Swimsuit, Lingerie Class

So, I'm taking this online class from Don McCunn on how to draft the pattern for, and make your own swimsuit or lingerie, and the many different garments you can make from these patterns, not just swimsuits etc. This is Week 1 of 3 and I've got my pattern drafted and my top (no, not a swimsuit) :) planned. This will be along the lines of a baby doll top, with an empire waist.

The interesting thing (I think) is that I'm making this top from a dress I bought at the thrift store, just for this purpose - remaking it into something else. I bought it over a year ago, but I've not had the right opportunity to use it, till now!

I had already cut off the sleeves when I took the before picture -

I know it looks orange here, but the true color is a beautiful Raspberry Red. It's a rayon fabric, with same color embroidery around the neck and around the sleeves. The following picture of the sleeves are the true color.

It's a rayon jacquard, and it's simply beautiful. The dress is a size 8, and my challenge to myself, is to find a way to use these embroidered parts on my top.

I've got the two main parts of the top cut out. There were also tucks in the dress, that I managed to take advantage of, hopefully you can see that in the next picture.

You can also see the wonderful texture of this fabric.
I have a good way to go yet, but I think I've done the hardest part - started!