long distance dressmaking and other (less) maternal skills

A couple of weeks ago I received a series of emails from B. She had a regimental ball to attend and was having trouble finding a frock she liked in Townsville. She decided to buy online instead. Problem was, she wasn't sure which of a series of frocks, would look best on her. She did the obvious thing and sent me a heap of options, asked for my opinion and then bought one of the alternatives that I liked least. The frock arrived a couple of days ago (US to Townsville in 6 working days! Amazing).

When I had listed the reasons I wouldn't choose that particular frock for her was that, being big busted, she would have difficulty getting a good fit on the bodice. *satisfied sigh* How right I was. The frock fitted her perfectly everywhere except the bust. She had taken it to a dressmaker who had told her it wasn't able to be altered. So she did what all kids do in these circumstances. She rang Mum.

After several phone calls and a mass off pictures by email, I was able to get an idea of the prospects. It is a satin frock with hailstone netting over the lining. The bodice is ruched heavily. Here's a photo (worn by a model, not my daughter)

Not the easiest alteration job. But doable.

My daughter is an inexperienced sewer. If her hubby had been home I would have advised that he do the job. He wasn't there (out bush again), so it was up to the two of us, very long distance. I talked her through it all, step by step, in a series of calls. To my great relief (and, I guess hers), the alterations were a success. The frock now fits her DD like a glove.

Go us!

Tonight we have a works dinner to attend in Bunbury. Other than that, and the whole frock business I have nothing much to rabbit on about. So I shall publish the results of schmoozing musing instead.

The award(?) I received yesterday didn't come with an instruction manual. But, I figure, it's my award and I can do with it what I will. And what I will is this.....

I have decided to pass on the award to just three people. There are lots out there that I feel deserve it but I think keeping it short and sweet is the way I want to go.

The first recipient is pretty obvious. He's your friend, and mine, the amazing and wonderful Art This man is an inspiration. He's gone from zero (or, maybe, less than zero) to having it all in such a short time. He's the epitome of what one person can do with will power alone. Yet, despite all he's been through, and all he still goes through, he always has a clever crack or a comforting word. He truly is a champion schmoozer.

My next choice is Karyl. Full of a wonderful lust for living, she shares it with all of us. Inclined to be a little self-depreciating, she needs to know just how much she inspired, lifts, supports others. A well deserving schmoozer.

My third choice is someone else who I originally found in Diaryland.). It is Lena. Here is a person who, regardless of the trouble in her own patch, is there to support, encourage, sympathise and generally be an all-round friend to those around her. This woman is good stuff.

Not only is it shower and gym time, I've totally run out of stuff to say. So, that's your bloomin' lot.