Let me introduce you to Gisèle, my new collaborator!   Yes, I’m no longer alone in the workshop…

Gisèle has now joined the c’est du Joly team! And I’m happy to have her by my side; it took me so long to select the best candidate who could meet my collaboration needs.

Let’s stop the suspense, here is Gisèle Stockman!

Measurements 85-60-93: Gisèle is almost my exact copy.    

For a bit of background, I had wanted to get a sewing mannequin, a patternmaking mannequin, for about two years.

The goal was to create custom models for myself; I wasn’t looking for a display or showroom mannequin.

I had researched the different options for sewing mannequins:    

• adjustable mannequin or not
• price
• fabric covering the mannequin
• and even, why not, making one myself
•    …   

I had checked out blogs, stores, asked for advice in haberdashery and workshops… And like any good perfectionist, I couldn’t decide. So I decided to wait for my patternmaking training with Iam Patterns to benefit from their good advice. 

My choice fell on a rather expensive option, it’s true, but of very high quality: a Stockman mannequin.

Stockman is the reference for atelier sewing busts, but you’ll also find them for display mannequins. Each piece is handmade in their Paris workshop by skilled workers. The mannequins are made to match the different models offered by the brand.

Gisèle is a B434 model in size 40. It’s the mannequin that came closest to my measurements. The most limiting factor in choosing the mannequin for me is my stature and, by extension, my back length, which is only 37cm.  

I received real support from Stockman, who is very efficient and responsive to any request. I got advice and mannequin suggestions based on the criteria I had set. Once the order was placed, Stockman confirmed the production time for Gisèle: about 3 weeks.   

For shipping, Gisèle arrived without any issues, well packaged. What a pleasure to unpack her and fix her on her pretty stand.   

You might ask why not an adjustable mannequin, they’re cheaper... The biggest problem I see with these mannequins is that usually the wheels and adjustment cuts are on the seam lines (often the center back and front or on the waistline). So it’s not possible to pin the toile properly. Also, most of these mannequins are covered with a toile that is hard to pin. 

They are therefore good for checking the drape of a garment or roughly adjusting a model, but they are not very practical for patternmaking.

If this topic interests you and you want more info or maybe a comparison of different mannequin options, write to me in the comments. I’ll be happy to write a new article ;-) on this subject.