Yet again, it seems that I have managed to buy a frock which doesn’t fit me.

It’s something I do seem to be making a bit of a habit of.

I have a pile of things to alter already.

First up are two maxi skirts that need shortening. I am not tall enough to wear them as they are; they actually trail along the ground.

But I bought them because: a) they were exceedingly cheap, and b) I figured that once I cut the bottom off, I’d not only have a nice skirt, but some nice fabric as well.

Bonus!

I also now have not one, but two frocks that I need to, well, remake basically. They both need taking to bits, cutting down and reconstructing in a less generous size.

I have always altered clothes. Being “petite” before such a thing existed in stores meant that I either had to learn to sew, or else learn to like trousers with immense turn-ups and tops with sleeves that made me look like an ape.

For many years I often wore children’s clothes.

But that’s not an option since the middle-aged-spread kicked in. At my age I no longer feel quite comfortable in little girls’ frocks, and not just because they’re a bit tight.

But I do love a vintage bargain. This piece of fashion history cost me £8.

I mean, why pay £50 or more for a dress that everyone can spot exactly where it came from and how much it cost, when you can have something unique that looks great, but cost less than a tenner?

Whatever size it happens to come in, and however much pfaffing with tucks and darts it takes to make it fit, if the price, the style and the fabric is right, it’s worth a go at a rehash, I reckon.

I mean, what have I got to lose… If I mess it up, I can always use the fabric for something else!

And until I get around to my alterations, I think my frock also looks very nice hung up as decoration. ♥