Thank you, everyone, for the overwhelming response!
Runcarla, thanks! I do wonder sometimes why I didn't make the dress and inch or two longer. But it's fine for going out, which was the idea.
Karie, I do use commercial patterns. This one is The Basic Dress from Textile Studio. (I see that it's out of print now, though.)

I was so taken with the dress and cardigan, I didn't realize those were "my" Vince pumps! My favourite store here in Wpg brought these in in the summer, in nude and in in black , and I had to try them on. They were way far outside of my price range but were so soft and gorgeous (I love the straight across vamp) I haven't stopped thinking about them. How do you find them for comfort?

Lisa, I stood in them most of the evening, and I wore them to an office holiday party that was several hours long (that was the event I had in mind when I bought them). They are fine for parties. Not for walking great distances, with the high, spiky heel. But they do stay on my feet nicely. The heel is a molded shape that tapers and hugs my heel to stay on. And the relatively high vamp also helps. I tried on another Vince d'Orsay style and could barely walk at all in them--they just did not stay on. They were lower cut in front. Hope this helps!

Sharan, that is the perfect day-to-evening dress, and you made it? Wow! I love the texture it brings to both outfits. I wish I could have joined in the festivities. You look terrific.

Believe me everyone, Sharan is even more beautiful in person than she is in her pictures. She has the prettiest skin and eyes and the most gentle demeanor. It was a pleasure to get to know you Sharan!

Just amazing as alway!

Claire, you are so sweet! Thank you. The sentiment is mutual--except I think you're very photogenic.

Sharan...Miz Legs! i told you that you had a carful of ylf admirers as you walked from your car to the door. you looked phenomenal.

Wow, what an gorgeous dress! You are such a talented seamstress. Sounds like an amazing weekend all around.

Sharan, the version with the striped cardigan is so fun! And I owe you a big thank you for helping me find "my Beatle booties". You were wearing your black Munros on Saturday, and I fell in love with how they looked. Streamlined, minimal and interesting. After you told us they were very comfortable to boot, I just had to try them on. And right you were. Super comfortable and beautiful.

Your cocktail party outfit was stunning. Both the dress and shrug are eye-catchingly beautiful with lots and lots of attention to detail. I am still in awe that you made them yourself. You are one talented lady, Sharan, and it was such a treat meeting you and getting to chat with you. Thanks so much!

My goodness this could totally be in InStyle magazine for how to dress from day to night. Perfection. Gorgeous dress in both versions. Again very inspirational

Inge, I'm so glad the booties work for you! I am loving them. You are so gracious, charming, beautiful, and fun. Oh, and you even brought us delicious chocolates! I imagine I'm not the only one who has a bit of a girl crush on you after meeting you this weekend! (blushing and smiling!)

Oooh Sharan, that is so very sweet of you. Thank you!

Oh I didn't realize you also wore the dress to work! It looks super with the long BF cardigan, how clever. Ladies, Sharan and this dress were even more gorgeous in person (and BJ1111 is not kidding about the car-ful of admirers! We had quite the "ooooh" moment ^^). Love seeing the transition from work-to-cocktail in action and am thrilled to have been able to see the cocktail version in person. Stunning!

That dress is amazing on you! I like how you were able to dress it up and down with just a cardigan and a change of accessories!