Sewing advice (altering a dress)

[poppym12]

I'd appreciate some advice from anyone who can sew please.

I have a summer dress I really like. The fabric, pattern, fit etc is fine but it's a maxi dress with a ruffle around the bottom and I don't wear it because I always feel like a sack of spuds in maxi length clothing as I've got older.

Would it be possible to chop it off to just below knee length and re-hem it without it looking awful?

It should be fine.

Don't forget that the hem will be curved when flat so measure up from current hem.
Tip from me: You probably won't have to cut much off to turn it from maxi.

Thank you both. Great tip 17to35, I hadn't thought of that .

I hope it hangs properly afterwards.

Could you share a picture? My approach to taking it up would definitely depend on the shape of the skirt, is it a circle skirt, an A-line or a rectangle?
And do you want to reattach the ruffle?

What's the fabric? If it's kind of sheer and slippery, it will be harder to sew, but not impossible.

If the top of the ruffle is in the right place (just below the length you want, then I would actually unpick the stitching that's attaching the ruffle section, as this should give you a level edge to work with. You can use an unpicking tool or just small, sharp pointed scissors.

Then fold up the hem, pin and sew by hand.

I keep trying to post a reply and it disappears!!

It's a linen/cotton mix fabric. I'm not bothered about having the frill attached as long as I can get it to hang properly at a shorter length.

I've attached a picture.

Looks like the existing hem is straight. I’d carefully unpick the ruffle, then you can either measure up to where you want it to be and hem, or measure and trim then reattach the ruffle.
Whatever you do, measure up from the bottom rather than down from the top and that should keep it hanging the same way it currently does.

Cotton and linen is good news - stable and easy to sew. You might need to iron the hem after unpicking and before you pin and sew it. But it should work well!

I did it . In the end I cut off the frill as I'd need to have unpicked 3 lots of stitching - patience isn't one of my strong points. I pinned it, pressed it and hand sewed it. It was very relaxing. I think I need to learn how to sew and do more.

Thank you all for your advice .

So many times I find certain clothing items I buy need to be better tailored to my own preferences. Occasionally you can find things you like but they're only available in tall sizes or the fit isn't just right. They're perfect in quality, fabric and overall cut. As an online shopper, it happens frequently. I'm considering taking matters into my own hands and buying a sewing machine, but I have zero experience in sewing. What type of machine should I buy to maybe hem or tailor a nice expensive blouse, pants or shirt or skirt? I hate paying some tailor shop who gouges the prices of expensive clothes only to get them back forever ruined with no accountability. It doesn't matter at all that you've just spent $120 on a blouse they've just turned in to crap that will end up at goodwill. It seems that people no longer care about the quality of workmanship that they turn out. So now, to keep myself from hating these people who are gouging me and ruining my quality clothing items, I've decide to take matters into my own hands and do my own tailoring. It can't be that hard, can it? I'm of an average size and height, so tailoring should be minimal. For those in the know, what type of sewing machine would you buy if you want to trim up a nice Brooks Brother's women's tailored shirt (they can be as long as a guy's shirt, lately), or possibly a pair a high quality pants or skirt that are just a tad too long? I know I can just google it, but I'd like to have someone who is familiar and has enough heart to make a recommendation to me. I'm asking for recommendations for a great practical quality sewing machine. I was reading some reviews here. I'd like to get something that is not over the top that will last for a long time. Just the basics that I mentioned above: hemming, and tailoring straight sweaters and shirts...

@sophiajannie you can't really go wrong with a Janome machine. Their basic range is decent and well made. You don't need hundreds of stitches. If you get the bug then you can upgrade, later.

@sophiajannie
I have a very decent sewing machine but I actually alter my clothes by hand. It's quite relaxing and I find it is neater.
I do similar alterations to what you describe . I also often alter necklines or sleeves.
As long as you measure and pin everything properly, then loose stitching in a contrasting thread, remove the pins and spend a bit of time every evening stitching by hand. It might take you a day or a month, it doesn't matter.
I have an ongoing small box of items to alter and every now and then dip into it and do a marathon month of getting it empty.