Sorry for the blurry iPhone pics. My camera battery was dead.
Here is my second attempt at the Simplicity 2178 — much better technique and results this go-around. I decided to use three different silks for the different parts of the dress. The peau de soie from the waistband also faced the shoulder ties to provide some contrast. I wish I had used it for the hem facing also because that would have felt much better against my skin. I still didn’t realize I need a full bust adjustment so the waistband sits a little higher in the front than in the back, but all in all I am happy with the fit and I got tons of compliments on the dress when I wore it at my Christmas party.
I promise it wasn't wrinkled when I wore it. It has been hanging in my closet for the past two months post-party.
Speaking of the Christmas party, every year for the past three years, my husband and I, with the help of several wonderful friends, host 50+ of our closest friends at our (too small) home. Being raised by a family of gracious Southern hostesses, I always insist on overdoing it and going overboard with the menu. This year I tried to delegate a little more and I think I did a pretty good job. Our menu included ham and turkey carving stations, fruit/veggie/cheese trays, West Indes salad (a local creation!), several dips, crab rangoon, assorted cupcakes and other desserts, a champagne bar and beer, my husband’s famous eggnog, and a very popular Apple Pie Moonshine — whew! I will be posting some of the recipes soon, next up will be a variation of an old family favorite — Red Velvet — so stay tuned!
Susie Homemaker, MD 
It looks great!
Thanks!