Jumping in with both feet: vintage sewing patterns

I can "sew". I use irony-quotes because I can:
1) hem things really poorly
2) sew on a button
3) execute poorly on my grandiose ideas

Some failed projects have led me to lately realize that I need to stop inflicting myself on fabric and start actually paying attention to what I'm doing, as well as try to build my technique. Ironing down seam allowances? Using the correct stitch on my machine? Checking the tension? These are all things that are soon to be a part of my sewing-future, probably along with alot of other time-tested bits of sewing wisdom that I've been ignoring.

So, nothing like jumping in with both feet, right? Goals are made to break you, right? Since I have scant experience sewing with a pattern, I decided to not only get a pattern to sew with, but to buy a vintage pattern! That's several inches too small for my measurements! Yay for me!

Here's the object of my affection:

(from bootyvintage.etsy.com - specializes in larger vintage patterns!)

I've been inspired reading Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing, and Anna, the owner of the BootyVintage shop, also passed me a few links on how to upsize patterns. I also have a willing friend (hi Jen! Hi!) to help. It takes a village to shoehorn this ass into a vintage dress, but it is going to happen.

Updates to come - I'm still waiting on the pattern to arrive in the mail.