Here we have it. After countless hours of seam ripping and cursing and re-threading, the dress is done. I think the most terrifying part was cutting the fabric, though the fact that I bought so much extra did dampen the fear that I might be doing something wrong, since I could always cut another piece. Yesterday afternoon I assembled it, and realized the fit was completely wrong and almost had a panic attack. Luckily, and thanks to my fabulous step-mother, I was able to shorten the straps so it did not gap so much at the back. There are things I definitely could have done better, and the zipper doesn't lay flat, but hey. I made a dress.

 Back gaps, and the front is a little too puffy, but I am loving the shape of the back. Next time, I'm not pleating the apron, no matter what the directions say.