...

...

remove sleeves.

cut off top of shirt inbetween 1st & 2nd button. (width must = 1/2 under bust measurement + seam allowance)

ex: bust measurement =36
shirt width = at least 18 inches

turn shirt insideout and put it on. pin it so it fits the shape of your body the way you like it. (i suggest looking in a mirror!)

*also, you should wear no or tight-fitting pants (like leggings), not jeans or sweatpants.

*optional*

i'm a bit of a perfectionist, so i folded the shirt in half to make sure both sides were even.

open up the shirt (if you folded it in half like i did) & sew up both sides

IMPORTANT

try it on & make sure it fits! mine was too big (& akwardly buldge-y).

it's always better for it to be too big; you can always make it smalller.

2nd attempt.

that's better. now it fits right.

now for the top.

start by removing the cuffs of the sleeves and ripping out the seam of the sleeve.

you now have the 2 big flat pieces from the sleeves and the 2 cuffs.

threadbangers shows how to make a top here:
http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=11888

use a swimsuit, tanktop, or halter top that you already own as a template. your dress will be uniquely you!

i'm going to use a swimsuit pattern that was my mom's when she was in high school.

here is my main pattern piece. there is also a waistband but i didn't follow the pattern, i just made my own.

(the 2 sleeves are on top of each other in order to cut 2 matching pieces)

here are the 2 pieces all cut out. the most important part is the gathers at the bottom because that will give it shape to fit your boobs.

then i made the waistband for the front.

i basted on the bottom of the halter pieces with my machine set on the longest stitch.

pull on the bobbin thread to gather the material in the center & attach bust pieces to the waistband.

i cut 2 long strips the same width as the waistband that will go around to the back of the dress and tie in a bow.

(they get cut off in the picture, but if you click the image you can see the whole thing)

i attached the 2 long strips to the rest of the waistband & now the top part of the dress is done.

pin top to skirt, right sides together.

sew it up!

and you're done!

i used the back of the shirt as the front of the dress...

...& it buttons up the back (& ties).

originally i wanted the buttons in the front, but i knew it wouldn't fit over my head without elastic.