The One Where She Altered Clothing

At this point, I probably have no reason at all to be scared of avoid sewing clothing, but the fact remains that I just don't do it (though I have acquired quite a stash of garment fabric!). A few days ago I got out all of my Socialite Dress supplies with the intent of working on it, and I felt overwhelmed just glancing at the pages of directions. People tell me it's fast and easy once you get going, but so far I'd much rather piece a quilt block or free motion quilt my heart out (new slogan my sister and I came up with today: quilt hard or go home).

I successfully altered two pairs of work pants earlier in the year, and this was just the next logical step: take a purple maxi dress (it's too big and I never wear it anymore), shorten it up, and create a cute roll-over jersey skirt to wear around the house. Doable, no?

I cut out the skirt based on a current skirt I love that fits well!

I loosely followed this tutorial from Do It Yourself Divas. I used a ballpoint needle, my quarter inch foot, and Aurifil 50 weight thread with great success. However, when it came to hemming the bottom, only my walking foot and a universal needle did the job. I actually put it away for a couple of days because I was so frustrated (see - sewing clothing so far has not been the most enjoyable experience!). Today I was clearing off my ironing board and figured it was time to try again. And, all was well. I didn't even need elastic - the roll over band took care of that!

A few years from now I'll probably sewing clothes like crazy... I'll look back on this time and laugh... :P We'll see... what are your tips for garment sewing?