Violette's Alaska Page

Writing is not my only hobby. I also dabble in the art of sewing. I went on a cruise in Alaska in July of this year and was frustrated by the lack of selection in evening wear in the stores. The dresses available were either the wrong color, the wrong fit, or simply way too expensive for this unemployed computer geek to afford. So, in a fit of creative energy, I decided to make my own evening gowns for the two formal nights of the cruise. This was not a simple endeavor, since I had to make test versions of the dresses first, in order to make sure that the fit was just right. Then, I had to work with slinky fabrics and hope to get the dresses done in time. I did finish on time... sort of. I had one teeny bit of a hem to finish on the boat, but I managed to get it done. So, without further ado... here are the two gowns I made.

	Here I am with the ship's captain on the first formal night of the cruise. He was a cheerful character, prone to making goofy comments during his announcements. I wasn't impressed with the ship's photographers, though, since half of the pictures they took of me had my eyes closed (like this one). Still, it's the best view of the blue dress I made. Oh, and I made the wrap that I'm using in the picture, too :-)

This is the pink and gold Chinese silk gown that I made. You definitely can't miss me coming in this number :-) My friends told me I stood out amidst the sea of black that seems to be the most popular color for evening wear. Made the gold wrap in this one, too.
Here's a few extra mementos of my trip.

	I made some new friends in Alaska. Here I am with a furry companion in one of our ports of call.

Here I am with another new friend :-)

	Wonder Woman in disguise? Not likely :-) I decided to be adventurous on my helicopter trip to the top of a glacier. That crevice was very deep, which is why I'm not looking down.

Being the intrepid adventurer that I am snicker, I decided to go whitewater rafting with my friends in Denali National Park. I'm the second from the left, in the dark sunglasses.