I see where some use Truespace. What do you all use aside from using Poser and Poser parts?

well i haven't tried it,but there is a plugin for 3dsmax by digimation called "stitch".it's really quite neat,it lets you lay out patterns just like you would for real clothing,the software then stitches it all together and conforms it to whatever body you choose to apply it too it also takes care of the physics,ie how the cloth falls wrinkles etc. as i said i haven't tried it but i have seen it used and i strongly suspect others are using it judging by the "look" of thier work.

In the Amapi forum, you can find a suggested technique for fitting a mesh as tightly or loosely around a figure as you wish, although you will then have to modify the mesh to the clothing you want to make. But that's true for any modeling app. Have a look at http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=328879 Amapi is used to illustrate the technique, because Amapi 4.15 is free. But the trick will work in almost any 3D app. Truespace even has free plug-in that'll fit a mesh automatically. So you can use any 3D app you like, as long as you can get your finished model into Poser (check the file formats). Once you're there, you need to make it poseable. There's a tute for that on the Amapi forum, too, but the best tute on the subject can be found on http://webpages.charter.net/chawkins2/tutorials.htm Have fun.

Modeling clothes is not different from modeling any objet. So you can use any 3D program. But you will have to learn 3D modeling and it's a little long (it is for me). If you want to try, begin with a free program like Blender, very powerful, (http://www.blender.nl/index_community.php) which have already a large community and a lot of tutorials (there are some others too). Rodzilla is speaking about plugins based on collision objects. The best is included in Maya unlimited (dont think too much about it : $$$$$$). At a lower level, for 3DSMax, you have Digimation Stitch, Kelseus Cloth, Infografica Clothreyes, but they are quite expensive too (although clothreyes is now free for R3 athttp://www.reyes-infografica.com/cloth.php) ; Simcloth (http://www.chaosgroup.com/SimCloth.html) is very efficient and free. But again, MAX is not cheap and you don't need all that to make good clothes. About Truespace Steve Shanks have a very clear tutorial on his 1st CD and I began with it (thanks my friend :-) After modeling, you will have to learn to prepare your obj mesh for poser. Look for PhilC or Nerd Tutorials. Be ready for monthes of work and good luck, Serge

Hehe thip, you are right : Amapi was my first modeling program and I love it. I forgot there is a free one.

I am preparing a new tutorial in which I explain at length how to model clothing and make conforming figures. Although I work in Truespace it will be written in such a way that it will be relevant to many modeling packages. Because it will be distributed on CD I will be able to not only include a vast number of screen shots but also the example models saved at various stages of construction in OBJ, 3DS, COB, SCN & PZ3 formats.
I spent yesterday writing up the joint parameter section ......... I'm spending today resting quietly in a darkened room, no loud noises please :)

i use rhino... i tried truespace, and was so lost :) i gained a healthy respect for you, phil.

I use Max 3, which I actually bought. Max is very, very pricey, and not that easy to learn, but it is extreamly powerful. It is so good I can just tell it - "Make a new top for Supermodel Vickie, thin straps, cut tight, sleeveless, V neck" and it does all the rest by itself! (Don't I wish!)

Humm, JB...and, what plugin does that, may I ask? Oh, and btw....can you direct me to some tutes, like, well..."See Spot Loft"..."Lathing with Dick and Jane", and, "A Barney Singalong of Max commands.". Thanks. Poppi

Ha Ha! See Spot Loft! Loft, Spot, Loft! Then Extrude and Bevel! Then Save-as-an-object-file-rotated-and-scaled! Save Spot, Save! Good boy!