Alterations

When I was in California, my grandma Lynn bought me two super cute dresses, for $10 each! It was a steal and I was really excited to get them. I loved this blue one because I've been looking for a dress with the elastic band connecting the top and skirt. I can never find them that are long enough though! So even though I thought it would be a great one to wear to work because it was modest on top and a light dress, but it was just barely too short. 

I couldn't wear it without altering it, so I needed to change it. I found this great fabric at Joanne's that matched almost exactly! It was not the same type of fabric, but it was pretty stretchy like the rest of the skirt, so it would be restrictive. 

To add length to the skirt:

1. I matched the ends and ironed it so everything would lay flat and even. 

2. I figured I needed another 2 inches at least, so I added another one for good measure (haha sewing humor). I used this ruler to make sure I pinned at the 3 inch mark all the way down.

3. I pinned it down the length of the fabric and matched it to the hem of my dress. 

4. I sewed right above the hem so it would be even and the previous hem wouldn't be seen. And viola! My new dress:

Yay! I love it. And I was so proud of it, I just twirled around the apartment the night I finished it. I love that I have my sewing machine (that my wonderful husband got me for my birthday) and that I can do useful things with it! 

I want to learn more about sewing so I can make clothes for my family and fix modest dresses for my girls! It is such a good skill I can use for the rest of my life. I really like getting something basic, like fabric, and putting it together to make something useful. I feel so accomplished! Hopefully there is more in the future.