Nov21_06

It was quite an Adventure yesterday; however, with the help of Mairi, 'Big Red' miraculously transformed from the red dressform into a 'double' of my body.

It was decided that rather than try to 'pad' her to look like my body, the easiest way was to tape around my body, forming a 'body-cast' that we could then slip over 'Big Red' and it would be a more reasonable likeness of my shape.

So for almost 3 hours I stood while Mairi pieced on 3 kinds of tape until the form was stiff enough to hold up on its own. The easiest way to show you is through these photos:

Next the brown wrapping tape
begins as it gives more strength and shape

My 'real shape' is beginning to blossom . . .
Yikes!

Almost done

Once the form was to our satisfaction, Mairi cut it up one side seam and along one shoulder seam and I was set free for lunch!

We then slid the form over 'Big Red', re-taped the slit seams and went on to the fitting of the muslin. By 3:15 pm I was headed for home, all the way, thinking what her new name would be.

It seemed appropriate that since I had been reading about Paris that her transformed name would be 'LeChusa' (a nickname Eb had given me a few years ago!)

LeChusa being supported
by 'Big Red'

The most amazing part for me was not 'wigging out' when I saw what she/I really looked like! I can only think that it was because I was so happy to have a model to work from now. For so long I have been frustrated in attempts of using patterns that didn't work out. I am thrilled that now I will be able to pin the tissue pattern pieces together and try them on LeChusa to make any alterations before cutting the fabric.

Plus, she is good incentive to work toward removing the extra pounds!

All this talk about 'transformation' has begun a wheelbarrow full of ideas floating around in my head, so am sure it won't be long before some spill out onto paper!