Ideas on Rooibos

I did some pattern testing over the weekend, which allowed me some time to think about my next project.  This is both a good and a bad thing.  Following Sarai's advice in the Colette Sewing Handbook, I want to have a purposeful wardrobe--not just sewing to sew--but I also tend to be agonizingly over-analytical.  I will sit and worry that I chose the wrong fabric for months.  And if that happens, well, nothing ever gets done.

Last night I got a bee in my bonnet and thought I might start on the Colette Rooibos pattern.  I bought it last summer, intending to be part of the sewalong, and it never happened.  Big surprise.  Anyway, it's on my list of 2012 projects and I thought I might want to finally bite the bullet and just do it.  Last night's insomnia, and working from home today, have given me plenty of time to research the hell out of this dress.

Rooibos images from the Colette site

I have some wool gabardine I originally bought for a fall skirt, as well as some leftover Melody Miller viewfinders that seem to coordinate well.  The wool would be the shell; the viewfinders would be the facings.  I've never piped before, so I'm thinking now is not the time to take the plunge, but I'd need to line the skirt and I've never done that either.  Am I getting in over my head?  What do you think--take the plunge or hold off?

Eleanor is now napping on the fabric.  She couldn't wait.