Nice designs. Stylish, yet not a fad. My latest sewing focus is to make several versions of a garment from the same pattern. So much of my time is spent on fitting a pattern. I want to use it more than once. Don't stop, Suede. Keep them coming. You got our attention.

What influences helped to shape my current sewing hobby?

Maybe it was the Disney film Cinderella or the Masterpiece Theater film called House of Eliott. I always wanted clothes designed and sewn by a professional seamstress -quality clothes that flattered my body shape, expressed my individual personality, and imprinted with my personal style. At around age 60, I had to accept the fact that it was not in my destiny to be independently wealthy and hire a seamstress. I would need to add it to my DIY skill set. So far, I am at beginner sewer level. I don't know if I will ever reach seamstress level. For you see, there are so many hobbies and so little time.

Your fabric choices look beautiful together and the simple design handles the multiple prints and seams well. Special thanks about the tips for non-quilter seams and the non-serger seam finish. I needed both those suggestions.

The finishing details are where so many of my sewing projects fail to please or fail to ever get finished. Knowledge equals skill; skill equals quality; quality equals self confidence; self confidence equals a good day.

My sewing goal is to first learn fitting; then, learn how to change the sleeves and collars on a pattern; and finally, purchase a set of patterns for my basics, plus, each season a set of patterns for the trendy items.

The article titled "One Pattern, Endless Options" would grab my eye while standing at the magazine rack.

I found the Pantone samples. They are too expensive for the small use I would make of it. http://www.pantone.com

Since the computer monitors can often change the color, is there a way to get a sample of the colors? If yes, how do I get the image large enough to read the numbers?

To update my look, I like to add at least one of the Trend Colors to my wardrobe plan. I look at how bright or subdued a color is more than the Personal Seasonal Color Palettes.

My biggest problem is finding the trend colors in the correct shades and tints in the US retail fabric shops, like Jo Ann Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics. If I can come close to the color, I still cannot find the fabrics to coordinate with it. Is this a common experience? Any solutions?

I want to learn to sew clothing that expresses my personality and I like crafts that are done by hand using simple tools. Learning how to embroider would meet both criteria.

I learn many things from web sites, such as Threads; but nothing replaces a good reference book for quick access and repeated use.