Showtime!

We made it, readers!

I wasn't sure we would.  My cousin and I got off to a bad start this morning, when she saw me leaving for the pool at 9:15, with two hours of sewing already behind me.

"How can you go swimming, when the sleeves aren't even on my dress?  I bet Laura Mae didn't go swimming on the day she finished her gala dress."  Naturally, I was taken aback.  "Laura Mae finished her dress," I said, "you haven't even started yours!"  And with that I walked out, letting the door slam behind me.

Little by little it all came together: the facings and hem hand-stitched, the zipper inserted, and yes, the sleeves attached.  The only emergency related to the belt.  Originally I wasn't going to have Cathy wear one at all.  Then digging for gloves, I stumbled up a kid leather belt I thought would look great, and it did fit well.  But in photos the leather looked too casual.  No, I'd have to make a self-fabric belt -- which I did, very late in the afternoon.

The leather belt: too casual for taffeta.

Meanwhile, I also had to help Cathy choose her jewelry; if it were up to her she'd pile on everything she owns.  I opted for graduated pearl necklace, bangle bracelets, and simple pearl earrings. 



Before we knew it, it was time for Cathy to get ready.  Thankfully she can apply her own makeup.

Cathy wears Physician's Formula Le Velvet Film Makeup in Ivory.

Dressed and fully adorned, out the door she sailed with Michael, leaving me at home to babysit.



Cathy has a zillion photos to show you of the event itself, but it will have to wait till the weekend.

Oh, you're probably wondering who won the Little Black Dress contest....

G'night all!

Cathy and Vogue Patterns Fashion Editor James Bosco.