The material is one Indian saree-- 6 yards of black and green tie-dyed chiffon, with a beaded and sequined border along one edge, and one end covered with profuse embroidery. I was so afraid to cut the gorgeous fabric that I almost didn't want to make the dress! But thank goodness I was brave-- it turned out miraculously well. I'm very proud of it. June 2005

Below is a diagram of the saree and how I laid the pattern pieces out. The sleeve caps actually came separately, as optional attachment sleeves to the little midriff-baring matching top that came with the saree. Thank goodness, because I didn't have anything to spare to make that piece...