Good news, bad news

Well. This is an unexpected turn of events. The presidential inauguration has been postponed, because the chancellor of Catholic University, Archbishop Wuerl, is being made a cardinal. I think this is great news, but it means that the inauguration, and hence the inaugural ball, won't be taking place until late January (not December, sorry!). This is, of course, a shame, because it means I no longer have any motivation to sew for the rest of this semester! On the other hand, it takes a lot of the pressure off. The next week is going to be extremely busy, with multiple important tests and papers, and it will be nice to not have to worry about sewing.

I did do the fitting of the dress last Saturday, and I have an upcoming post about the bodice alterations I made. We'll see if these alterations are still good enough come January, or if I'll have gained enough of the freshman 15 that I will have to start over with my alterations! I hope that doesn't happen, though.

This is probably a terrible idea

...but I've picked my next sewing project. And it's not one of the ones I already had on my list. It's something new. In very slightly more than a month, there is going to be a formal ball to celebrate the inauguration of the new CUA president. I want to sew myself my dress. I'm thinking to make Simplicity 2498. I would make the version shown in blue. I'm thinking, though, that I would like it in black taffeta, with some sort of pink accent. I'm wondering if there's any way to change that bow in the front to a bright pink sash. Or maybe just make the bow pink and wear a pink necklace? I'm really not sure--what do you all think? I'd love your opinions, and preferably as soon as possible, since I only have a month! Other pattern or color suggestions are welcome as well.

(Don't worry, I have every intention of having a back-up dress. I am realistic enough to know that I may well not have the time for this project.)