The StyleFile full version has the ability to turn your computer into a web server so that you can give others secured access to your style files. You can limit access to certain information and your contractors can add comments directly into the file so that all communication is documented. StyleFile LE runs with a built in Microsoft database engine (like Access). There are other differences which you can view in a comparison chart on the StyleFile website. StyleFile LE users will be able to move into the full version as their needs grow. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Oriole – i was glad to learn of a new resource from the designernexus site. As I pretty much own everybook on the subject (only missing one or two), and there was so limted resources for the subject when i studied this in school (and against the advice of the fashion teacher – and why I eneded up studying graphic design instead)

But, I can’t find the blog on inkscape, and although a fantastic and great free program it does have its limitations (as does gimp).

http://www.inkscape.org

is a free drawing program and it seems to be more like adobe illustrator than the others. I downloaded it the other day and it is really nice. I haven’t downloaded the free book on how to use it or the tutorials. This would be a good alternitive to using AI.
I also found a great site,

http://www.designersnexus.com

This site has very good free croquis and flat figures for anyone that needs help in drawing. They have childrens figures as well. They are downloadable in AI or .jpg