News

We all have sweaters with holes in them.  Instead of throwing them up turn them into wearable art using the simple buttonhole stitch to mend and strengthen any holes or tears.  We take you step by step through the buttonhole stitch as well as how to use it for mending. Happy mending!!!!

Read more

Welcome to mending.  This week we are looking at the basics and starting your very first mend.  Learn how to choose a spot to mend, cutting a patch, as well as the simple but definitely not basic running stitch.  Have fun and happy stitching!!!!

Read more

There are so many reasons to get into mending but the best part is turning clothes that fit and flatter into pieces you will treasure and love.  Once you add a bit of your personality and love to a garment it will become much loved and worn often.  

Let's get started with tools.

I often put off a project or activity I know I’d enjoy because I lack the tools.  We've put together a list of tools for beginning menders that's designed to help you over this hurdle.

The first and most important tool you need is a positive can-do attitude.  When you are a beginner in anything it can be very intimating to see examples of projects completed by experts.  Social media has amplified this.  You are mending clothes that you love and clothes that fit and flatter.  You are adding a bit of your personality to a garment.  You are adding a layer of story and memory.  Embrace any imperfections.  Don't worry about crooked cutting or uneven stitches- it's all part of the beauty.

Our first mends are going to be denim.  We all have a pair of jeans that could use a patch and hopefully a pair of jeans that can be turned into patches.  If you don’t have jeans for patch making- look around for a piece of sturdy cotton.  Gather the jeans together along with a sharp hand sewing needle, some embroidery thread, scissors, a ruler or tape measure.  Another tool I would add to the beginning mending kit is a sweater comb.  This is such an easy and fun way to refresh sweaters.  I keep my tools in a sweet bag so whenever I want to mend I only have to find the bag not all the tools.

 

Of course, once you get started with mending you’re going to love it and there are tools for every job.  But- you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started, in face, one principal behind mending is to make do and be creative. 

Beginning to Mend Tool List-

• fabric for a patch
• sharp hand sewing needle
• a few pins
• scissors
• embroidery thread
• marker or pencil 

Now you are ready for the running stitch.

 

There are so many reasons to mend and we hope you'll join us in Feb to be inspired and connected with fellow menders.    We'll be posting on social media tips and tools as well as putting together videos with techniques and DIY.

Here's the schedule for the month-

Week 1

Patches- we'll explore fixing knees and elbows, crotches and reclaiming ugly jeans 

Week 2 

Sweater Mends- dealing with moth holes, rips and tears and fuzz balls

Week 3

Stains- decorative patches, embellishment and dying to add new life to worn clothes

Week 4

Socks, Gloves and Mittens- toe and heel holes and repurposing items that are too far gone

We hope you'll join us.  "Clothes worth wearing are worth repairing."

 

Life and the zero waste journey are more complicated this year. Actions that became habits disappeared with the realities of the pandemic.  It's a balancing act for sure and this year we've replaced tips with a shift in perspective to help navigate these challenging times.

Read more