Monthly Makes - October 2026

I started this month with another alteration. I put the above shirt on one day last month and immediately knew that I needed to alter it or it would never get worn again. It's a cotton/linen mix, a nice natural fabric, but I didn't like the length of it or the longer sleeves, so I cut both down to a length that worked for me. Here's the outcome:

On the same day, I started work on making the fabric from the Seasalt dress that I deconstructed last month into a skirt. I pinned on the pattern pieces and then later cut them out. I then just needed to get started on constructing a simple A-line skirt. It's a skirt I've made many times and I do like it, but this time around, I am making it about 6 inches longer, so a maxi length, just for a change. I also cut out patch pocket pieces, that were not part of the original pattern, to add a bit of interest. 

Another day, I got to work sewing the pattern pieces together. I overlocked all the edges of the pieces to give a better finish and sewed this item on my hand crank machine, which worked well. I still need to attach a waistband, so there won't be a reveal until next month, but I'm happy with progress so far.

I did another very similar alteration to a another cotton M&S shirt I bought at a car boot in Brighton last month. Like with the first alteration above, I made the sleeves shorter, as I didn't like the elasticated 3/4 sleeves. I didn't take a before picture, but here's an after picture:

I also started to make a tote bag this month from a denim cargo skirt that I bought for £1 whilst thrifting with LB. Again, I didn't take a before photo, of the skirt, but I'll post a picture of the bag when I've finished it.

I also hemmed one side of a pair of trousers that had come undone. They were summer trousers, but at least they'll be ready to wear when I get them again out next spring.

Finally this month, I made a wardrobe bag out of the child's duvet cover that I bought in the charity shop recently. It didn't turn out too badly and is now housing one of my wool jumpers to hopefully keep any moths off it. I still need to make a couple more of these for a few other woollen items in my wardrobe. It will be a great way to use up more of my fabric stash.