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.