So, what's next?

I've been madly busy and away from home for the past few weeks; it always seems that September and the first half of October are the busiest months for me (if you don't count the summer, that is). Now I'm actually looking at several full weeks at home, so some sewing would be nice (What dissertation? What dance competition rehearsals?).
I still have the blue Regency dress that I need to finish. I'm done with maybe 1/4 of the embroidery on it, so that's one project. I also need new Regency stays; for some reason both the pairs I have gave me horrible shoulder cramps all week long in Bath, so I've decided to try and make a new pair. I'd like to try the patterns that Sabine of Kleidung um 1800 researched so expertly.
I also searched Etsy for sarees and managed to find two very nice embroidered silk sarees, so once they arrive, I have a couple of new gowns to make. I still want to block print a gown fabric, too, if I ever find suitable thin, white cotton (I'm beginning to lose hope :P ).
I also want to make a highnecked Regency gown, after this fabulous number from the Eremitage collection in St. Petersburgh:

Curiously, I'm suddenly drawn to the later 19th century styles. I came across this painting via The Ornamented Being tumblr and fell in love. I have absolutely no experience in the 1880s styles, not to mention the underwear etc. But a girl can dream, no?

Portrait of Anne-Marie Dagnan, 1880, Gustave Claude Étienne Courtois, via The Ornamented Being

Double, double, toil(e) and trouble...

I've started with the chinoiserie stays. I made a toile, which was ok, so the pieces are now cut and I'm about to start sewing them together and making boning channels. The pattern is from Norah Waugh's Corsets and Crinolines, ca.1780s, and at this point I'm just hoping that they work out. I'm not a big fan of staymaking, but maybe this time it'll go well.
I also made a toile for 1820s stays because I thought that once I'm forcing myself to make stays, I might make two pairs while I'm at it. These stays are also from Corsets and Crinolines, the pattern taken from original corded stays in V&A collections. I still need to buy fabric and cord for these but I'm actually really looking forward to making them.Check back in couple of weeks to hear me take this statement back and curse all stays...
This enthusiasm stems from a pelisse project, the Museum of London pelisse, to be exact. I emailed the museum for more info on the lovely pelisse I mentioned in my previous post and they answered very promptly, with additional pictures of the pelisse before it was put on display! The pictures were very helpful and I'm itching to begin making the pelisse; I only need to find a suitable fabric. The orginal is silk, but I thought I might try thin taffeta, cotton or cotton blend. Still no clue of which colour it should be. Not white or black; maybe strong red or some light pastel.