My mother wore girdles when I was younger - or at least she did under dresses. She has always worked at a hospital, so when scrubs came into vogue for women, she no longer had to wear them. She continues to wear pantyhose, however, although it may be more for vein issues as much as for 'fashion' now. Both my grandmothers lived on farms, and never wore corsets, they just weren't practical. I was always required to wear a slip when I was growing up, regardless of the weather, or even if my dress or skirt didn't need one. Pantyhose as well. That was just what females did to be 'proper' in our family. I was THRILLED when bare legs came into style and refuse to wear hose now except tights for fashion in the winter. I will once in a while wear a 'foundation garment' if I have a very special occasion and I want to look my absolute best. (like my 25th high school reunion this weekend!) But I love corsets-I am very interested in them and how they were made. I would love to win this book!

My husband and I are lucky enough to be going to Europe this spring (albeit with a large group of high school students!), so I am sewing tops and dresses and a carry-on! This would be great to help me with tips and inspiration on what to sew to help me look great - not dowdy among the teenagers, and to represent (sewing) America well! I would love to have a runway look, and restyling would help me save money to shop for fabric while in Europe - I can't wait!

Wow--wholesome sewing site? Are we all under a certain religious standard here? If you don't like the work you see, ignore it, don't judge.

This is beautiful work! It's not easy to get either lace or velvet to come out right, and you have done a wondeful job with both! I love the beading/sparkly stuff too.

I may not be from New orleans, but some of us Kansas people have fun too!

Kenneth-I actally would like to know how you distressed the jeans. I have seen some inteesting distressing on jeans and would like to know how it's done.