you know what's really funny? on my friends page, right after your entry, is sismith42's entry about sewing garb or wedding dresses or something along those lines, and her first line is "handsewing it is!"

so for a second, I thought you'd said it, and you were joking (or serious!) about following the interesting Uzbeki-advice. :)

good luck in your last few days there! and have a safe trip back!