Pattern is self-drafted. The straps attach in the front via buttons. It has 2 lengths. The back is fully smocked & the front is partially so. Waist is fully elastic. The bodice is fully lined. Waist bow is detachable via pin and can be put on a headband. I made all the little bows. Made the super poofy petticoat that fluffs up the skirt volume, too. ~~Not that it matters.~~ Took about 5-6 layers of tulle.
I don't know what's wrong with people. It looks very cute and pretty and I think my wife would love it to. Unfortunately we probably live on the other side of the world.
It looks (and sounds by your description) like a crazy amount of work. I'm currently getting my first own sewing machine and try to remember what my grandma taught me 25 years ago and I'm excited! But that dress is on a level I'll probably only ever dream of.
I hope you can keep your head up and it'll work out for you <3