@katherinemorelle7115
I made a Bootstrap, and maybe I was just really lucky, but it came out perfectly to my measurements, with no adjustments needed. I also decided to make mine out of a pretty floral fabric, so Mildred would be pretty to look at all on her own, and honestly, it’s really helped with my body confidence- because Millie is pretty, and Millie is Me. I’m really, really happy with my dress form.
@LVXMagick
I can NOT thank you enough! I'm a single mother and do not have a dime to spare on things that are not adding serious value to my life. And I do have a very odd shaped body, which worried me before I saw this, but now I know for sure the adjustable form would not be a wise investment for me. I'm very slender but with thickness in my hips and thighs. I have a huge ribcage yet no boobs, a long torso and I'm tall for a woman. All that considered I think I have more time to waste than money and more reasons to make my own than risk it. I was so unsure before this video. Thank you!🙏🥰
@tmhrows
I made the bootstrap dress form cover, which is intended to fit over an existing dress form padded out to my actual measurements. It is essentially the same pattern as the dress form, except for some reason it does not include a center front or center back seam. I added those. I agree that you should absolutely include the additional optional measurements for an accurate fit. Apparently they use an algorithm based on your height to determine your back length, back neck to bust apex, etc. For someone like me, who is taller than average but shortwaisted, these generalized algorithms just do not work. The optional measurements did give me an accurate pattern for the upper body, with a minor adjustment for the upper bustline fullness (not). Unfortunately, as you point out, they do not give "optional" measurements for the lower body, like high hip and distance from waist to high/low hip. So their algorithm produced a profile that was way too slim at the high hip measurement, and the low hip was 2" below my actual low hip measurement. I adjusted the pattern and reported this to bootstrap. Their response was that their algorithm fits "most" people. Well - if you are going to market yourself as a custom pattern company, BE a custom pattern company . Adding three additional measurements can't be that heavy a lift compared to the measurements required for the upper body. I'm curious if anyone else has had issues with the lower body.
@VetsrisAuguste
It was so reaffirming to hear someone else describe all the same issues I have always had with collapsible forms. One of my favorites being how the adhesive residue from the pealed sticker on the stand doing more to hold the form in place than the mechanisms designed for that purpose. I’ve never known anyone to but one a second time. How are the manufacturers of these things still in business?
@m.taylor7347
Thank you so much for stopping me from buying an adjustable form!!
@skaterbakes
You beating the crap out of your dress form to arrange the stuffing made my day 😂 I’m in tears from laughing so hard
@erstwhile3793
Everything you say here about the "adjustable" plastic dress forms, I saw at a glance the first time I laid eyes on one. They have not really changed or improved since the 80s, and while I always longed for a dress form so I could drape out clothes for myself, I never seriously considered buying one of those useless items. Your review just validated that
@rslocum17
I just finished my Bootstrap in January. It’s my first dress form and I love it. I’m a big plus size lady and the only problem I had with the pattern was also the tummy “pudge”. To be honest the form looks like it has a front “butt”, crack and all, down the front seam. But as long as the measurement is correct I really don’t care what it looks like. And yes for the price I’d do this again if I needed too. Those laser forms are waaaay too pricey, they are way far outside of my budget. I loved using the form though to finish my latest 18th century open robe. I was absolutely tickled the first time I tried on the gown and it fit ahhh life changing moment for sure. Love your videos keep them coming.
@elizabethclaiborne6461
For the pipe/ stand, you can use PVC pipes. Or metal. A Christmas tree stand will do the job, just be sure your pipe will fit an artificial tree stand. Not so pretty, but one can trade up later.
@lamkins2276
Drop cloth at Home Depot would be a frugal alternative to the thick cotton canvas. I’ve made curtains and slip covers out of it.
@josephinehogg3629
I ordered my Bootstrap dress form about 10 years ago, and I am so happy that I did. Been sewing my own clothes since 1960, and only came across the Bootstrap dress form in 2015!! My sewing life with 'Ethel' would have been such a JOY IF I had a dress form like this, way back then! EVERY ONE! go get your own! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
@ashleyalexandermorris9645
I came here looking just for the bootstrap review and suddenly see flashes of historical dressmaking?! Huzzah! 🥰🤗
@AmiFriendsStudio
Wow. This was an excellent, detailed review of the Bootstrap form. I was just getting ready to purchase an adjustable form and so glad to see the reasons why those forms are problematic. Thank you for this video.
@published1789
Thank you -- that is really useful feedback on the Bootstrap. But also on the hard "adjustable" form. I have had a few chances to get at a lower price through someone selling theirs on but I just wasn't convinced. You've finally captured what was drifting around in my fuzzy thinking -- getting your garment on and off the form would be really, really tedious. Thank you so much for capturing that.
@bohemiansusan2897
Thanks for posting this one. I've got plans to make this one in the future. Did spend $10 to get measured by a dressmaker which varied from what I did. Also she better adjusted for my weird body type than I could while being twisted up, trying to judge. Now have the pdf format and will take it to the print shop to put on architectural print paper. Now its a matter of just buying parts as can be afforded until I have all that is needed to start the project. So far I have the pattern and heavier all purpose thread.
@ladarrellworf6896
This is the most helpful and also the most hilarious sewing video I’ve ever watched 😂😂😂😂😂
@SewSewDrew
I hated my adjustable one too. Had ALL the same EXACT problems I thought only I had gotten a dud.
@sarahannekerley8681
I'm so tickled by how this was my exact experience. We used all the same materials and made the same adjustments, except I'm really short waisted and had to take 2.25" from the waist. Mine turned out sort of crooked and I might re stuff it. The bust is way too low, unfortunately
@lumailisa
One of the best videos I've watched on this for a beginner. I'm glad i didn't make the mistake of buying those plastic adjustable mannequins 😅
@angelaavalon