I’ve had a sewing machine for literal decades but only ever made simple totes, maybe a few repairs. I never really learned or gathered the patience to use a pattern for a more complex project, and when I didn’t know how to do something I’d give up.
My first garment was a clown costume last year for Halloween, followed by a beach cover up. Both were very low-stakes projects and forgiving as far as fit. They both helped me build up confidence to actually finally try making a “real” garment.
I love it so much! The spooky fabric looks great and is so comfy (rayon batiste). The print is low-key enough that I would definitely wear this to work, but when you look closer the eyes have creepy veins haha. The fit is perfect. (I added one inch to the length because I cannot with too short tees.) I don’t have a serger so I did French seams. They were so much less intimidating than I thought, and the finish is divine–so much better for me sensory-wise.
Nice fit with nice fabric, well done.
The next step up from French seams (not that it looks like you need it here with the care you’ve taken) is felled seams - more fiddly, but you don’t end up with a loose ridge that only stays down if you press it. One downside of felled seams is that you can’t do them both seams on a sleeve or leg or something, as you are sewing a line on an opened out seam. Another is that you will need to practice quite a bit!
Many sewing machines do have an overlock stitch to finish off seams, but its not as tidy or strong as you would get with a serger.
Oh and now you’ve given me another thing to try! So these nice ways to finish seams without a serger.