For all you last minute DIYers, here's a quick tutorial for redoing that thrift store skirt.  Thirty minutes and the ability to sew in a straight line is the only thing that separates that frumpy skirt from its fantastic future.

Step 1:  Find a skirt with potential. Look for a skirt that: A.  Fits in the waist B.  Is unlined. C.  Is a light cotton-ish material. D.  Has a color or pattern that attracts you.  I bought the skirt below because it ties in nicely with the Southwestern trend for fall.

Step 2:  Take a before picture. It helps if your hair is dirty, you're tired, and you're not wearing much make up.  It will make the after picture all that more dramatic.

Step 3: Measure the existing hem. It will give you a good idea of what size to make your new hem.  In this case, my existing hem was about 1".

Step 4:  Determine the new length. An easy way to determine the new length of your skirt is to use an existing skirt as a pattern.  Lay a skirt of the desired length on top of your new skirt.  Be sure to align the waistbands.

From the edge of the existing skirt measure down the length of your hem and mark it with a pin (in my case 1").  This would also be the time to add or subtract length if you want your new skirt to be a different length than the pattern skirt.

Step 5: Mark length to be cut off. Once you have the first pin in place, measure from the bottom edge of the skirt to the pin.  Using this measurement, pin all the way around the skirt (hems may be slightly curved, so this preserves the original hem shape).

Step 6:  Chop Away Cut up the side seam and then along the line formed by your pins.  It's not necessary to be that exact.  Cut as straight as possible, and after you're done you can trim any obvious spots.  Also, now would be a good time to hold up the skirt and make sure the cut is relatively even. 

Step 7:  Stop fraying. Pick a coordinating thread color.  A good tip is to see what color was used for the original hem and match that.  Sew a zig zig stitch around the entire edge of your chopped-to-length skirt. 

Step 8:  Pin the hem. Turn the skirt inside out.  Turn under the hem the amount that you measured earlier.  Pin all the way around.  Now would be the time to make up any cutting discrepancies.   No one will see the inside, so just make sure that the hem is even on the outside.  Turn the skirt right side out and check for evenness one more time.

Step 9:  Sew the hem. Turn skirt inside out.  Using a straight stitch sew all the way around the skirt. You want to keep the stitch an equal distance from the fold of the hem, so it will look even on the outside.  After, iron the hem. It will make it look crisp and clean.

Step 10:  Take your after photo. Rock your sassy new skirt and brag about your skills to all your friends.

Sassy indeed! Thanks, Kara. Be sure to visit Kara's blog, Unusual Form, where she constantly finds amazing items at thrift stores to inject fun color and patterns in her wardrobe!