Fashion Revamp Idea

Is it hard to cut up/resew garments w/sequins on?  Do you risk unraveling the whole garment by cutting some off, or are they sewn onto the fabric individually?  I've got this old piece of clothing I really like in principal, but in practice it looks kinda old-fashioned and granny.  I'd love to make it into a cool shrug/cropped top/cover-up w/long, (definitely much longer than I illustrated below here, in my sorry Paint design ;)) flairy, flouncy (uber fun but uber elegant) belled/ruffled sleeves.  Theoretically the edits are just a few cuts, a reattach or two (w/some gathers thrown in for the ruffles on the sleeves) and some hemming,, but as I don't sew much I might have -no- idea what kind of kettle of fish I'm getting into. ;)  (Considering cutting and hemming the likes of sequins and all.)  I mean, I've sewn, hemmed, and even know the ways of the grand & elusive ol' ruffle, (thank you Home Ec. and countless DIY/decorating shows!), but I ain't no pro. by any stretch of the imagination.  Even mine. ;)

If I could totally go hog-wild I'd remove the lapels (w/their button closures) and replace them w/teeny ruffles (if even just at the collar) to match the longer, drapier sleeves.  But not even I'm cruel enough to expect anyone to do that!  (And I -know- my 1st-grader sewing skills aren't up to the task. ;D)

But I digress.  My essential idea is this:

Looks simple, right?  But who knows, w/the hemming and hacking of a zillion black sequins, it might be a brain hemorrhage waiting to happen.  I'm excited though. If all goes well w/it, it might be really cute to go out clubbing or to perform in while.. ya know...
..Bellydancing. ^_^

*ponder ponder*

Go homemade cholis, club gear & b-garb! :D:D