New Dress, Three Year Blogaversary and Giveaways

I'm happy as can be with the result of all that pattern adjusting to this Vogue 8828 dress pattern.

Vogue 8828

I have a black cardigan and a turquoise one that looked OK with this print but I'm enjoying the shock of this chartreuse yellow.  Not exactly autumn seasonal sewing but I plan to pack this one for our Florida rental in March so I'll be wearing it in sunshine eventually.
It would be fine for a summer wedding, too:

Very hot weather version    

I like the lowered neckline and think that a variety of shapes could make this very versatile dress pattern in my repertoire.  I'll share more about the stretch silk charmeuse lining in a future post.  

Now let's celebrate something and give gifts.  How about my three year blogaversary?  Hooray!  Yes, it's true, I will use any excuse for a party.  Sorry, I can't serve most of you drinks and cake but I can offer you some giveaways, one for every year of my blog life.  

Giveaway Number 1

Giveaway number 1 is the hardcover first edition of Fit for Real People (FFRP) one of the most referenced fitting books among sewists around the world.  I'm also including a lovely Taunton Press book on fitting upscale lingerie and loungewear.

Giveaway Number 2

I buy Clare Schaeffer's Vogue patterns mostly for the sheer joy of reading the couture version of their instructions.  Maybe you don't have these in your collection yet.

Giveaway Number 3

Here are five more Vogue patterns with wonderful details...generally sizes 12-14-16 is what I buy in a multi-size pattern.
Drop me a comment about which giveaway you would like and your email address so I can contact the winners.  I'll pay postage in the US or internationally.

I didn't celebrate year number two of blogging last year.  I was way too preoccupied and anxious about some unkind, petty people in my life who took up way too much mental time.  Hooray, they are no longer around and I feel like me again.  My celebration, therefore, isn't really about three years of blogging....I do that erratically and merely adequately.  But I am celebrating hope and perseverance and love and friendship and nature and support.  So here's to all the things that keep us moving forward through pain and angst.  You, my lovely readers and fellow creative artists are part of why I am celebrating today.  Here's a toast to knowing that we are wonderful people and today feeling wonderful as well.  Now hurray and enter....I'll pick the winners on October 1.