Thank you!
I so appreciate your suggestions which not only reinforced my fears but also pointed to work-arounds! I have ordered a pattern some kind member has suggested and will test it out as soon as it arrives, taking your suggestions into account during the construction. Thank you again for such a thoughtful and considered reply. I am mostly--which is to say almost exclusively a quilter--so this attempt at dress-making is a real stretch for me. But I am determined to give it my all. Thanks again and kind regards, Fran