Two desired skills:
i. fitting, especially as my waist and tummy have expanded in recent years
ii. gettingn started - I often have so many alternatives, I can't decide what only I had the skill!

My draping experience - both the best and scariest!
My neice asked me to make her wedding dress. Aided by Susan Khaljie's wonderful book, the foundation was successfully achieved and the silk chameuse to cover was challenging but OK. But when it came to the swathes of fine silk gauze (georgette)that she envisaged floating across her bust, and swirling around her hips into the train, I was stumped! It would not lie still for me to cut flat, and it didn't behave like the muslin. I borrowed a mannequin, and began pinning on to the bress. I cut with my heart in my mouth, wondering if I could buy more fabric of this didn't work.
Fortunately it did. The bride looked radiant on the day, and loved her dress. I haven't ventured into draping again, but it's a fascinating approach; will try again. genevieve

My draping experience - both the best and scariest!
My neice asked me to make her wedding dress. Aided by Susan Khaljie's wonderful book, the foundation was successfully achieved and the silk chameuse to cover was challenging but OK. But when it came to the swathes of fine silk gauze (georgette)that she envisaged floating across her bust, and swirling around her hips into the train, I was stumped! It would not lie still for me to cut flat, and it didn't behave like the muslin. I borrowed a mannequin, and began pinning on to the bress. I cut with my heart in my mouth, wondering if I could buy more fabric of this didn't work.
Fortunately it did. The bride looked radiant on the day, and loved her dress. I haven't ventured into draping again, but it's a fascinating approach; will try again. genevieve

thanks Jusdith - I enjoy your comments and the photos - I don't get to see the show. Keep up the good wor. Many thanks genevieve.

thank once again Judith - I donm't have acces to the show, so your overview is very much enjoyed. I look forward to your reprts , and your personla comments. regards genevieve.

Congratulations - a happy yung girl feeling like a million dollars , and looking fantastic. I am very imrpessed with the way you cut the bodice - making the most of your '$200/yd' find! Well done. Genevieve

Congratulations Stormee - rising to the occasion in every way.

I had a similar wonderful and scary experience when I made my neice's wedding gown. The bride and her mother (my sister-in-law) came and spent wonderful days, the s-i-l making lunches and coffee, the bride waiting in her dressing gown for the next fitting, and me sewing away. They trusted me completely. [In between these days I shared my doubts with my supportive neighbour! ] We became so close, and the bond has lasted over many years. I am sure your neice will always remember this time, not just for the dress but for the special relationship between you.
best wishes and Happy Xmas genevieve

I remember very clearly what my first sewing project was; I was 11 years old, nearly six foot tall, and very thin (very hard to buy clothes that fitted). My mother signed me up for an 8-session sewing class, run by Singer. She insisted I get the most out of it, so I made a shirt-dress with contrast collar and cuffs, buttons down the front of the bodice and a zip in the side seam. The fabric was a fine poplin in pakle taup and white stripe. It was in 1955.
Since than I have made nearly all my clothes, and lots of bits and pieces for friends and family. I still enjoy sewing, and have always got several projects on the go - I am lucky now to have a large cutting table altered for my height, and a separate designated sewing room. I feel very lucky.

Thanks Nicole for your story, I look forward to hearing others'.