Thanks for the DIY advice, gang!

Of course, I was amused by the fact that most of the comments were along the lines of "Huh, wouldn't it work better if you made a bustle-y jacket from scratch? Here are some patterns to look at!" I'm touched by the faith you people have in my sewing skills. I think you're all FAR more optimistic about them than I am, but I am touched.

Until I work up the courage to attempt making a jacket all by myself, I am going to search thrift stores for a good candidate for alteration; an unlined hip-length jacket w/ princess seams would be ideal, but I don't know how easily I might find one.

And since it wouldn't be a proper post about this sort of thing without a question from me: where do you folks prefer to buy ruffled or gathered lace? Yes, I know all about www.cheeptrims.com, but I would love to find a good (bulk-order) source for 4" (or wider!) black ruffled lace trim.

Let loose the ... kitties of chaos!

Yes, tonight is the big night. The door to the kitty room has been propped open, and Tzepesh and Ruthven are now allowed to wander the house. Trinian, needless to say, is Not Amused One Little Bit.

Tzepesh has wandered around the basement, and is now exploring the main floor of the house. Ruthven, being of a slightly more retiring and skittish nature, hasn't made it upstairs yet. Trinian has hissed, growled, followed Tzepesh around the upstairs at a wary distance, and is now camped out in the middle of the kitchen floor with a very grumpy look on her face.

Sending soothing vibes and thoughts of you all want to get along would be helpful. Wishes for us not to be woken in the middle of the night by the sound of kitty quarrels or things breaking would be even more helpful.