Many thanks @neumannsalva !
It certainly does feel like I'm working on something bigger than just a dress, and I have plans of keeping it as a room decoration when/if I stop wearing it for occasions or even in between occasions. :D

Well, concerning buying a dress like this, I could actually have it made for me by the master crocheter whom I bought the handbook from, but I'd have to dish out a few thousand euro first... by mom wasn't even fazed by that!!!
But there's always something special about making a piece yourself :)