Admittedly, I have not had the priviledge of learning to design a garment by using draping techniques; however, I would love to learn! In addtion, learning about slopers and how to use them to create patterns for garments that would fit one's body perfectly, would be delightful. I would love to win "Draping Basics" by Sally M. DiMarco. This would greatly enhance my sewing skills.

I'd love to wind a copy of the 2011 spring issue of Sew Stylish to inspire my sewing! I'm always critiquing fashion, and the article about 8 Ways to Restyle a pattern would be very helpful. In addition, the article on Printing Your Own Fabric would be wonderful since it is something I've desired to try, but didn't know how to go about.

swetokra,

Great job on your blouse! I would never have imagined making a blouse out of 7 linen towels. It fits you well and your strategy of using another piece of fabric to finish the blouse is one my grandmother used many years ago to make a dress. Wear it proudly!

I can probably answer Gillikins question above. I made one quite some years ago. This is the method I used and there may well be another one. Possibly I might have time to check another book tomorrow. In any case, here are the instructions that I just pulled out.
The procedure is this:
1. With right sides together, sew both fronts together at the neckline and armholes.
2. With right sides together, sew both backs together at the neckline and armholes.
3. Clip curves of seams and trim to 1/4".
4. Turn front piece only right side out. Press neck and armholes well.
5. Slip the shoulders of the front section into the shoulders of the back section. (The back section is still inside out.) Adjust shoulder seams as necessary so they will fit perfectly - or as close to perfect as you can.
6. With shoulder seams lined up, stitch seam through all four layers of fabric. (It says to trim the seam allowance here, but I wait to check if the seams are matched up properly first by doing the next step.)
7. Pull front section out, pulling the back shoulder with them. The top is now connected at the shoulder seams.
8. Sew the side seams from one hem to the other, two layers at a time, matching the underarm seam. (i.e. - stitching the two layers of the fashion fabric and then the two layers of the lining fabric - it's one long seam.)
Hem as you wish.
(Remember to press during construction - I didn't type that in.)
I think I used another method when making my mother-of-the bride gown, so will try to look tomorrow for the book that had those instructions.

Another lovely bag! I like your design -- you're so talented.

You created a beautiful bag. It looks so professionally made.

Elfstone,
What a beautiful jacket you created!