I to a sweater that I have had for years and cut off the bottom just under the armpits. Serge the raw edge. Fold & pin. Turn under the serged side and sew along to finish off the bottom edge. I gathered down one side using a gathering stitch from the top to the bottom. Sew it with a regular 2.5 stitch to secure it. I took about a yard of black satin ribbon and gathered down one side. Then wrapped it around into the shape of a flower. Sewed through the center to secure it. Then added some left-over sweater piece for the center of the flower. And finished it off with some beads. I can't wait to wear it with the new black dress I just bought!