Part of the fun and one of my main reasons for sewing is that I am not limited to the whims of ready-to-wear. I love to experiment by combining unusual fabrics and trims. This can be an unexpected surprise when you combine things that don't traditionally belong together.

This is my latest My Label jacket. I used the Belted Jacket pattern from the My Lable 3D Fashion Pattern Software and shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length. It is still in process, but I'm applying a very delicate black lace trim around the collar and the ends of the sleeves. The delicate lace contrasts nicely with the large yarns of the plaid tweed fabric.

Do you have any unusual combinations that you would like to share?

I just got done watching the newest "Runway" and couldn't wait to get tot he computer to write my thoughts. I could not love the Project Runway challenge more this week! Besides restyling existing garments into something new (something I love to do), the models wearing their favorite clothes were women who had lost from 48-130 pounds! What a great challenge - to use sewing skills to give someone a renewed fashion outlook to go along with her newly slim body! Loved seeing the designers "make it work" with everyday fabrics, not just high ticket yard goods. Made me want to dash to my closest resale shop and buy something to restyle. Instead of pinning on a dress form, I'm going to use one of my perfect-fitting My Label patterns as the basic shell and then have some sewing fun! I can be as crazy as I want with techniques knowing that when I'm done the new garment is going to fit. What a perfect sewing world to live in....

Did I agree with the judges? No, not exactly. Christian's outfit was creative and totally his point of view, but I truly think that Kevin was the most creative restyling an oversized yellow blazer into a figure-hugging, incredibly flattering bustier with a peplum. Hang in there, Kevin, your time will come. In the meantime, trying to figure out how to work, Xmas shop and hit resale so I can create in time for next week....