Newbie-ish Seamstress

[rescuetoaster.livejournal.com]

I just recently realized that I really don't like the clothes they sell in stores. I always find myself thinking I would like a garment so much better If it was a different color, print, or if the style was only slightly altered. I decided to try my hand at sewing something. I learned the basics of sewing as soon as my mom trusted me with a needle, but since then I haven't practiced much at all, and never advanced beyond a simple pillow. I decided to alter a pair of old jeans(a pair I didn't like much, in case i screwed up big time) into a skirt. Now keep in mind, I don't have a working sewing machine...









I'm definitely going to hem the bottom when I try this again. I didn't want to take the time when I knew the waist of the pants had fit weird anyway. I know I need to be more patient and make my stitches smaller. I was thinking maybe a backstitch would be more effective than my standard "in/out"(does it have a name?) stitch. Can anyone offer any other advice? I would appreciate it so much!