Color Conundrum

Ok, so it's been ages since I've posted here, and there's a reason. I've been sewing. Up a storm. I've finished two of the Ren-friendly Rain Cloaks (one is totally done-done; one is ABT [all but trim]). I've made half of milord's rain tunic (the cowl-and-hood part), and I've started the Mystery Doublet. Well, back that up a bit. I did the mockup for the Mystery Doublet (which I believe was my last entry), and two (three?) weeks ago I finally had a chance to do a fitting, and IT WAS PERFECT!! Woot! Now I just need to find time to actually sew the thing.

During the same two weeks before my revisions are due. Yeah, uh-huh.

Which probably explains why I am here, daydreaming about garb again. Instead of making any. This seems to be my pattern, eh?

Anyway. Here's the deal. In addition to the Ren-Friendly Rainwear project, one thing I've been wanting for more than a year now is what I'm calling an Easy Dress. Something lightweight, lightly constructed, and uncomplicated, suitable for wear on really hot (or rainy/muddy) days. Currently my Peacock Blue Velveteen Gown is my easiest-to-wear garb... but I could use something a little more weather-versatile.

So what's the issue? I can't decide on a color.

I already have tons of garb. Gowns in the following colors: Peacock blue (aka dark teal), flaming orange, violet, butter yellow (well, I don't have the yellow, yet; I still have to make that one). Pieces in magenta, grey-green, French blue, black, rose-and-green tapestry. And that's just the garb I really wear. I had an ensemble in rust that I adored, but it's rather worn out now, and I don't think it's salvageable.

And there's the *planned* garb! My kirtle-and-doublet-bodice ensemble, to go with the embroidered coif, is going to be vermilion silk (kirtle) and chocolate brown velvet (doublet bodice).

I'm running out of colors. There are some that are absolutely out: pink, pale green, lilac. I'm thinking I'd love navy blue, chocolate brown, or a deep claret red... but am afraid the navy will be too similar to the peacock blue gown; and if I have a vermilion kirtle planned, I surely don't need a claret red Easy Gown.

The problem seems to be, I like too many colors. Also that I don't want to repeat myself. But I keep seeing things (like my vase of orange daylilies for my anniversary) and thinking how glorious the flaming orange and deep green look together. I *don't* have anything deep green (true forest green) that I wear anymore(although I have a grey-green silk chemise, and a deeper green silk split skirt; all Ophelia's, natch.). I already wear the split skirt with my flaming orange chemise, so... do I really need green?!

There are also russet and tobacco brown; colors I adore for mundane wear; but for whatever reason, I'm not feeling the love. Hm.

I have narrowed my fabric down to linen, linen blend, or fabulous cotton jacquard bedsheets. If I find said sheets. I am considering making something like the peacock blue gown (the Simplicity Irish dress), but with a deeper, square neckline, and a pleated skirt (because, God help me, I will never gather a skirt again). But then I go through my links and pix and see all these Florentine gowns, and they're *so* lovely, and I have to rein myself back in (I look dreadful in high-waisted things).

Grumble. It's either time for me to hit the Web Gallery of Art for portrait research... or to finish those damn revisions.