My latest project is nearly finished (another School Days Jacket for my son) and it’s time to face up to my alterations pile again. There’s a distinct theme this month… denim.

I don’t enjoy alterations and repairs much. Yes, you get some satisfaction from extending the life of a garment that would otherwise have had to go, but I’m never 100% happy with the results. Plus there’s always a sneaking suspicion that another seam (or knee, or crotch!) might go through at any minute and you’ll have to do it all over again.

Were I taking part in The Great British Sewing Bee, I’d definitely be most scared of the alteration challenge – I would absolutely struggle to convert a wetsuit into a dress or a shirt into a pirate costume. I need the support of a pattern, Pinterest and some fabric browsing to generate ideas for my sewing.

How do you get on with alterations? Are you a contented seamstress, happy to be useful and helping others repair their clothes? Or would you far rather be doing some selfish sewing on a project of your choosing?

And what tips would you give me for getting on with my mending?