Visible Mending workshop

On a practical level, Visible Mending is simply a return to darning skills that were once another ‘to do’ on the list of day to day household chores! Darning is a method of repair that involves creating new sections of woven threads to cover holes or threadbare sections of clothing. Darning was integral to the ‘Make Do and Mend’ movement which was driven by a lack of supplies and affordability. Re-using whatever materials were to hand, clothes were repaired repeatedly to make clothes last as long as possible. Having to ‘Make Do’ became stigmatised - more a measure of poverty than resourcefulness. A similar stigma still exists. Arguably, it is worse. Now, being clothed is coupled with the pressures of ‘ cheap’ weekly changing fashion trends and status brands.

Back to Visible Mending! In the workshop, you will be using contrasting and complimentary coloured yarns with different textures - with no attempt to hide the repair! Drawing attention to repairs and flaunting flaws is about shifting how clothing is valued. Value is attached to how your clothes will be unique. Outwardly valuing your consideration for the environment. Valuing the purpose of the item of clothing - extending the life of something worn out because you love wearing it so much. Valued because it is essential for your work and needs to be kept in use.

Other benefits of learning Visible Mending skills are to do with the process of stitching by hand. The rhythm of repeatedly using the same stitch brings a strong sense of mindfulness. When you focus on the task in hand, day to day stresses are set aside. The sense of achievement when a repair is finished can improve your confidence. Reducing textile waste, piece by piece - empowers you with skills to make a climate conscious lifestyle choice.

You can either bring a cotton or wool garment that is in need of repair or work on fabric samples provided.