You know, I would recommend not using a woman's pattern for your girls. You might get really frustrated trying to undo fitting areas meant for a womans body and then redoing the pattern to fit your child. I would try to find a child's sundress and enlarge the bodice from there. Use your tape measure to figure out the final bust measurement on the pattern pieces and add to the front and back sides. I know it's not quite that easy and you will need to make some further adjustments (probably elongating the waist and adjusting the armscye) but if you make a mock-up out of musin, you can get a good feel for where you want to go.
Simplicity has some really cute options in kids sizes, including a line of plus sizes for children. Check it out! If you find something you like in those options, you should really go for it!
http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?cat=1&type=4&sec=81&startrow=1