Networking

One of my favorite parts of being an Etsy seller is the opportunity it provides to get in touch with other craftspeople and sellers. I'm not much of a joiner, Internet-wise; I finally broke down and set up a Facebook account last fall, but it's in my hamster's name, not mine, so it's basically an excuse to post cute pictures of him, "friend" other Facebook rodents, and provide a venue for my friends who seem to prefer to contact me via the social networking site instead of the old-fashioned way, aka email. But anyway - something about Etsy is just so comfy and welcoming and nice. It's like having thousands of potential friends who all share a love for the handmade.

I've been thinking about that lately as I've been searching Etsy for ways to make my wedding more handmade and personal. I'm already making my dress; I don't have the fabric yet, but I've already bought the dress pattern from McCall's:
http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5319.htm?tab=evening_prom_bridal&page=1
I want to make something like the picture on the left. It's simple and elegant - perfect, I think, for the Quaker meetinghouse where it'll be held. I'm hoping to find an ivory brocade fabric like the one shown in the picture. I've already bought my veil from - guess where? - Etsy; I've convoed the seller to ask permission to link to it here.