The tester is looking good, though I'm very glad it's just a tester! I'm having to work out the construction on my own, and attempt #2 is ok, but I've realised there is another method that would probably work better. I've also done some steps out of order - will definitely be writing down the proper order before I sew the real thing! I'll probably go fabric shopping tomorrow for it.

Well, I went back to fix the part I mentioned before, and once I did that it became obvious that another part was not right and not fixable, so I've started again. Actually, I started the second one last week and most of the sewing is done. I'm debating with myself whether to redo a part that's bugging me - probably I will.

I've decided what to make for my second swap partner. The pattern is from an old Japanese pattern book (1975 vintage). I think the patterns probably run small, so I'm testing it out on some cheapy fabric first. The tester will be for DD, although I didn't realise until I got the fabric home how awful it is, so I hope she doesn't want to wear it much! I don't have fabric for the real swap item yet, but here's a sneak peek from the pattern book illustration: