# data[].attributes.body
Links to practitioners to inspire.

# data[].attributes.body
Some links to mending and repair techniques that could be useful.

# data[].attributes.body
Watch and read some of the following links to learn more about mending and repair.

# data[].attributes.body
Add key research you find on the history of mending/ repair, link with sustainability, contemporary practitioners or techniques. This research needs to be done before the workshop but can continue afterwards. Please have a knowledge of a technique that you will use in the workshop.

# data[].attributes.body
Add a picture of the outcome after the workshop.

# data[].attributes.body
Add a picture of the process of mending during the workshop.

# data[].attributes.body
Add a picture here of what you will be mending in the workshop.

# data[].attributes.body
https://nomliving.com/blogs/thingswedo/kintsugi-a-how-to-guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We know all too well that using ceramics over time will involve some of them becoming chipped or broken. Instead of throwing them away there is a Japanese practice which highlights and enhances the breaks creating a beautiful piece of art.

It's called Kintsugi , or Kintsukuroi , literally golden ("kin") and repair ("tsugi").

Kintsugi is the process of repairing ceramics traditionally with lacquer and gold, leaving a gold seam where the cracks were.

The technique consists in joining fragments and giving them a new, more refined aspect. Every repaired piece is unique, because of the randomness with which ceramics shatters and the irregular patterns formed that are enhanced with the use of metals.

Every repaired piece is unique, the "scars" become part of the design creating a unique piece of art.

We are going to use a slightly different approaching from the traditional technique and instead of gold we will use gold mika powder which gives similar visual results. You can also buy a Kintsugi repair kit, but be sure to check the one you use is food-safe, if you intend to use the repaired item with food.

Remember that this process takes practice, your first few attempts might not be something to brag about but with time your skills will be formidable.

What will you need

Broken ceramic object
Epoxy two part adhesive
Lollypop sticks
Plastic work surface
Gold mika powder

Make sure the broken pieces of ceramic are clean and dry. Put the pieces together loosely so you are aware each piece belongs. This approach works better with one clean break but can also with a small about of pieces (say 2-4).

To attach the pieces together: Mix the two part epoxy adhesive together using the stick and then add a little of the gold mika power. The mix will harden quickly, so once the powder is sufficiently mixed with the epoxy, spread some to one edge of a piece.

If the edge is pretty long then you will have to work quickly as the epoxy will begin to set. You will want to be somewhat generous as when you attach the other piece, some of the epoxy will spill out of the join/seam. You want enough epoxy so that the crack is covered but not so much that it drips out. You should work one or two pieces at a time. This can be a long process so patience is key.

Hold the pieces together until the epoxy hardens, this can take a few minutes. Don't touch the seam as even though it seems dry it can be tacky and you will end up smudging it or leaving prints.

Then when all the pieces have been joined together leave for a few hours (depending on the epoxy instructions) to completely set.

Here are a first few attempts.

This one didn't work out so well, mainly because it was in too many pieces and I wasn't experienced enough. I spent a couple of weeks on and off before I decided to throw in the towel.

The process can take longer than expected but the collective results far outweighed the odd failures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We know all too well that using ceramics over time will involve some of them becoming chipped or broken. Instead of throwing them away there is a Japanese practice which highlights and enhances the breaks creating a beautiful piece of art.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C3XKvAjKdQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CreativeMornings/NewYork Presents: Kate Sekules on Visible Mending [Livestream]

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.ted.com/talks/gay_gordon_byrne_you_deserve_the_right_to_repair_your_stuff?language=en

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.npr.org/2023/05/22/1177552573/extend-the-life-of-your-clothes-with-visible-mending

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When Arounna Khounnoraj was growing up, her family didn't have much money, and her mother, a seamstress, made and mended Khounnoraj's clothes. "I remember when she would mend the clothes, she would make them very invisible because there was this association with shame, with wearing clothes that had holes and things [that] were mended," she says. "Kids would tease you because they would be like, 'You can't afford a new pair of jeans.'"

