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

Gisèle has now joined the c’est du Joly team! And I’m happy she’s by my side, I took 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 my almost exact copy.    

For the record, I had wanted to acquire a sewing mannequin, a patternmaking mannequin, for about two years.

The goal being to make custom models for myself, I wasn’t looking for a so-called display or window mannequin.

I wasn’t informed about the different options for sewing mannequins:    

• adjustable mannequin or not 
• price      
• fabrics covering the mannequin
• and even why not, make it at home 
•    …   

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 dress forms, but you will also find some for display mannequins. Each piece is handmade in their Parisian workshop by skilled workers. The mannequins are made to fit the different models offered by the brand.

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

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

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

You might say, why not an adjustable mannequin, they are cheaper... The biggest problem I identify with these mannequins is that usually the adjustment wheels and cuts are located on the cutting lines (often the center back and front or on the waistline). It is therefore not possible to pin the muslin properly. Moreover, most of these mannequins are covered with a fabric that is difficult to pin. 

They are therefore suitable for looking at the drape of a garment or roughly adjusting a model, but they are not very practical for pattern making.

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