My mother gave me her dress dummy.  Problem: it was size 10.  NOT me.

I layered scraps of pelon and batting onto the dummy.

I wound it with layers of batting from my scrap bin.  Every layer stitched for stability.

Dummy with padding

Then I covered it with black cotton interlock fabric ( $12.99 at Textile Traders; the one with the furry, warm , inside).

Sophisticated in black, dummy waiting for creative appliqué!

Now I have a dummy that I can pin stuff onto in my own size.  Starting with a freeform knitted and crocheted vest.