i'm halfway through NaBloPoMo!  i can't believe i'm actually finding shit to talk about seven full days a week.  heh.  narcissism at its best.

so, i'm still determined to make my own dress for the JLP's annual formal fundraiser - the chocolate chip ball.  it isn't till april, and although i haven't made a "real" garment in a while (the tutus don't count), i feel pretty confident in my sewing skills to tackle the project.

i've been halfheartedly searching the internet for style ideas, hoping to find something simple and classic-looking.  i still love that kate spade LBD i wore last christmas to the hub's client dinner, and i thought maybe i could find a really basic silhouette that could be dressed up with a beautiful fabric and some cool accessories.

i think this vintage vogue pattern could be awesome: or maybe this one: but then amazon, in its infinite wisdom, sent me an e-mail (computer-generated based upon my wish list and other orders, i know) showcasing some really cool-looking party dress sewing books.  this one hadn't been released yet, but looked quite promising. and then i noticed that it was being offered as a 3-book package (how very convenient, amazon!), along with these two: unlike the first book, which included a pattern for the basic dress style pictured on the cover, these two offered detailed instructions on how to build a "block" - basically, a pattern that you make according to your specific measurements.  and then you use that basic block to create patterns for four different styles - all custom-made based on your body.

i hit "add to cart" and then remembered that i have free amazon prime for god knows how long, because i signed up as an "amazon mom."  yes!  i submitted my order on saturday and got the last two by monday, with the first one ON the release date.  sweet!

now, let's hope i can put 'em to good use.  not only do i have the ball coming up, but my cousin r's wedding - i'm the matron of honor (ew, that sounds so...OLD) and she already gave me her blessing to make my own dress if i want to.

yup, i live an exciting life, huh?
rambled on and on by wan at 6:24 AM tags: caught the sewing bug, nablopomo looking for awesome fabric? some of my favorite patterns! even more of my favorite patterns! support the hub! sparkle skirts for everyone! all about the wans
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