craftgrrl | Sorry to always post w/ a '?'

but as I'm a noob to this whole sewing thing.. I have 2 stupid questions that are giving me a headache... ::facepalm::

1. my bobbin thread keeps breaking, I've tried adjusting the tension & I'm about to try a different type of thread.. so here's to hoping.. If you have any suggestions about this it'd be much appreciated!

2. I reallllly want to make this (below) dress. To get the hang of sewing, I figured it'd be a simple pattern right!?! Well I guess it's two dresses, but they're almost the same thing. I can't wrap my head around how to cut the fabric. (ie: is it like a triangle? a T shape?) I realize once I have that I can just sew both sides together from mid calf/mid thigh to below arm, add a seam (or two, such as in the pic of Knightly/Gwenyvere) for the shoulders and Voila! I'll have the dress, but ode to what shape the fabric starts as!?!?! bahh.. Anyone know where I can find a pattern or tut? or could someone just explain what shape it is!?! lol.. (end talking from me.... in circles.)

(sorry for crappy pics.. they were the best ones I could find that showed a decent amount of the dresses)

I love you ladies, I plan on making that *AntiCraft! Petticoat after I get the hang of this! THANKS in Advance! :) <3