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How about rather than making something you embellish something you have. Maybe something like a western shirt with appliqué or embroidered areas. I hear about some doing things like that on Jeans also

Hi Sharon! How about a trim jumper of a heavy cotton or microsuede type material. (UK friends: I am talking about a sleeveless dress to be worn over a shirt, NOT about a cardigan or other knitted top.) This would probably be a flattering look for your stature. If you go for buttons on the sides, you can avoid zippers. A gaucho skirt in corduroy would be useful too. You must be up near Front Royal. I'm in Tidewater. Since you have longer, colder winters up there, those garments should work nicely. PAT in Virginia

Sharon & Jack wrote: (trimmed ...)

I am in the same situation myself and I am making a whole new 'retirement' wardrobe, I always thought casual was not smart but I am really enjoying making new stuff. My one garment I have made and never worn before is a gilet, which I embroidered on my embroidery machine. Perhaps you could consider something like this for a start and also I have made loads of t shirts in all colours and embroidered them and then added crystal accents and of course, they actually fit. The only problem I have in the UK is finding casual fabrics, but Ebay is a wonderful source. Liz

Sharon & Jack wrote: I just recently

My best suggestion is........ go shopping. Leave your wallet at home, take just enough money to buy your lunch. Then try on a variety of different skirts and dresses whether you think you will like them or not. Make sure you check yourself out in side and rearview mirrors as well as from the front. As you are not actually going to buy anything, you may as well go to the "best" stores. After you have tried on several different styles (you may have to go to a number of shops, so many of them carry only one style) you should have a better idea of what flatters you and what doesn't.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

That is SUCH a wonderful suggestion!!!!! Here's the other thing you might think about:

You can make a virtual model ofyourself and try clothes on her. There are several different clothingretailers that you can use the VM on. Sears, Land End, etc.Also when you go shopping, do you have a really good girlfriend that couldgo with you? Husbands won't always tell us that things don't look good, butyou know you wouldn't let your best girlfriend go out of the house insomething bad. ;) If you have a digital camera, take it with you too.Then you will have the pictures to refer back to later on.I'm in "skirt mode" myself right now. So I will probably be in the sewingroom making a few also. Must be something in the air. :) Happy hunting!!!

Sharon