parent teacher conferences dress?

this is the newest project on the docket:  simplicity 1755.  leanne marshall, the designer of this pattern, was the season 5 winner of project runway.  she's brilliant.  her designs are intricate!  i'm planning on making the style of the gold dress, but at the length of the plaid one.  so, essentially i'm making the plaid part of the middle dress, but with a collar and without the sleeves.

i'm using this vintage fabric that my colleague carin gave me from her mother's stash!

this project is taking forever!  why?  well remember how i described leanne's patterns as being intricate?  well, look at this panel of pleats...

there are 8 total panels of pleats (6 along the skirt, 2 along the neckline).  ahhhhh!!!!!  let's hope i finish by next thursday!