A coworker and I are taking the "Hems and Basic Alterations" class at Stitch Lounge. I have problems with fitted shirts because if they fit in the shoulders, they usually hang off me everywhere else, so I’m hoping to learn how to take in a shirt so that it fits properly (since I haven’t yet made that bold step forward to the shirt pattern from the Sew U book). In the first class we covered mostly hemming, but in the second class we will be bringing in clothes that we want to alter. Even though hemming seems like a really basic thing, I learned a few things from the first class: how to hem drastic curves by adding 1-2 basting lines inside the seam line (the same technique used for setting in sleeves, which has always intimidated me), and decorative hems using a twin needle. So I had to try that out for myself on this, Sew U skirt number nine:

(I missed catching the edge of the folded-over fabric off and on the first time, so I added another double row 1/4" in. As we say in the software business, "It’s a feature.")

The other exciting thing about this skirt (which, yes, is the same linen as the tote bag I made last weekend) is that it is my first big project using the brand new serger that E. bought me for my birthday (even though he couldn’t understand why I would choose a serger over a new iPhone). Here’s the inside view of the hem and side seam:

Isn’t that pretty? And it’s so much faster than pinking the seams or zig-zagging around the edges, or having to fold the hem under twice. I’m looking forward to trying out some patterns for knit fabrics, too.

I won’t show you the finished skirt because I don’t consider it finished yet: I’m looking at the clean lines of the plain linen fabric as a blank canvas, and planning on making use of some of the techniques in Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens to complete my masterpiece. Stay tuned…