Today, Khounnoraj, a Canadian fiber artist, mends her own clothes. But not in the way her mother did. Instead of trying to hide the repairs, she fixes in a style known as "visible mending," where you use noticeable threads, fabrics and decorative techniques to show off your mend.

Visible mending is having a moment. A flurry of "how-to" books have been published in the last five years (including one by Khounnoraj), and social media has become a hub for sharing mending ideas that emphasize artistic flair and self-expression. Menders attribute the increasing interest, in part, to a growing awareness of ethical issues within the fashion industry: exploitative labor practices, significant carbon emissions and millions of tons of clothes going into landfills.

Khounnoraj says that visible mending doesn't require the accuracy of invisible mending, and anyone with very basic sewing skills can do it. "Some people have really neat stitches, some people have really messy stitches, but they all look good," she says. "There's no right or wrong way to do something."

Life Kit spoke with various mending experts and fiber artists for advice on how to extend the life of your clothes.

Gather your supplies (you don't need many)

1. Thread. You'll probably use a mix of regular thread and embroidery thread and different thicknesses of yarn. Look for reuse options in thrift stores or secondhand craft shops, and if you have friends who knit, ask for their leftover yarn. If you want to buy new yarn, you don't necessarily have to buy a big ball of it. Mending wool and darning thread come in small amounts and tend to be thin and fine, which is good for repairing fine knits like cashmere. Tapestry wool is a thicker-weight wool you could use on heavier-weight knits, and it also comes in small amounts.

2. Needles. You could get a variety for specific tasks. But you can also get by with just two: an embroidery needle that accommodates thicker thread, which you can use for patching and stitching work, and a tapestry needle for mending knitwear with yarn.

3. Scrap fabric for patches. Get it at a fabric store, order scrap packs on Etsy, search thrift stores for clothes to cut up, or use old clothes you already have.

4. Sewing pins to keep patches in place while you sew them down (safety pins work too).

5. Bonus buys: Fabric scissors and thread snips are great to have, as is a darning mushroom for mending knitwear with yarn, which gives you a stable surface to work on.

Do some visual planning before you begin

It can be hard to visualize what a mend will look like and whether you'll like it once it's done. So taking a beat to think about what you want to do can save time.

Kate Sekules is a mender and fashion history professor who's finishing her doctorate in material culture and design history. She has also written an instructional book on mending.

She says that before starting any mend, she looks at the whole garment - its shape, texture and colors - then brings out her supplies, lays them on top of or near the damaged area, and plays with different combinations. "Don't just start - you might end up wishing you'd done a different color, or technique or placement," she says. "Contemplate ... then start."

Consider the content and weight of your materials

Whatever sort of mend you're doing, both Sekules and Khounnoraj recommend following a guideline known as "like with like." It's the idea that the fiber content and weight of the materials you're mending with should match your garment.

Khounnoraj says one thing you should take into account is whether your mend is in a "high traffic area," meaning it gets a lot of wear. That could be elbows, knees, inner thighs, or back pockets where people often carry a phone or wallet. If so, it might be more important to choose a fabric that's a closer match to the original for maximum durability.

Another thing to think about, she says, is how your garment will wash. Different fabrics react differently to washing - they might shrink different amounts, which could result in puckering - so if that's something you care about, it's another argument to match materials.

Start your mend: Learn a basic patch and darn

At this point, you're ready to embark on your first mend. And to fix that pair of ripped jeans, or moth-eaten sweater, you need to know only two basic techniques: patching and darning.

For patching, sew another piece of fabric over or under a hole, rip, or threadbare area. Darning is more or less a patch you weave yourself, using thread or yarn.

There aren't hard rules about when to choose a darn or a patch. It's more common to darn knits like sweaters and patch woven material like jeans, but Khounnoraj says you can patch a sweater and darn a pair of jeans - it's up to you.

For entry-level patching and darning, you need to know only one simple stitch: the running stitch. It's that classic dotted line made by just pushing the needle up and down in a straight line across the fabric.

No matter what you try, remember that it doesn't have to look perfect. It can be wonky and flawed and your own.

"That makes me feel a little more connected to it," says textile artist, mender and teacher Christi Johnson. "We want to be able to understand that somebody has put their hands on this and that somebody has invested their time into it. And that beauty can be seen whether or not a stitch is perfect or not."

Level up by seeking out inspiration

You can stick with the basic versions of these techniques or experiment and explore beyond them. For example, there are other, more-advanced types of darning you could try, such as scotch darning or Swiss darning.

You could also put together a small collage of fabric instead of opting for a single patch. That's a favorite of Johnson's.

Then there are easy embroidery stitches that can cover stains and blemishes or add ornamentation to a patch. Some people have also adopted elements of the Japanese embroidery tradition Sashiko in their mends.

If you're looking for "mendspiration," as Sekules calls it, search "visiblemending" on Instagram, or check out some menders who have inspired us:
The audio portion of this episode was produced by Clare Marie Schneider and edited by Meghan Keane.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
If you want to fix your own clothes, try this easy style of mending : Life Kit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There's no need to give up on a sweater with a hole in the elbow or a shirt with a tear in the collar. Visible mending is beginner friendly, highly creative and helps extend the life of your clothes.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/can-we-mend-our-relationship-with-repairing-clothes/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our relationship with our clothes is broken. Just a few decades ago, clothing was priced in a way that reflected its true value, garments were designed to last, and the person who bought the garment was implicit in this longevity. However, with cheap clothing now abundantly available, fashion has become disposable and waste is prevalent in every part of the industry, as a result of overproduction, overconsumption and problematic end-of-life solutions.

The world now consumes about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year. This is 400% more than the amount we consumed just two decades ago. Trend cycles used to last roughly 20 years, meaning that clothing produced was made with intention and people invested in staple pieces, but now that cycle can be as short as a few months. Modern clothing just isn't built to last; the fast fashion business model and micro-trends drive constant change, resulting in the mindless consumption of cheap, poor quality clothing that sometimes seems easier to throw away and replace than it is to repair.

The perceived value of clothing is only one of the reasons why we are so reluctant to make do and mend. A lack of sewing and textile education, in school or at home, is leading to the loss of traditional skills that are essential to clothing longevity. According to a survey by British Heart Foundation, around 57% of Brits said that sewing is a skill that is being lost in today's generation , and a third of people surveyed revealed that they were never even taught how to sew. Additionally, a study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that, as an increasing number of schools drop home economics classes due to budget cuts or changes in educational priorities, many high school students are left without basic sewing skills. This lack of education combined with cheap, disposable clothing has left us without the desire or skills to really make our clothes last.

The ancient practice of mending

Although today people are less inclined to repair their clothes, mending is an ancient practice with a rich history that has been around for over 2000 years. An Egyptian children's tunic in the Whitworth Gallery's collection in Manchester is dated to 600-700 BC. It's extensively darned with coloured wool threads making it one of the oldest pieces of evidence we have that humans have been darning for thousands of years. Boro in Japan creates new fabrics from fabric scraps and old clothes and in India, , the traditional art of darning, has been used for centuries to repair damages in textiles, preserving old clothes and giving them a new life.

Many clothes in museum collections show marks of alterations - either for different fashions and styles, for different wearers or for changes in bodies over time. The article Lessons in Reuse From... French Couture? by Elizabeth Block , reveals that in the 19th Century, wealthy women would spend thousands on couture dresses and maximised their investment by reworking them and wearing them for years. This practice reflected the value placed on these luxurious fabrics and was undertaken by upper-class women, actresses and royals. While this meant that fewer of the original garments survived, it is interesting to see how women kept up with current trends while being resourceful. Rather than being relegated to a trunk in the attic, these gowns were given new life over the decades, a testament to clothing and fashion that lasts a lifetime.

We have lost touch with this age-old tradition but it is vitally important that we revive it. By investing in your wardrobe and mending your clothing, you are ensuring that you can wear the pieces for longer, slowing down how much you consume and making sure that less goes to waste. Fundamentally, mending is a radical act of care in a fast fashion system that thrives on carelessness.

