This was a total Pretty In Pink-feeling dress as soon as I saw it. Lace overlay and pleats?? What's not to love?

It was large on me and I had some ideas as soon as I saw the seam between the top portion of the lining and the pleated skirt.

Time to get to work, Andie Walsh-style!!

I began by trimming the piece in two, cutting right around the inch and a half mark above the pleated skirt.

I'm still going to work on the lace portion down the road, but today I'm focusing on the bottom!

I loved the rounded portion of the seam which originally fell right around the stomach, and thought this would be gorgeous as a top, using the rounded area as my center. i pinned the raw edges down to prep a new seam next.

Since we're making this a top, I found some pretty tan elastic that would work perfectly as straps. I liked this pink/brown combo, keeping it super neutral. I measured the amount of elastic, cut, and pinned both pieces in place on the front and back of the top...

...and sewed them in place. A new seam was sewn next and the top was taken in at the bust to make it as fitted as possible. I wanted to maintain the flowiness, of the top, so I didn't take in the piece where it was pleated.

Post-sew, my new top was ready for a night in, crafting with girlfriends.

I love the bohemian feel and this is something that could totally work with a longer fitted skirt underneath as well.

For my chill night in, I threw on my Havaianas and a vintage necklace that had beads in the exact same shade as my top. (I love when that happens!)

The fabulous CS hosted a summer "craftevening" complete with a Swedish smorgasbord of eats paired with sewing. The table of sweets was ridiculous...

...but the table with Swedish meatballs and a homemade smörgåstårta (basically a savory, sandwich cake) was where I was headed. CS doesn't mess around when she plans these crafty nights!