My Big Challenge

Coming up in a few weeks we are going to  another wedding.  My husband was asked to be a groomsman for this one, ceremony and everything!  We are very excited for the couple's big day... HOWEVER... the event has been declared as "creative formal" and that sends me into a panic.  The bride tells me that this means she wants formal, but people don't have to feel boxed in to any specifics.  What in the heck do I have that's formal??  Unless you'd like to see me regurgitate something from my college days (ahem, in the 90's.... way back in the 1900's for crying out loud) then the answer is:  nothing.

For a cheapskate like me, it's really hard to want to spend $200 on a dress that I will SURELY only wear once.  And let's be honest, to find a modest formal dress that doesn't look bridesmaid-y, even $200 would be a screaming deal.

SO... I did some shopping.  Investigative work, really.  I got very lucky and found this nice dress at Ross.  (Love you Ross!)  I'll admit it is not "gown" formal, but I believe it will fit the bill nicely.  If I'm crazy and anyone out there thinks this will NOT be appropriate for a formal wedding will you please tell me right away?  I mean it.

Here's the dealy-o.  This dress has one sleeve.  And that one sleeve is really more like a knot on the shoulder and hanging tail things.  BUT the dress was $14.99.  (Insert shocked face of mine.)  I came up with a plan.  I will take the before-mentioned hanging tail things, cut them off, use that "extra" fabric to create some cap sleeves, and all is well.  If it ends in total disaster, I'm only out fifteen bucks.  Seems good, right?

Here's a closer look at the asymmetrical top.

Then I get home, start cutting, and get nervous.  This is not turning out to be as easy as I'd hoped.  I'm treading on uncharted territory... I do NOT have experience with "alterations" or garment construction for that matter.  I don't do linings.  There is not much "extra" fabric to work with here at all.  I can't finish a raw edge of stretchy lycra.  AGGGHHHHH!!!!

What do you think?  Can I pull this off???

Stay tuned...