Go, Susan! Great article and info as usual! I took Susan's couture class and bought these fabulous top-of-the-line pins. She sells those and some way cool French pin cushions for the wrist on her site. Pinning correctly and using the right products really makes a difference.

One other idea . . . I think Threads should sponsor "Project Threads" whereby they give readers a weekly (or bi-monthly) challenge a la Project Runway challenges. We could do an unbleached muslin challenge, an unconventional materials challenge, all make a dress from the same pattern, etc., with pictures posted to the website. Probably 4 or 6 challenges would be plenty for something like this. Winner gets -- what else? -- a spread in Threads magazine, along with other fabulous prizes . . . Just a thought . . .

I'm voting for pattern drafting and more draping, too. I'd love to become a whiz with this French Curve that I own, along with all the other curvy rulers I have (nationality unknown . . .)

Ooooh, I want in on this, too. My company puts out a Titanic murder mystery dinner party game, and I've got customers wanting to make costumes for their parties. This will be great!

I think the judges should have kept McKell, too -- her dress was cute and completed, unlike some of the others. Overall, I thought Peach's was the most put together and wearable. Especially considering what she had to work with! And dresses stapled? Hmmm . . . How did that person get put through to the next round? Seems like a darker, more sinister Project Runway this time. The music on the commercials has sort of a psycho-kind of creepy sound to it. Personally, I liked the fun, focus-on-the-creativity seasons better . . .

I love your work! I've seen several of your pieces that you've posted, and you have such a unique and interesting creative perspective. Your necklaces are either stand alone - works of art on their own - or else wonderful accessories to complete an outfit. Either way, they're beautiful and eye-catching. Hope you keep up the great work -- with your talent, you should go far!

Thank-you so much to Threads Magazine for hosting this contest! Contests are so good for us all -- they allow us to spread our wings creatively and encourage us to push the envelope when it comes to our own talents and abilities. Thank-you for having my dress as the winner -- it was such a wonderful boost! And thanks also to Kai Scissors for sponsoring this -- wow, these scissors are phenomenal!! Especially the professional ones!! And my hat is off to everyone who entered the contest. I always enjoy the kind of people who jump into the game and play ball, rather than sit on the sidelines. I look forward to seeing everyone's entries in future contests.

Have a wonderful day and keep up all your creative endeavors. You inspire all around you!

I applaud you! Not only did you make a lovely dress for your daughter to wear to prom, but you also sent a very powerful message to her, showing her that by using your own creativity, talent, and self-sufficiency, you gave her the same dress at a price that was within the budget. Plus, she'll always remember the dress that Mom made. I hope she is following in your footsteps and sewing as well. Good job!