Thanks everyone You're too kind!
AJ, a hand-picked zipper is a method of sewing in the zipper by hand, which leaves small, evenly spaced stitches visible on the right-side of the fabric all along the zipper. My stitches won't be all that visible because the pattern is busy, and I plan on using thread that blends, but it's a technique I've decided I need to learn. There's a couple of pictures below...#1 plain, #2 with beads (I wonder if that's uncomfortable to lean back on?)
Parley, there are a couple of nice local fabric stores here, where I get most of my fabric. I'm embarrassed to admit that I got this at Joann's, which usually has low-quality fabric, but I like this quite a bit. I also shop at gorgeousfabrics.com, which Una is using ffor her bespoke suit, fabric.com and fabricmart.com. If you don't have a good local store, by all means, shop online. You can request/order swatches from most places.
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