Impossible decisions!

I am spending more time trying decide than I am sewing! I am so frustrated. Everytime I think I am certain about a design I start hesitating and I don't want to cut fabric and really get into it if I'm not 100%! The worst part is when you are trying something new so you are not clear how the patterns are going to come together, adjustments, etc. Any advice at this point would be welcome - in the mean time, I will continue to work on the undergarments.

Pink Gown for Ball

This is it! I have decided to go with this dress design (from The Cut of Women's Clothes) and this fabric. The pink fabric I've had in my stash forever, so I will be glad to finally use it. It is synthetic and while I would love to buy real silk, I would much rather use this fabric since it's been sitting in my closet for so long. :)

pink/yellow irridescent taffeta and embroidered/beaded ivory satin

1870s pink lilac irridescent silk ball gown

bustle in blue and white seersucker - pattern from Corsets and Crinolines



Corset and bodice lining in pink striped cotton chintz

November Ball - Fabric Options

SO "WORTH"-IT

This was one of my original inspirations for a ball gown - of course the train would have to be bustled for dancing. Maybe that is just too impractical. I like the look of it!

ROYAL PURPLES

The colors didn't really show correctly with the flash, but what I have in mind is a royal purple cotton velevet for the bodice and the train/bustle lined in gold dupioni silk (yes, I know the dupioni is not really period correct - neither would "cotton" velvet for a ball), and possibly the purple and gold brocade for the inset and lower skirt.

THOUGHTS:
I have just always felt that deep colors are so severe - they don't seem "fun" to me for dancing. Though very, very pretty. I'm a little afraid of using all dark colors for this dress. I always think of something more light and vibrant for a ball.