#MendItMay

Sustainable Fashion Week UK's campaign was started on the back of the findings from behaviour change research conducted by students at the University of West England. The campaign is all about encouraging people to mend the clothes that they have, rather than buy new. Throughout the month of May, people are encouraged to share their mending projects on TikTok, inspiring others to reconsider their clothes before they dispose of them. Taking part and mending is not only good for your purse and the planet, it's also a great mindfulness activity; find a moment of peace, disconnect from distractions and get creative.

Below, we've rounded up some of our favourite mending projects and collated a list of resources to help you get inspired and take part...

@sustainablefashionweek Fix your broken button with us!!! #menditmay is all about upcycling and repairing your clothes instead of throwing them away! Fixing a button takes 5 minutes and avoids discarding clothes 🌼 #sustainablefashion #fyp #repair ♬ Sleepy - Gui

Resources

Our Loved Clothes Last pinterest board is full of mending inspiration, sewing tutorials and clothing care advice

Check out our #LovedClothesLast playlist on the Fashion Revolution Youtube channel

Try out Remake's 5 easy stitch fixes

Read this beginner's guide to mending your jeans

Get involved in Sustainable Fashion Week UK's #MendItMay campaign on TikTok

Further reading
Five things fashion history can teach us about clothing longevity Care, repair and rewear to transform the fashion industry Loved Clothes Last fanzine Fashion Craft Revolution fanzine Cover Photo by Dinh Pham on Unsplash

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can we mend our relationship with repairing clothes? - #MendItMay

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We love fashion, but we don't want our clothes to come at the cost of people or our planet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Poetically translated to"golden joinery," , or Kintsukuroi, is the centuries-old Japanese art of fixing broken pottery. Rather than rejoin ceramic pieces with a camouflaged adhesive, the kintsugi technique employs a special tree sap lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Once completed, beautiful seams of gold glint in the conspicuous cracks of ceramic wares, giving a one-of-a-kind appearance to each "repaired" piece.

This unique method celebrates each artifact's unique history by emphasizing its fractures and breaks instead of hiding or disguising them. In fact, kintsugi often makes the repaired piece even more beautiful than the original, revitalizing it with a new look and giving it a second life.

Here, we take a look at this enchanting craft, tracing its history, exploring its methods, and offering a glimpse into how contemporary creatives keep it alive.

The History of Kintsugi

While kintsugi's origins aren't entirely clear, historians believe that it dates back to the late 15th century. According to legend, the craft commenced when Japanese shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a cracked chawan -or tea bowl-back to China to undergo repairs. Upon its return, Yoshimasa was displeased to find that it had been mended with unsightly metal staples. This motivated contemporary craftsmen to find an alternative, aesthetically pleasing method of repair, and kintsugi was born.

By the 17th century, kintsugi has become common practice in Japan. According to Louise Cort (the curator of ceramics at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery), it was during this time that a Japanese warrior infamously purchased, broke, and repaired standard tea bowls in order to make a profit."That seems to indicate that, by the beginning of the 17th century, kintsugi was a commonly used technique for repairing-and at the same time, ornamenting-ceramics for tea," Cort explains.

In addition to serving as an aesthetic principle, kintsugi has long represented prevalent philosophical ideas. Namely, the practice is related to the Japanese philosophy of , which calls for seeing beauty in the flawed or imperfect. The repair method was also born from the Japanese feeling of , which expresses regret when something is wasted, as well as , the acceptance of change.

How to Kintsugi a Broken Bowl

There are three predominant styles and methods of kintsugi: crack, piece method, and joint-call. While, in each case, gold, silver, or platinum-dusted epoxy is used to fix the broken pottery, the techniques and finished results vary.

Crack

Objects mended using the crack approach are touched up with minimal lacquer. This is the most common kintsugi technique, and it culminates in the shimmering veins that have come to define the art form.

Piece Method

Works restored with the piece method feature replacement fragments made entirely of epoxy.

Joint-Call

Pieces fixed using the joint-call technique employ similarly-shaped pieces from other broken wares, combining two aesthetically different works into one uniquely unified product.

