The Oliver & S pattern does say to make the lining fabric shorter. You do not need to do that with this version.
I started off with a few changes to the patten.. First a added 3 inches to the fold side on the front.like the photo bellow : )
I than drew another line 3 inches down like my next photo
So I have kinda created a square on the front pattern. You will want to cut out the square when cutting the pattern. That is where your gather will be.
The next change to the pattern I made was to the side seams.
That is the bottom edge in the photo above. I drew a line 3 inches out and than drew a nice straight line up to the armpit. I did this on all side panels, front and back (just the sides).
Go ahead a cut your fabric. I used a very light weight cotton so that front gather would not be too bulky.
See that big square I was talking about earlier : ).
Now go ahead and follow the directions from O&S about joining the pieces. Remember the back will be sewn so no need for that button and loop.
This photo above shows everything connected and the edges ironed. Next you will want to gather that square closed like the photo bellow-
Now you can make that little rectangle to cover the silly looking gather. Mine looks to be 5x3. Sew the edges and turn right side out.
Now go ahead and follow the the O&S directions. When sewing the side seams together make sure to start at the armpit : ) otherwise if yours was like mine the bottom edges were not the perfect match in length and that would lead to a crooked dress. Sew the back as you hade done with the side seams. And hem the lining and the main.
Next I added gathered tulle to the lining. Whoops. I did not take pictures of that. I think the length of the tulle was about 6 inches. You could use other fabrics as well.
And now for my secret dots : )
Well I used no sew heat n bond.
I ironed the red to the red. (Just folded it over and ironed. I than traced and cut circles and machine stitched it to the tulle. I have since the photos thrown this dress in the washer and dryer. My little circles folded from the heat of the dryer. So I do suggest if you use my method just let the dress air dry.
Anyways, that's what I did : ) please let me know of you have any questions.