The ‘Alterations Afternoon’ lesson is where I will learn how to fit, alter and mend. This is going to be a big milestone for me in terms of understanding some fundamental principles and so important when it comes to sustainability.

Learning these types of skills means I’ll be able to take existing pieces, whether vintage, from a charity shop, flea market, begged, stolen or borrowed and customise them just for me. How exciting is that?!

My project on the day is going to be altering one of these dresses into a skirt, I haven’t decided which yet.

I bought the blue floral one from the flea Market in Leeds last year. The flea market is in the outside part of Leeds famous Kirkgate Market, which includes the largest indoor market in Europe. Its an amazing place where I’m sure you can buy anything.  In fact I bought my first crochet hook from one of the many craft stalls in there.

I’m not really sure what possessed me to buy this Laura Ashley-esqe nightmare. I think it was the flowing maxi-length 70s vibe it gave off. The top part does not look good but I reckon it has potential as a skirt. I can imagine wearing it in the autumn with boots and in the summer with a pretty tank top.

The pink strapless dress wasn’t actually second hand

but it was in the sale because of a broken zip. I thought the psychedelic print was so pretty and striking, I bought it with the intention of mending and wearing it. That was over a year ago.

After Thursday I’ll let you know how my alterations learning went and hopefully will be able to show you my new skirt!