Both skirts are now almost completely finished - they just need the final ribbons and bows embellishments at the back. I decided to make the two skirts separate, each with their own waistband - that way they would be easier to store - and ship. 

I was having a hard time deciding whether or not to have a pink satin sash at the waist, as it would make a big difference as to the actual bodice pattern, but in the end decided to go with the more formal-looking point in the front. I designed a bodice pattern, and for the "test bodice" used the actual dress fabric, supported with iron-on interfacing. The armholes needed enlarging and the neckline needed to be lower, but the nice thing about a test-bodice is that I can draw the changes right onto it, and then adjust the pattern.

Now to make the proper bodice, and then figure out the trim for the neckline. The dress will have "off-the-shoulder sleeves" which won't actually be "sleeves", just a ribbon strip onto which the trims will be sewn. The challenge will be in keeping the neckline embellishment from getting too wide.