And, and...

Managed to respond to his email. Successfully stayed out of the bitchy 'gee, have you realized that it is possible we're not talking because you never actually talk to me and very rarely allow me to get through to you when I try? Is that possible?' territory. It was terse. I'm sure he'll think it's unfriendly and become even more cemented in his view that I don't want to speak to him, but, so be it. Like I said in the prior message, if he's worked so hard to believe that I might as well let him have it.

As for my sewing... in alaskanmermaid's lovely condo, which I'm housesitting right now, there's a sewing room allowing me the space and privacy to have a project strung out start to finish (as opposed to my mother's dining table) so I really feel like I ought to take advantage of that. I have the uncut material and cut pattern for a beautiful long coat there, but Vogue patterns terrify me, and even for a pattern that wasn't rated at any more difficult than 'average' (might have been easy?) it's got a zillion pieces. In terms of 'something sexy', I want a dress with a low back, probably strapless. Fitted bodice and full skirt, maybe knee length or a little bit past, lace-up back with grommets and organza ribbon. I haven't decided on a color yet... I visualize it in black mostly because black is easy but I'm open to other things and haven't looked at material yet.

Trouble is, I trolled through the pattern sites (even Vogue!) and didn't see anything that would exactly suit. I'm not sure how comfortable I am making alterations to a pattern to lower the back, but I think that's what I'm going to have to do. We have a very capable seamstress in our midst, maybe I'll ask her advice.