Wow, do you have your work cut out for you. I would go on www.patternreview.com and post this request. They might be able to help you there. This forum hasn't been very active as of late. Susan

Hehe, I know! It will be quite a lot of work for me, but I have faith in myself! ^^ Thank you very much for leading me in the correct direction.

-Mana

Ahh! You have to wait a week before posting on those forums, huh? >.> That's no fun! If anyone else can help me on this topic, please do! >.-Mana

(Sorry for the double post!)

Simplicity.com usually has a pretty good help section on working with patterns.

Also, it would be a good idea to get a simple pattern for a top or skirt, read the instructions from cover to cover, and then sew the item. Then work your way up in difficulty from there.

That's a good idea. I'll go check out the site you suggested! Thanks for helping! ^^

-Mana

You might also purchase a good book or check one out from the library that would guide you with good pictures showing you the terminology used in the pattern guide sheet.
The Reader's Digest Sewing Guide was used as a textbook at the University where I majored in Home Ec. It's a good instructional book.

I learned sewing from the neighbor ladies. You may know some ladies who would enjoy teaching you sewing. It's very rewarding to be able to share knowledge with someone who really wants to learn. They could offer hands on assistance when you run into trouble. The ladies here are very helpful and will give you great ideas from different perspectives.

Thank you all for helping me and giving suggestions.

@ glassquilt: If ONLY I knew someone like that! My mother doesn't know the first thing about sewing, and even if she did I dont know that she would be able/willing to help me.. So scratch that idea... I have two Grandmothers, but I don't think that they even know my name. So, scratch that idea too.

And, the neighborhood I live in doesn't really seem to have many people that would do that kind of thing.

But, nonetheless, I will keep your suggestion in mind.

And, I thank all the ladies here. From what I've read, you all give good advice, and know what you're talking about! I know I'll have more questions in the future, so please continue to help me. ^^

-Mana

Buy the cheapest cotton you can find on the clearance table at you local fabric store and make a test bodice or two before you make the actual dress. You'll know all the "hard parts" and you can adjust the fit first on your test projects. I often do this with a pattern I want to make several times, to test the fit. If it comes out OK, I have a garment I can wear, too.

Also, look up the process for making a "muslin" in your sewing library books (a more formal method of making a test garment to adjust the fit, which you then take apart and use as a pattern).

The dress pattern in the pictures is a variation on a rather classic shritwaist dress with puffy sleeves.

Take a look at square dance costume/outfit patterns, American prairie pioneer costumes, period costumes (civil war era), and bridal dresses. What you need is a pattern for the bodice portion of the dress. The skirt is just gathered fabric, which you can make as poufy and short or long as you please. When you look at patterns to adapt or use, just pay attention to the bodice section of the design.

Here are a few patterns that might inspire you (URLs on separate lines so you can double- or triple-click to select the whole line, then paste it into your browser address field):

Simplicity Wizard of Oz (2 variations on bodices):

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?cat=4&type=19&sec=0amp;id=66&startrow=1

Simplicity Renaissance:

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?cat=4&type=19&sec=0amp;id=63&startrow=1

Folkwear classic Dirndl:

http://www.folkwear.com/123.html

McCalls prairie costume:

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5156.htm?tab=costumes&page=1

McCalls Renaissance Tops:

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4994.htm?tab=costumes&page=1

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4107.htm?tab=costumes&page=5

McCalls Little Bo Peep/fairy dress (very close to your picture):

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4622.htm?tab=costumes&page=4

Victorian blouse by Buckaroo Bobbins:

http://www.buckaroobobbins.com/page7.html

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out,
CMC

Ah, thats a wonderful idea! I can't believe I hadn't thought of it myself! ^^; hehe..

I'll definitley show you the finished product!! I'm not sure if any of you know what this is, but I'm actually going to use the outfit for cosplay, along with three of my other friends who will be making the other costumes in the group pics in my photobucket. So, when they're done we're going to go to plenty of photoshoots and whatnot, so I'll be excited to show off my pictures!! ^^ Thank you all, you've really helped me so much! I know me and my friends will have lots of questions in the future, so I'll know where to come for help. Arigatou!! -Mana