Butterick is not bad really but I usually forgo the instructions as I find those at times confusing. lol Most things are marked out clearly however to know what they are implying. With a dress I feel like it's a simpler pattern then some of theirs as well.
I used there B5440 Misses' Costume for the base of my Red Queen. I only ran into trouble with it because they didn't have plus sizes at the time fro the pattern so scaling up was a nightmare.
For reference here a picture of me in Light Copper Red.
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/3239015/ I look so PALE in it. haha
I also got my Merry wig and I'm just waiting on my Glinda to come in before messing with them. My Bow is in Canada so I'm hoping it will show up on Firday. ^_^