drive out to the coast if we can make this work!

[SecondhandSophisticate]

Excellent idea, lizardsally!  Maybe a few Saturdays after we meet at Renniger's?

[Cookie]

I got my kitchen counters and sink yesterday, after six weeks of no kitchen. Still need backsplash, paint, floor, but Hey! At least we can do dishes now, lol.

Possibly the first time you've ever been excited about doing dishes, huh?  I'm glad you got your counters and sink!  I am exicted about getting a dishwasher with this house that we are making an offer on Monday.  (Right now I have to wash everything by hand and there is a pile waiting for me at this very moment.)  Due to a snafu, our offer on the house didn't go through today,  >: and I was hoping it would so the sellers would have the weekend to think it over.  So cross your fingers, ya'll, that we get this house.  Funny how the cheapest house we looked at was our favorite.  I wonder how often that happens in the world of real estate!  Probably only when thrifters are house shopping  . 

I think after the first weekend in January we'll be too busy packing and moving, if everything goes as planned.  Our goal is to be in the new place by the end of January.  Maybe you guys can come down to Vero Beach and check out our new house and we can duct tape there in February?  I think we'll have to skip the January Renningers because January 18th is our closing date and we'll be in Vero that weekend moving stuff in (if everything goes as planned).  Maybe we can do it at your house, Sally, after the February Renningers if that works better for you guys than driving down to Vero.  The other option is squeezing it in this month.  I don't know how busy you guys are for the holidays, but we could also do it the weekend after Christmas, Saturday the 29th or Sunday the 30th.  Lemme know what works for you two. 

[Cookie]

Actually, next weekend, December 8th or 9th, or the following weekend would work for me, too. 

[SecondhandSophisticate]

Cookie, Pete and I have our fingers crossedcrossedcrossed for you guys!  Please let us know if you get the house.

It is so exciting that the least expensive house is the one you liked the best, lol.  I don't think that has ever happened, at least I haven't heard it.  Good for you and good for your budget...let me know what y'all want for a housewarming gift.   

Would love to come to  your new digs in February and take the Grand Tour and duct tape. That actually works out really well, 'cause we are just so busy with house stuff right now and the holidays 'n all.

If your schedule changes and you've got time, it would still be fun to do Rennigers..maybe on a Sunday this time (I was thinking--GB mentione that dealers might be more inclined to bargain because it's the last day??)  Sally, maybe on a Sunday?

We are now deep into cleaning the six weeks of dust and grit out of our kitchen.

[genuineimitation]

if you do get together, i think you should post a photo your tape-twins all together (tape triplets?)

[dukek9]

Wow, I can beat Jay's price.  I got a Singer featherweight for free from freecycle.  It's Basic, but quite the workhorse.

Now the funny part of the story: I wanted a sewing machine for a long time, but just didn't get one.  The new ones with all their bells and whistles I didn't need and they were way too expensive. Well, there was a freecycle post that a family was having a free sale, come and take what you wanted and it mentioned sewing machines.  Well, it was right at a time I couldn't make it there so I ended up begging a friend to please go for me.  Wow, was I amazed at what I got!

So they are still out there--don't give up hope!

Dee

[navajo6000]

For the past 3 years I have been helping out with our high school musicals and when you 20-30 girls to make costumes for you get real creative plus the guys.
I try to hit the bag sales and grab all formal wear so i have various sizes and styles
Also, i have been re-doing t-shirts,(my 17 y/o daughter) always needs a new look and the girls at school are constantly coming up with cute things to do (cutting out neck sleeves and making tabs and tie them to gether)
Also, I do a good bit of sewing for invalids and bed ridden/wheelchair bound ladies to make a change from nightgowns

It took me awhile but i found the site on t-shirt designs: http://www.generation-t.com/
check it out and make yourself something new

[stephielou]

I tried to do the "duct tape double" a few years ago and was really disappointed by the result, though everyone else on the web seems to love theirs    It didn't hold its form well through the stuffing process, and I gave up on it pretty quickly. I really want to try the dry gum adhesive packing tape version. The benefit of that is that it dries really firm - you have to cut it off while it's still damp, then let it dry completely after that. The duct tape version requires you to make/find some kind of stand, but the packing tape form can just be hung by a hanger. It also requires less materials - no batting. Here's a link to instructions, it's pretty similar to the duct tape instructions:
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00002_p5.asp
This article also covers the duct tape version and a more involved papier mache version.

Regarding sewing machines, I think Janome makes the Sears Kenmore brand machines too, but I'm not sure. I know you can use (some? all?) Janome feet on Kenmore machines. I use a 70's Kenmore that kicks major tooshie. It's rarely let me down and I've only had to have it conditioned once since 2002 (aside from the condition/repair it needed when I got it). If Kenmores are really Janomes, I'm not sure how long this has been the case - that is, I don't know if my 70's Kenmore was made by Janome or someone else. In any case, it's a dang good machine!