Kintsugi Today

Many artists and craftspeople today-both in Japan and abroad-continue to keep this ancient tradition alive. Tomomi Kamoshita and Yee Sookyung incorporate the practice into their ceramic art, while Elisa Sheehan, Rachel Sussman, and Tatiane Freitas have put their own creative twists on the traditional practice by replacing the pottery with unconventional and unexpected canvases.

Tomomi Kamoshita

Japanese artist Tomomi Kamoshita breathes new life into found ceramics. Using the kintsugi technique, she crafts shimmering creations that range from patchwork chopstick rests to mismatched earrings. Much like the kintsugi artists that have come before her, Kamoshita has a philosophical approach to her art. "As every Japanese [person] has realized," she says, "the waves can take away a great deal from us, but it is also true that we greatly benefit from it."

Yee Sookyung

Yee Sookyung uses the kintsugi crack technique to create surreal sculptures made from multiple wares. Using 24-karat gold, the Korean creative transforms ordinary pottery into Translated Vases that double as extraordinary allegories. "This work can be a metaphor of a struggle in life that makes people become more mature and beautiful as they overcome suffering," she reveals.

Elisa Sheehan

Kintsugi Eggshells, an ongoing collection of exquisite installations by New Yorker Elisa Sheehan, sees ephemeral, organic objects transformed into eye-catching works of art. Described as "a visual representation of imperfection as a true value and where flaws are celebrated and viewed as beautiful," this series features shells coated in delicate washes of paint, abstract ink forms, and gold leaf accents.

Rachel Sussman

Brooklyn-based artist Rachel Sussman has taken kintsugi to the streets. Using a method inspired by the age-old practice, she mends the many cracks that naturally occur in urban environments. Called Sidewalk Kintsukuroi, this longterm project is intended to invite us to "see what's around us with fresh eyes and to celebrate perseverance."

Tatiane Freitas

Brazilian artist Tatiane Freitas blurs the line between classic and contemporary design with her modern spin on mending. Using acrylic resin, Freitas "fixes" broken wooden furniture. Though the resin is clear, the repairs are not intended to be camouflaged; instead, the alterations boldly stand out from the wood, culminating in old-meets-new statement pieces.

Bouke de Vries

Dutch artist Brooke de Vries creates remarkable sculptures from fragmented pieces of ceramic. He transforms shattered ceramics into deconstructed sculptures. De Vries' work takes on various forms, but many of them are mended together using the kintsugi technique. His aim is to emphasize the beauty that lies in imperfection, which aligns very well with the philosophy of kintsugi.

If you're interested in channeling your inner artist and exploring the craft yourself, Humade and Mejiro Japan sell kintsugi repair kits, and A Cozy Kitchen also offers a DIY tutorial for those who have the supplies on-hand. These do-it-yourself projects allow you to experience the art of repairing pottery in the Japanese tradition while simultaneously transforming your broken ware into a piece of art.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:
Artist Uses Japanese Art of Kintsugi to Fill in Basketball Court's Cracks With Gold Craftsman Voluntarily Repairs Any Family Heirloom Ceramics Damaged By Earthquakes in Japan Broken Vases Are Restored by Sewing Them Back Together with Gold Thread Origami: How the Ancient Art of Paper Folding Evolved Over Time and Continues to Inspire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kintsugi: The Centuries-Old Art of Repairing Broken Pottery with Gold

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We explore Kintsugi art, or Kintsukuroi, a centuries old Japanese art where broken pottery is repaired with gold, to incredible results.

# data[].attributes.body
https://consciousfashion.co/guides/clothing-repair-mending

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When I think about mending, the first thing that comes to my mind is my grandmother. Growing up, if I fell and ripped my jeans, one of the buttons on my shirt came off, or my pants were just a little too long, she would be there with her sewing kit, ready to lovingly mend my clothes back to life.
Clothes were valued very differently by older generations.
Clothing used to be priced in a way that reflected its true value, garments were designed to last, and the person who bought the garment was implicit in this longevity. My grandmother never suggested that we toss out my jeans and buy a new pair, just because they had a little tear. Mending was the obvious choice, but this is no longer the case.

