LESSON I THE DRESS FORM
In taking up this lesson the student must remember that a good form is the foundation for all succeeding lessons-. No matter how pretty a dress or design is, if it is placed on a " dumpy " figure, it will have no style whatever.
In this lesson we first learn how to draw a layout for the form, which consists of two ovals, Fig. A, then how to place the form on this layout. In the next lesson we dress the same form in a very simple dress.
A form must have good proportion and style. A form leaning forward, or making a bow, as one might express it, is not stylish, neither is one with too large a bust and a tiny waist; nor one with high, square shoulders.
In this lesson we learn how to draw a form for a long dress, and as the styles change, the length of the skirt may be shortened. The waist goes into the skirt two and one-half times, the shoulders are thrown back, the sleeve is thrown out, and the skirt hangs straight down from the waist, flaring at the bottom. For a scant skirt do not flare as much as for a full one.
This form is used for dressmaker's sketches, and for any dress to be placed on a lay figure.
When the dress is on the human figure, action comes in play and a complete understanding of these lessons will enable the student to draw the human figure in a variety of positions, and also to dress the figure in a variety of costumes. The best
way to begin the study of this and all succeeding lessons, is to read all points relating to a certain figure (of course beginning with Fig. A), without looking at the lesson plate; then take a hard pencil, or a dull point of some kind, re-read the instructions, going over the lines of the figure with the point, according to the directions. Make careful note of the direction of the lines, and form a mental image of the figure by imagining that you are drawing it.
Next select a sheet of drawing paper, and with a soft pencil (medium), draw Fig. A as directed below. Follow the way explained; the student will find progress much easier and quicker by proceeding as directed than by trying some other way.
TO DRAW THE FORM
Make the drawing somewhat larger than the copy, placing the figure in the center of the paper. This may be done by getting the proportions and measuring to see just where to begin the drawing. Leave a little more margin at the bottom, than at the top.
Draw line 1, which is a very slight horizontal curve up, then lines 2, 3,4, 5, 6 and 7 as marked on the lesson plate. Line 2 is thrown out for the bust, and line 3 is thrown in at the waist, which throws the shoulders back. Lines 4 and 5 cross lines 2 and 3 at the waist, at first curving out for the hips, then curving in to the bottom