Long indian skirt - washing, wearing and shortening options post 544

 

I love the colours of this Indian skirt. I bought it for one pound in St Luke's shop in Hatch End. I've seen other St Luke's shops in Stanmore and Pinner. Their website lists several more locations in London and elsewhere.

The Plus - Colour and Length
The skirt is made in India, and 100 per cent cotton. A very thick cotton. 

Washing Obligation and Options
Many people wash everything they buy, new or old, to protect themselves from germs. Whatever you buy might be handled by many people. The donor. The person applying a price ticket. Customers rummaging. The shop assistant wrapping it for you. If I tie it around my neck, it is against my skin.
So, to be cuatious, I should wash it before wearing, even before handling it. 
I could just hrow everything in a wash. 

I could follow the washing instructions on the label. Or my common sense about cotton and items which are not colourfast. Put it in the machine and make sure not to wash it with anything white or pale coloured. I could even cut off a small piece from the belt, wash it. Cut off the end of the belt, or a piece at the back, or inside the back of the waist. 

If all is well, no colour run, I can sew back the small piece before washing the whole garment.

If the colouur runs, I can wash cold. That might not be effective in killing germs, but better than nothing. 

Then hang to dry outdoors, or over the bath over a plastic bucket or bowl or two, to avoid staining the bath. Keep away from other clothes alongside, or underneath on a rack. 

However, I worry that the colours will run. Spoil the pattern. 
Make a mess when dripping dry if I hand wash.

The Minus - Length Needs Adjustment
The skirt is too long, much too long. I like long skirts, ankle length, but even for my taste it is too long. It trips me up. 
Maybe that is why it is why it was given away. If it was owned by somebody tall, and worn, the length might be why it did not sell fast and ended up in the one pound rummage box.

Does it matter that it was too long? Yes, I kept tripping over, treading on it, even at home. Outside,, the hem dragging on the ground would be getting dirty. At home it was at first annoying, as well as downright dangerous. 
I pulled it up over my bust. I tied the long ties around me horizontally but it kept sliding down. I added a belt to be sure to hold it up so I didn't trip. But it was still slipping down. Eventually I conceded that I had to tie the ties around the back of my neck.  

Alteration Options For Shortening
The simplest method is to turn up the hem. But it is a huge skirt and that takes time.

The second option is to cut it with pinking shears. Leave it loose for a few wears, just around the house, especially if I am alone, if the rest of the family is away, whether shopping or working.

I could fasten it with safety pins, temporarily. Or iron on hemming web. I thought I bought mine in Spotlight in New Zealand this year, 2025. However, the manufacturer, according to the packaging, is in the UK. 

Useful Websites
St Luke's Shops
Iron on Hemming tape

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