Shirt Refashion: Shirt to Vest

 I found this shirt that I liked on the rack, but when I tried it on it gaped awkwardly in the front. I really liked the print and the ruffles and couldn't seem to part with it. It was on super clearance for $2 so I went ahead and bought it, knowing I could refashion it.

I couldn't pass up such a great deal.

Before

The fitted back and gaping front reminded me of the way vests fit. So what did I do? Cut up the middle of the front of the shirt to make a vest. I thought it would be as simple as that- cut and hem. But I was wrong. The front fell really weird. However, I somehow accidentally realized that if I did a basting stitch and then gathered up the seam, it would bunch up, pulling the front of the vest forward more. That also gave it a little ruffle on the hems. Here are the results:

Just Normal                                                                                                     Belted