Full disclosure, this little girl is now in her late 40's. I made this dress for my sister's wedding in Houston. It was a Gunny Sack pattern which I altered somewhat, making two layers, and measuring to fit my daughter's torso (when I really had no idea how to customize a pattern). Yet, somehow it came out OK.
There were so many yards of ruffle and ribbon... I thought it would kill me. It almost did! I made up strategies on my own (which are probably quite standard), like sewing that satin ribbon to the wrong side of the ruffle and then folding it over to make the hem. I seem to remember there were 45 yards of ribbon and ruffle altogether
When I say this dress nearly killed me, I'm kind of not kidding! I remember being at a craft store buying kits to make the flowers for her hair (and on my neck), and being so faint I actually got down on my knees at the counter to write the check.
The plan had been to make my own dress also, but I had nothing left. I scoured Sacramento malls and found this dress on clearance in the basement of Nordstroms! (Proving there is a god!)
This little girl was obsessed with this dress, and kept getting it out and wearing it even when she was older and it was much too small. A lot of dancing, and twirling, and eventual snagging ensued. It is now just a battered remnant of its former glory, but she still has it packed away and treasures it.