Of Dummies and Dress Forms

After months of searching for a bargain deal, I finally bit the bullet and bought a dress form. Below are a few tips if you decide to go this route:

• Know your measurements - if you're not sure how to do this, Vogue Knitting, the Ultimate Knitting Book has instructions with a diagram on pg. 166-167. Or, cheat and go to a tailor. But, sooner or later you need to know how to do this and Vogue is an EXCELLENT knitting techniques resource - it really is the gift that keeps on giving.
  

• Avoid the adjustable dress forms sold in the mega yarn, fabric & craft stores. They're terrible and fall apart quite easily. I've heard nothing but bad things from very good people who dropped $200 and up for these types of forms.

• Try Craigslist.com - I found several good ones but you have to be VERY quick - I searched for a month but didn't get lucky.

• Try eBay - there is a great store called PGM Pro Dress Form and Display. When I scrolled down I discovered it was located near me in Los Angeles. I went to the warehouse and, I can tell you first hand, it's the real deal. If you have to order from out of town, then rest assured. They have a very good rating on eBay. You can get all varieties of the PGM models for MUCH less from this store. However, if you're just displaying your wares like me (and not actually sewing something - God forbid!), then you don't need this high of a caliber of dress form.

• I found my pinnable dress form (really a display form) at Main Store Display and Fixtures for $85 with the stand. It's very close to my measurements. Most wholesale retail display stores will have these models so I recommend Googling "wholesale retail display" in your area. Or, if you sew and have always wanted the professional PGM, try eBay or visit the store in Los Angeles :)

As always, happy knitting!