Two pieces out of one big tent...dress

Take my word for it, since I didn't take a picture before cutting into this dress. It was unfitted except for this vest-like piece which tied in back. I got the dress for $1 at a yard sale and saw possibilities. After cutting this piece off, I then cut the dress into a blouse part and a skirt part. I put elastic in the waist, added about 4" of black cotton to make the blouse long enough to tuck in, then trimmed the top with black lace to hide bra straps. I love it and get lots of compliments.