sewing sassiness

I am sort of new to sewing. I have made a few quilts and a dozen or so Christmas stockings but that's it. I have been reading a lot of sewing blogs and have been overwhelmed with inspiration. Since I can never find clothes I like (that fit all this T&A happening over here) I decided to try sewing a garment.

Well, of course I never start with something simple. I tend to dive in. So, for my first garment I decided to try taffeta.  I didn't start with a cotton skirt made from an old bed sheet... not this girl!  I went for silky smooth taffeta with velvety dots. Why not? What did I have to lose? It was a little frustrating, but I knew I could always cut a fiasco apart and use the fabric for something else. Either way it wouldn't go to waste.

Well, thank goodness for the internet! Today my gratitude goes to an awesome blog called Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing where I found the perfect skirt tutorial (a timeless post from 2009). Thank you Gertie!

This skirt took two evenings, a few swear words, and even more beer but here it is:

To my surprise, while browsing the interwebs today I found this similar skirt on Modcloth.com! I actually like mine better and paid far less!

This skirt would have taken less time if it wasn't my first handmade garment. I was extra careful and measured a dozen times before I cut the fabric.  

For anyone who wants to try their hand at sewing I say "do it!" There is nothing to be afraid of and it's actually a lot of fun. I am very happy and wore this fancy number to work on my birthday! People loved it and it made me feel very pretty!
Have fun. Thanks for looking. Love, Ms. Kate