Oooh I would love to participate (but only with a guide LOL!) but I don't know if my "month" of being on craftster will be up by then? I joined AUg 17 - so is the month ended Sep 16? or 17? :-/

"bcgrote says: "I'm soooo with you all!  It's depressing:  white, black, beige.  We like cute bras too!"
Exactly! Pretty underwear for all, I say!"

Aaaaah let me tell you, possibly even harder than finding a plus-size bra that is cute (luckily for my large-bosomed sister, she cares only that is is all-cotton LOL) is finding sexy nursing bras!! Last I checked the one place that did cute ones was no longer showing up on the web. (De Ma Vie) I just gave up eventually. :-(

Good luck with making them! I can't wait to see the results - I am off clicking all the links thus far myself!

"you knit with needles. this is a hook. have you ever heard of a knitting hook? didn't think so."

Aaaaaah I love it! I think I might steal that from you. :-p

And crocheting as the manliest of the fiber arts? Almost makes me wish I were a guy!!

I haven't crocheted in a long while, not since high school, but being on craftster is damn inspiring, so I might take it back up soon...

I have a similar blouse with the same mutton sleeves you describe. I've been pondering for w hile now just what to do with it. I do believe you've inspired me to actually *do* something with it now, out of the realm of thought and into the realm of action!

You recon looks so utterly fabolous!

How absolutely stunning! I've made two pair of wings thus far, but both very simple and none as nice as those LOL!

<i> It reminds me of my search for another elusive plus size item: cute wide calf fall boots!!! </i>

Aaaaahhh!! I have no info on plus-size maternity clothes, nor do I wear plus-size clothes either (though I have some experience shopping with my sister for them - WHY do they always figure her waist must be large if her hips are I do NOT know lol) but GAH I have problems with boots and my calves *all* the time. Apparently, boots are only meant for women with sticks for legs. Sticks, I tell you!! My legs are just not that big, but years of ballet gave me very nice round calves - that I *like* dammit! - and you would be amazed how few boots I can find that fit over my calves. *le sigh*

Since I started sewing I have been "clothes watching". Trying to see from the seams and stitches what looks handmade and what looks homemade. Typically you can't tell the difference, unless you notice that the homemade ones are of better quality and they fit better!

That is so true! Sewing also makes you notice how poorly constructed most RTW items are. I mean, is it too much to ask to actually tie off the end of the thread? (I've had several embroidered/beaded blouse issues, can you tell?)

ROFL - RTW beads falling off, SOOOO standard! When I remember, I try to look over things I buy immediately and reinforce things as necessary. I just figure it's the tradeoff for getting clothes dirt cheap. Of course, if I paid a lot for a shirt, I would expect a lot better quality...

Hmmmm...could you carefully cut out one of the images and apply it as an applique/patch? Or I suppose you could throw it an a scanner and print out an image on iron-on transfer paper....

I can only dream that I might be able to make such a nice, professional, pleated skirt someday. Is it horribly complicated? It looks it! Yours is done so very very well!

Oooh this is fabulous and so inspiring with the tutorial!! It doesn't look too hard at all - hats for every occasion, every day of the week I say! Lol. Okay, that *may* be getting a bit carried away...