Laura Ashley 80s dress with unfinished hem - were they sold that way?

retro ruth

retro ruth

Administrator
Staff member
Hi all,

I've just bought a 80s Laura Ashley floral dress. It has that typical bodice to a v-shaped waist, then very full skirt, and has a matching bolero jacket.

(Although it's not my style - I bought it to sell - it's rather lovely and when I tried it on I became a complete princess and found myself twirling about and swishing the skirt!)

When I examined it I found the hem hasn't been sewn up. The edge is overlocked and it's been pressed over, but not sewn. You could probably wear it as it is because the pressing is so good and doesn't come down. It's in near mint condition.

So I'm wondering, were they sold like that, perhaps so you could hem it to the length you wanted? It's quite long, 3/4 length on tall me. Or is it an unfinished dress, that somehow found it's way out like that?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Ruth
 
I agree with Melody: there is no way that Laura Ashley would sell a dress in that condition.

Does the stitching on the hem use the same colour thread as the rest of the garment? If it's a different colour, it's likely to have been done after it was manufactured, if it's the same then it's either the original hem let down or a smart sewer who's matched the colour.

N
 
okay, i've just had another look - the hem has come loose. D'oh! I feel a bit silly now.

It had left no trace in the fabric, no holes or puckering, so I thought it must be unfinished, but there's a tiny section that's still stitched. Sorry - it's such a full hem and I thought I'd looked at it all but I missed that bit.

So what would you do? hand finish the hem before selling, or sell as is? I'm reasonable at hand sewing hems, but not expert. It's in such great condition, otherwise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top