I found a skirt at a clothes swap back in February and although the fit and elastic waist weren't really to my taste, the material was right up my street, and it had pockets!

I brought it home and hatched a plan to alter it in time for my spring capsule wardrobe (better late than never).

I wanted to add a zip and waistband, and make it more fitted around the waist. I needed to mend my paisley dress too, so I borrowed my Mum's sewing machine and set about both projects.

Altering the skirt was trickier than I first anticipated. My sewing skills are a little rusty. I found gathering the skirt really awkward, and the waistband could be much tidier, as could the buttonhole, but I used a nifty tutorial I found via Pinterest (where else?) that helped me sew the neatest zip ever sewn (or rather the neatest zip I've ever sewn).


The skirt was rather unflattering before (above) .....

But now I love it! I finished it, photographed it, and wore it out to dinner. I think I'm going to enjoy styling this in different ways.


I see the skirt as being free because I picked it up at a clothes swap but I spent £6.58 on the waistband material, interfacing, thread and a zip, I used a button from my stash. Which is not a bad price for a skirt and will undoubtedly be worn countless times over the spring and summer.

Do you alter clothes, or do you do what I normally do and let them sit in a mend pile for several months before giving them to charity?