So, Gala...
My gala dress for next year is decided. It's this, with a purple skirt (I have the taffeta!) and the bodice in cream silk completely covered with beetle wing and gold embroidery. Because gold seems to have been very popular with beetle wings. I was thinking a design of swirls, and then I found this, which was pretty much the idea I had in mind!
So, yes, planning ahead. But I needed to work with more beetle wings, so...