Description: Scoop-necked dress has long flared raglan sleeves and a slim skirt, sleeve trimmed with a narrow self fabric frill.

I never think about how tiny my daughter is (compared to me) until I get ready to sew something for her... she's a 5'3" pear - "Shape A". There were quite a few alterations I made to get a perfect fit. I cut the bodice front and back and sleeves in a size 6. Because she is petite, I had to cut 5" off of the sleeves. I knew right off the back that I would have to make sure that the skirt portion of the dress was cut in a soft a-line instead of the straight, slim-style it was originally. This meant that I needed to gradually go from a size 6 to a 12 (thank God for nested patterns). The dress features a bias-tape casing for the ribbon tie at the neckline and an elasticated under-bust seam that was done using an invisible casing. Attaching the sleeve frill was a matter of attaching the pieces at the ends, hemming 5/8" and gathering. All of the seam allowances are pressed open and overlocked. Once I attached the bodice to the skirt, we tried it on to make sure the fit was good and to check the length and she decided that she didn't like the skirt frill, said it was "too much" so we left that part off and just used a 5/8" hem.

I plan to make the halter version for myself but this time, I'm going to be "typical Erica" and go against the pattern company's suggested fabrics and use a matte jersey and cut the skirt on the bias. Can you imagine how incredible the drape would be?

As a little bonus for all of my fantastic readers, don't miss out on entering the Bebe/Coutorture giveaway on the sidebar. Just enter your email address and click... that's it!

And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." - Luke 23:43

I like to cook too! Got this great recipe from Monnie (CreoleinDC) and finally tried it last night. Can you say DEELISH! Rockfish, spinach and a cucumber/tomato salad. A gourmet meal in less than 30 minutes.

Remember when I told you guys about Hancock's filing for Chapter 11, around 2 weeks ago? Well, I decided to venture across the county, passing my 2 favorite locations that have been spared and check out the sales. I fought ridiculous amounts of "Good Friday" traffic during my 48 mile round trip and needless to say, it was pretty good. EVERYTHING in the store is on sale. All fabric is 30% off... it doesn't sound like a lot, but when you buy as much fabric and notions at one time as I do, it makes a big difference.

This was one of the first things I saw when I walked in. I felt like a kid at Christmas! Normally, the three Hotpatterns I bought would have cost around $36.00 plus tax, but I got them for $4.78 each... this made me happy! I wasn't really impressed by the other pattern companies -- Vogues were just on sale for 75% off and I got everything I wanted except the new Summer patterns. Didn't need any McCalls... got those too. They were on sale last weekend for $1.99. Didn't need any Butterick's and Simplicity goes on sale for .99¢ on April 13th.

Here is the rest of the loot that I got. I bought around 11 yds. of fabric (matte jersey, stretch denim, a pink/white polka dot rayon for Amber's "Cha Cha" dress, jean button fasteners and twin stretch needle).

As you see, the pink fabric is already cut out... this is for EASTER! So, I'm about to get going on some serious "Project Runway" sewing!

When you think of Alabama, you probably may think hot, but you certainly don't think haute. Birmingham born and breed - Jodi Arnold's distinct vintage style and immaculate attention to detail has put her Alabama label - Mint on the fashion radar. Jodi has been sewing since she received her first machine at the age of 13; took lessons at the Singer store at the mall, and shopped every weekend at Roberta's Fabric Store. Her Southern roots still show in her designs that were born over a cup of tea in Paris. Jodi has been an illustrator for Simplicity Patterns and a designer for Danskin. She drew on this experience to turn her pipe dream into a reality.

Manolo Blahnik Toe-Ring Flat - $645

Now that I've snapped back to reality, let's look at shoes that are an option (for me).

New American Designer Hilton Hollis will be holding a trunk show next week here at Gus Mayer. I'm thinking about checking it out. Hollis' clothing looks and feels like Armani but without the Armani price tag. His line is what is known as a "bridge line" or "bridge fashion" - which is clothing at designer quality but sold at a lower price. This category falls right under "designer ready-to-wear". Examples of bridge line are Dana Buchman and Lafayette 148, which I primarily purchased when I was actively in the workforce. Hollis' jackets range from $495 to $1,300. His slacks start at $295 and up; and his suits are sold as separates. He offers sizes from 0 to 16.

The new Spring/Summer Vogue Patterns are up and I'm not overly excited. There are a few that I really liked though:

Anna Sui - Spring 2006 RTW

V2968 - I absolutely adore the Anna Sui tops. These will look great with jeans.

Here is the "I-WOULDN'T-BE-CAUGHT-DEAD-IN" Collection:

Right now, I'm currently working on V8352, with the fabric that I showed you here. The jury is still out on whether or not I really like this dress as much as I originally thought I did. Has that ever happened to you in the middle of a project? Happens to me all the time when I buy retail and it ends up going back to the store. So far, I have the bodice complete and I'm ready to sew on the sleeves and the skirt. It's on pause right now... still debating it.