I picked up this cute wraparound skirt at a used clothing sale for $2. I love the navy colour and the gorgeous print!
It was super small at the waist, but I knew I could make it work...
I knew it was vintage, and after doing some research on the label (The Bagshaws) I learned it was a 1980's hand silk screened skirt made in St. Lucia.
The same company provided vacation wear for Queen Elizabeth.
Posh ;)
Well, there were two problems. First, it was an awkward length (too long to be short, too short to be long). Second, it was too small at the waist.
Oh yeah. Three problems.
Third, it had a cigarette burn through the fabric...
(This pic shows the reverse side for clearer visability, but the burn cut right through the pretty print!)
Oh yeah. Three problems.
Third, it had a cigarette burn through the fabric...
(This pic shows the reverse side for clearer visability, but the burn cut right through the pretty print!)
I decided to take care of the awkward length and the fit at the waist in one fell swoop!
Taking off the top would shorten it. And, because it is an A line skirt (wider at the bottom than it is at the top) the wider middle would be long enough to fit around my waist.
Because the skirt has a rounded top, I couldn't just cut straight across. So I measured and marked the length I wanted it so it would be even. Then I lopped the piece in half!
Taking off the top would shorten it. And, because it is an A line skirt (wider at the bottom than it is at the top) the wider middle would be long enough to fit around my waist.
Because the skirt has a rounded top, I couldn't just cut straight across. So I measured and marked the length I wanted it so it would be even. Then I lopped the piece in half!
I hemmed the raw edge and re-attached the straps to the new waist line.
Then I patched the cigarette burn. It's near invisible on the skirt now, but I've zoomed in so you can see the stitching...
Then I patched the cigarette burn. It's near invisible on the skirt now, but I've zoomed in so you can see the stitching...
Here's the final piece!
I love it. But I just heard it might SNOW tomorrow!!! Here's hoping this long winter is coming to an end soon so I can wear pretty clothes like this... (And get some much needed vitamin D)
What do you guys think? Did I ruin a vintage treasure? Or do you like my amendments?
Post-Scriptum
And yes, it snowed! Boo :( Guess I will have to wait another month or two before wearing this outside.
And yes, it snowed! Boo :( Guess I will have to wait another month or two before wearing this outside.