Would I make the basic shape of the sleevy bits (the criss-cross bit) and then I can resize it once attached?

Is it really that "simple" or is there more to it?

You can, but off the shoulder stuff is pretty tricky with sculpties, because of the movements of the arms.

This is probably something better left to mesh, but you could just do the criss cross on the bodice as one piece, and then the arm sleeves

as separate pieces to better accommodate movement.

That's a good idea, or perhaps draw the criss-cross on and then make attachments for the sleeves?

That's probably the route I'd go

Thank you muchly! I want to try mesh but I thought it would be best to learn sculpties first as most of the tutes assume you already know

sculptie creation