This little project inspired me to start saving our family money and, oh yes I will use the word, intentionally attempting to mend clothing that needs attention. My normal practice was to take it to this very lovely lady in town but I would pay a pretty penny for her alterations. Other than bridesmaid dress (dare I say I will be in a wedding again one day…it could happen I suppose!) alterations, I am launching myself into the world of sewing.

Several years ago I purchased this Singer hand stitching machine and as much as it’s “easy” to use, it’s not the greatest thing in the world (even the $9.99 I paid for it at Kmart seems a bit steep in light of the difficulty it is to use). I guess it doesn’t help that my first project involved sewing a tear on this lovely “tu-tu” skirt. This netted material is very hard to work with, but nonetheless I fixed it and my daughter is super happy (the above is the “after” photo).

And even though I used white thread (this was a low budget project that did not involve purchasing matching thread!) you really can’t tell once the skirt it on.

This little project is what caused me to get out the real machine. I haven’t gotten it out again but I am going to take a stab at it again this weekend.

Wish me luck.

Oh and if you have any practical advice, I’d love it. Thanks for the post by someone to look on You Tube for tutorials. I love that idea. I will also be going with my friend Jen B soon to a beginning sewing class and will make a pillow case. They had a great offer for an intro sewing class on Living Social so we jumped on it.