A Bit of a Stretch

I try to adhere to the rule that I'm not allowed to buy something under the promise that "I can fix it".  If it has to be fixed, I should not buy it.

But am I good at following that rule?  Of course not.

I found this beautiful skirt at one of the most magnificent yard sales I've been to in my life.  I ignored the worn out elastic in the back and focused on the beautiful water colours that enchanted my heart.

Replacing the elastic in the back of skirts like this is relatively easy, and can size down just about any skirt without it looking too bulky.  

To replace it, I took a seam ripper to all of the stitches going across the elasticated part in the back and then took out the stitches on the sides where the elastic ends on both sides on the inside (so that if I messed up it wouldn't be so obvious).  

It took a bit of time, but the old elastic slid right out after all of the stitches were removed.  The old elastic was so tired it had a millimeter of give.

To put in the new elastic I ran the new belt of elastic into the old hole, and sewed down one end.  

After that I tried it on and pulled the elastic in to the point where the skirt would comfortably sit at the small of my waist.  Then I cut the free end to the desired length and sewed it into the other side.

I also decided not to do the stitching across the elastic because I had images of how much I would hate myself if I had to replace it again, and had to pick out all of those stitches. 

The skirt is now a perfect fit and can sit right above my hips or on my hips (thanks to the newfound stretch).

While I don't recommend buying things with the thought they can be fixed, I do think that one shouldn't be discouraged if they find something they totally love at a second hand store or estate sale because a lot of stuff can be fixed.

Within reason.

Stay sweet, stay crafty, and stay tuned.