Fabric chosen

I have been following along on many blogs for several months now and it has opened my eyes to the fact that there are so many more pattern choices out there other than the major ones we see supplied in the shops.  I had no idea, although it had crossed my mind that there should be, I had never looked. 

One company in particular that I have discovered is Colette Patterns.  So many of you have made at least one of the designs from Sarai which I have liked since seeing the first one, that I thought I would take a look at them.  She has such lovely designs I found it difficult to choose which one I should make first.  I took the plunge and ordered the Macaron dress, then the very next day Sarai announced the Rooibos Sewalong.

I was quite excited about this and signed up as soon as I saw the announcement.   Is anyone else sewing along?  I've never participated in a sewalong before and thought it would be a fun way to make this dress.  I ordered the pattern and waited for it to arrive, all the while thinking about what fabric I would use.  Should I make it in a Summer fabric or perhaps a heavier one more suited to Spring and Autumn?

Rooibos pattern & fabric

Eventually I decided I would use this beautiful rich wine coloured bengaline and a floral rayon sateen for the trim.  I think this will work for all three seasons.  I can add layers or a cardigan when the weather is a bit cooler.  With fabric chosen and pattern in hand I hope to start this weekend.  I'm looking forward to this and perhaps learning some new techniques along the way.

Have you participated in a sewalong, if so, how did you find it?