by Tony James » 18 Feb 2007, 20:32
Absolutely David, only the blue and white stripes are around the left arm - Metropolitan Police band. I recall mentioning this previously.
Actually the material Fred used for the PC was very good and wore well. like a thick serge. Judy's dress didn't wear so well and her's was the first I had to remake. Joey was the second one. Like Judy, his wore across the front from wear on the playboard edge and in the arm/chest area where the end of the stick action rubbed. Then followed the Doctor. The Policeman was next.
I did not find redressing easy, even with the originals as templates. The dresses my lady makes for me are bigger and lined as Chris describes. Gives body to the figure, fits my hands perfectly and they are longer, better covering my lower arms.
The Punch dress Fred supplied was well made but not fast and if it became sufficiently wet would bleed red dye over any dresses that came in contact. The Ghost was most vulnerable, being white and particularly as I use it at the end, when Punch will be at his wetest.
It wasn't too hard to get it out of the Ghost's dress. I mixed up some 'colour run' restorer and sponged it on. It removed the red almost at once and then I rinsed the dress under the tap to prevent any possible damage to the fabric.
Interestingly I tried this on one of the boxers whose stripy costume was blotched with red. It took the red away immediately but turned the blue stripes yellowy-brown. I thought I had done permanent damage.
Strange to say as I rinsed the dress- and I didn't expect this - the yellowy-brown stripes turned back to blue which was a relief.
Put me in mind of the old 'wine and water' trick.
Tony James
Magic With A Punch!