Special pattern: Dress – Simplicity #3843, size 14; jacket – The Nonaim Coat by Nancy Mirman of Design & Planning Concepts (verbal permission given); “schnibbling” technique – from a retired pattern by Kathy Parman. The dress and jacket back are sewn using a “schnibbling” technique. The jacket is traditionally pieced out of 4” squares using free-motion quilting. Gold metallic leaf embroidery compliments the fabric. Covered buttons accent the lapels out of the challenge fabric with lotus flower closures maintaining the Asian theme.

Model: Melissa Ratzlaff, Orange County, CA