It was suggested to me in a recent reader comment that I go ahead and name my dress form. I have to agree, the dear deserves it with all I put her through. So I’m opening up the floor for suggestions!
And, as an added bonus, whoever suggests the name I end up choosing will be the happy new owner of 3 gorgeous yards of assorted fabrics! Hopefully they’ll be a delightful inspiration for you. 
I’m sorry I’ve posted so infrequently this week. Work has been busy, home has been busy, and my sewing attempts have not been photograph worthy. On Monday I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. working on Shawn’s shirt, only to discovered that I *hadn’t* solved the crooked-button-flap issue, I had just sewn the thing off center on the opposite side! Aaaaaaaaargh! And of course with a slit cut down the front of the shirt I couldn’t just unstitch and resew, I needed at least enough new fabric to replace the shirt front. Very, very frustrating.
But we move on. Yesterday was a fabulous day! I received lots and lots of fabric, which is delightful and definitely photograph worthy. First off, I found the time to head to the fabric store and pick up more fabric for Shawn’s shirt. I also got far enough last evening to confirm for once and for all that I have finally figured out that darned button and collar issue, and I have a nice, not crooked shirt front to work with. I hope to finish his shirt today and post completed pictures soon.
I also received a package in the mail of fabrics I’d picked up on clearance at fabric.com. It was 30% off the clearance goodies, so I got these three fabrics for something like $1.37/yard (plus shipping). I plan to make a little nightie out of the pink lace, a dress out of the fruit print fabric, and I haven’t decided about the other lace (which the website said was lavender, but I think looks far bluer, decidedly periwinkle).
Last but not least, I recently won a giveaway from a fellow blogger, and the following stash from her arrived yesterday too. Thanks, Diane! My husband is *especially* excited about the cookbook. I haven’t yet decided what I’ll do with the fat quarters she sent but I’m sure I’ll think of something.
Well, it’s time for Shawn to get a turn with the computer, and I should really get back to sewing. I’m thoroughly enjoying my day off so far. No errands, no guests, no hospital trips. Just peace and quiet and a sewing day at home.
I made a bit more progress on the dress yesterday; cutting out the fabric for the outer dress and beginning to sew it all together. I also, on a whim, took the two chiffon skirt layers and pinned them up to the dress form to assess what the finished dress will look like. Unless I add another layer, it will be see through (which might not be entirely appropriate for Bonnie to wear to public performances!).
Chiffon is a sheer fabric, and I knew this, but I had expected that the lining underneath would provide enough coverage. With the fabric layers all draped over my cutting table, it looked like I was right. But, hanging on the dress form where the light can shine from behind, it’s clear that the lining is not sufficient, so tomorrow I’ll hit the fabric store for a little more satin and put a layer of satin beneath the chiffon.
In the meanwhile, I have the bodice pieces sewn together and I’ll spend this evening hand sewing the bra cups in place.
