craftgrrl | Not sure quite if this question belongs here..

But I'm looking for advice. I've recently acquired an old floor-length leather coat, which a housemate was throwing out, but I rescued it. It's torn beyond "proper" repair around the shoulders, where it was slightly too small for her, and mended with black duct tape. Also, the hem is looking a little worn as she (and I) are a little on the small side.

I wondered if anyone had any ideas on how I could customise the coat so that the duct tape repairs look decorative instead of necessary, or any other ways I could salvage it. It's wearable in itself, it just looks a little shabby.

If anyone has any ideas at all it'd be great! I've always wanted a full-length leather coat, but this one has been the only one that's ever fit me correctly, since I'm only 5'1, but I have large hips, which generally means they're always too long for me, not to mention too big on the shoulders.

Sorry about the question-only post! I'll post some photos of my crafts when my room's sorted out enough for me to be able to find stuff again!