Thanks for the input on the bias cut top. I made it the day before I wanted to wear it, just didn't have time to complete the beading on it. It worked very well - had a slight problem with the v'neck -front was fine without stabilizing, but back neck stuck out away from the neck. I don't know the proper solution to this, but I put some ease stitching along the seam and tacked on a piece of very fine stabilizer which seemed to do the trick. Hope you all have a great festive season.