I remember when my sister came out of the service in the late 40's she went to design school in Chicago and one of their first projects was to make a dress form. They wrapped themelves up in cheescloth and had a family member paste (glue (licky tape) brown tape all over them Then they had to wait until the glue paper dried and then someone slit it down the back nd they removed it. It was a perfect dress form.

Just thought I'd mention it !!!True story

Something similar is the 'duct tape dress form'...

Here is a link that might be useful: duct tape dress form

Minnie, it's still being done!

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3633/paper-tape-dress-form

Just got back and looked at the links I can still see my sister waiting for the tape to dry so she could get cut out of it!!! I tcan't remember how she stood it on end. I think there was some kind of coat hanger stand !!

Looked at some of the links to making these...looks like torture garment....would be kind of nice to have one though....many times I wished I had one just to not have to undress and try to pin myself- or not pin myself...lol

Just remember if you use the paper tape...Most people have hair dryers now. That should speed the process along a bit.