New year, new thread! What do you want to mend this year?
In this craft along we try to take care of what we have by mending and caring for garments and other belongings. After spending all that time crafting, it’s nice to take care of and make them last. Plus, it’s like a bonus round of crafting! While we’re at it we might learn new skills, and hopefully have fun with it!
It might seem like overkill to spend time and effort mending storebought items that are easy and cheap to replace. However, while fast fashion is cheap it is not sustainable.
No matter your level of skill or ambition you are welcome to the craft along!
ajabarber https://instagram.com/ajabarber?igshid=3w04ajglb13y
Writes about sustainable fashion, and on her Patreon she also helps people buy better. A lot of inspiration and food for thought on the instagram too.
January challenge - First
Show your first mend of the year or try something for the first time.
February challenge - Visible mend
Might as well make that mend pop!
March challenge - 15 minute mend
What can you fix in 15 minutes? Make a dent in the mending pile one quick fix at the time.
April challenge - Shoes
Give your shoes some TLC! It could be as simple as replacing the shoelaces or applying some shoe polish.
May challenge - Kitchen
I’m sure there’s lots to do in the kitchen! Broken pottery that could do with a bit of kintsugi (golden repair)? Worn tea towel? Wooden utensils in need of some sanding and oiling? Upcycle those torn jeans into new potholders?
July challenge - seasonal mending
Mend the items and garments you need for this season, or touch up some off season gear if you feel like being proactive.
July challenge - Foliage
Mend something green, make a leaf shaped mend, or hide that stubborn grass stain with some embroidery?
August challenge - New life
What can you give a new life around the home? Upcycle something, fix that fixer upper, or mend/fix and rehome those items that no longer suit you.
It’s nothing fancy, but my winter boots were getting uncomfortable so I replaced the insoles. They’re a few years old, but the soles and leather (and waterproofing) are still in great shape.
My DH got me a mending loom for Christmas! I don’t have anything to mend yet, but I’m ready.
wow, sounds like a great gift that I’ve never heard of!
I’ll have to go find out how it works~ (oh, I see the video below!)
This is why I love this site == always learning new stuff!
If you have a knit sweater (75% wool 25% polymide) with holes in it would you wash it first then mend or mend first then wash or does it matter? It is 23+ years old if that matters.
Thanks!
I am working on similar now. I washed on gentle in a mesh bag & laid flat to dry to get the least distorted shape to begin with. It still tightened up a little but Rob’s trying to shed a few post-holiday lbs anyhow. Maybe his fave Mr Roger’s being snug will encourage him? That’s what I tell myself, anyhow.
My nightdress has a lace border and tonight I noticed it had come loose. I didn’t take a lot of supplies to our little house in the woods but I did take a needle and thread so time for a bit of hand sewing tonight (it’s only 2 or 3 inch luckily).
Monthly challenges 
