oops, I forgot to thank Kenneth for this brilliant idea. I'm stopping by Lowe's on my way home from work tonight, and I've passed this hint along to friend who sews.

I have a collapsible tailoring board that I bought 35 years ago when I took a tailoring class in college. It's a great tool to use to press the seams on armholes and cuffs and in other curved places. They still sell them but at a hefty price of $60 to $70. You might find a used one on eBay,or, if friendly with a woodworker, have one made for you. Put "collapasible tailoring board" in a search engine and you'll find sellers.

I find myself drawn to vintage Dior and Yves St Laurent Vogue patterns. The designs are chic and never go out of style. Lately I've bought some Chado patterns. His look is more severe than I usually like, but they intrigue me. I haven't sewn any of his patterns yet though so we'll see if his designs are as figure friendly to me as Dior and Yves St Laurent!