Hi Ann,
Joanne Hackett and I just finished making ten male torsos for an upcoming waistcoat exhibition.  We found it best to make the form longer than the waist coat and trim to size.  We found we needed three layers of buckram for strength and rigidity and we applied first a sheet of buckram over the form, followed by a layer of small strips and followed by another layer of a sheet of buckram.  Once the buckram dries, the edges can be sharp, so we liked using the sheet of buckram as the final layer.
We just used Gingher paper scissors and brute strength to cut the buckram.
I don't remember how much buckram we used...we just bought a big roll (it's cheap).
One thing to consider...depending on the textile, you may see through the mannequin. In other words, the "show" fabric has to be on the inside of the mannequin. We used a stretchy fabric that we could slip inside the form and then stretch to fit over the neck and arm openings.
Beth Szuhay
Textile Conservation
FAMSF


> ----------
> From:         Textile Conservators on behalf of Frisina, Ann
> Reply To:     Textile Conservators
> Sent:         Thursday, August 19, 2004 9:13 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      invisible mannequin
> 
> I am looking for some practical hands on information about building invisible mannequins as described by Chris Paulocik  in the new publication "Museum Mannequins: A guide for a perfect fit." by ARG.
> 
> First Chris describes a herringbone technique of applying strips of buckram starting from the neck down.  Yet in the illustration it appears that a sheet of buckram is being applied to the lower hip area.  Are sheets applied as a consolidating layer once the from is covered via the herring bone technique to provide extra strength?
> 
> Second  Does anyone have any streamlined ideas on how to efficiently cut up enough buckram?  Let's face it this stuff is tough.
> 
> Finally how many yards is needed to complete one 20th century form?  
> 
> Thank you for all your help. 
> 
> 
> Ann Frisina 
> Textile Conservator 
> Minnesota Historical Society 
> 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. 
> St. Paul, MN. 55104 
>   
> 651 297-5490 
> 
>