Hey Val

I was going to draft my own pattern, but you're right, that's probably
going to be even more difficult to do. The skirts that I'd previously
made were "by eye", but then again, they were really really simple.
ie, straight cotton skirts with two darts at the back..not biased or
anything. I think your idea about finding a pattern and then modifying
it to fit the dress would work best (merci!).

I'm not quite sure where it's sewn on a bias...would you be able to
point that out to me? Is that going to be difficult to do for someone
who's never sewn biased before? (again, please say no, lol)

"I can see where a ready made pattern easily
could be used and darting the skirt instead of gathering would work, the
fact that it has a sash around the waist would save you grief from trying to
fit a one piece dress all with darting. "

so there would be darts in two places...the skirt and the bodice? are
the darts on the skirt hidden under the ribbon details? Is that how
they achieved the vents on the skirt? um, would you mind terribly to
explain this part to me again? I totally appreciate this!

Unfortunately no one in my family really sews, so I think I'm on my
own for this one. But I'm up to the challenge...if this works, I will
be the belle of the ball! haha

PS: anyone know why it takes hours for my posts to post?