I often visit blogs where the writer shows clothes that they have either made from scratch, or made alterations to change the garment significantly.I love to read posts like that, and always feel inspired but a little scared to try it myself. In the past I've altered a dress to change it into a better fitting top, and made a skirt from an old pair of jeans, which you can read about [Here]. I'd love to be able to do more, but it's just not something I'm very good at. I will only alter things as a last resort.
If something in my wardrobe isn't being used, then it tends to end up in the charity bag, but if it's something I like and can't bear to give away, I hang on to it.
Which brings me to my lovely yellow dress from Joules, and what I did to it at the weekend.
I love the fabric of this dress, but have never been overly keen on how it looked on me. The fabric is quite thin, so needs some kind of petticoat or you can see right through it. The top was very low and gaped. I felt too exposed in it. I'd wear it out in the garden during summer but cover up if the doorbell rang, or get changed pretty quickly. It was such a shame, but if you don't feel comfortable in something you don't feel confident.
Having a good look at it yesterday, I thought how simple it would be to alter into a skirt. I took a deep breath and made a cut.
I know, some of you will be shouting at your computer screens saying it was a nice dress, and how could I do such a thing. But I wasn't wearing it, and that to me was a bigger crime than cutting it up!I took my time, and pinned the waistband and stitched in place.
There is a hidden zip in the side, which I've kept in place. I've added a hook & loop on the inside for extra security too.I unpicked the label and restitched it to the new waistband.
It's not perfect - nothing I ever do is perfect and I don't strive for perfection - but it'll do nicely. The hem is straight, which is lucky, as hems are my bête Noire. The waistband could do with taking in a little and is a bit wonky in places, but I'll leave it as it is.I photographed myself wearing boots to cover my lily white legs (and it's cold again today), but I rather like thinking that I will happily wear this skirt all year round, and not just in summer.
Now I have a skirt that I know I will get a lot of use out of. I still have the problem of the thin fabric, but I've just found a really gorgeous ruffle edged petticoat that I plan to buy and wear with it.If you have something that you just love and can't bear to part with, but don't wear it either, why not see if it could be altered? If you don't sew yourself, get someone to help, but in all honesty, if I can do this then I am certain that anyone can. It just takes a bit of patience.