We need to bring it back, because a just fashion future depends on the revival of collective practices that brings us closer to our clothes and slow down how much we consume.

What is mending?

Mending is the act of repairing clothes with imperfections from being well-worn. These imperfections include holes, stains, tears, and missing buttons. Most often, it involves some kind of sewing.

Mending is about embracing the beauty of imperfection , making small repairs to clothing you already own, so that you can wear it for longer, rejecting the idea that newer is better, and adding a bit of character while you're at it.

Repairing clothing is an ancient practice. In an interview with Nylon , Kate Sekules , fashion historian, mending instructor, and author, shared that, "The earliest humans wore garments pieced from an assortment of animal skins, ancient Egyptians would repair a textile three or four times before laying it to rest as embalming cloth in someone's tomb, and Edo-era Japanese used "little stabs" of embroidery to bolster the strength of their homespun fabrics."

There are two common types of mending: visible mending and invisible mending.

is a repair technique that deliberately aims to make the mended area a statement in and of itself, using brightly colored threads or added patches. If you take a look at the, it feels like you are browsing through an art gallery. There are many different ways of visibly mending and it adds a new layer of storytelling to the garment

is a repair technique that is used when you don't want the mended area to stand out - the less obvious, the better. The aim is for the garment to look as close to its original condition as possible. This often means choosing a thread color that matches the garment, using small stitches and trying to hide the stitches behind already existing hems and seams.

The importance of mending our clothes

These days, we are wearing our clothes less than ever before. It is estimated that the number of times a garment is worn before disposal has decreased bya worldwide average of 36% within the last two decades . According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation , one garbage truck of textiles is discarded every second- and a lot of is still completely wearable.

The simplest - and yet seemingly complex - solution to the issue of fast fashion is to reduce consumption.

This is exactly why mending matters. Mending is a slow fashion practice that focuses on, instead of consumption.

If your goal is to work towards a more sustainable wardrobe, mending is one of the best ways to do this, because you are working with what you already have. By mending and repairing your clothing, you are making sure that you can wear it for longer, which means you are slowing down how much you consume and making sure that less goes to waste.

In her new book, '', the co-founder of Fashion Revolution , Orsola de Castro, writes , "We aren't repurposing and mending clothes because we can't afford to buy something new - we are doing it because we can't afford to throw something away."
Fundamentally, mending is a radical act of care in a fast fashion system that thrives on carelessness.
The cherry on top is that mending is a practice of mindfulness - some say - because working with our hands allows us to slow down, focus on the stitches, and take us away from our screens.

If I think about how many young people I know that practice mending, the number is sadly very small. The loss of this generational skill speaks to the dominance of the culture of disposability which is upheld by the fast fashion system. This system produces artificially cheap clothes and encourages disposability over care.

As Josephine Philips , founder of, explains in a Conscious Style Podcast episode , while many brands are latching onto the idea of circular fashion , very few brands have mending services. This is because mending has nothing to do with consumption and it is an investment in longevity, instead of an encouragement of consumption

Ultimately, mending is not mainstream, because caring for what you wear does not align with the capitalist system's consumption agenda. This is what makes mending a radical act.

Mending and privilege in the slow fashion movement

Historically, mending has been used by working-class and lower-income communities to make clothes last longer out of necessity. But, more recently, with the rise of the slow fashion movement, mending has become a political act that takes a stance against the dominance of the fast fashion system.

Many low-income countries still have a relatively high rate of clothing utilization , meaning the average number of times a garment is worn before it is disposed of. There are still plenty of people in the world who mend and rewear their clothing, not because they are thinking about making a political statement or an aesthetic choice , but because it is a necessity. So, many people who come from this kind of background may not aspire to wear clothing with marks of visible mending.

Mending can also consume a lot of time. Not everyone has the privilege of time to learn how to mend and apply that to their wardrobes. Luckily, for those that may be short on time, there are a growing number of businesses that are offering tailoring, mending, repairing, and altering services.
Mending, repairing, and rewearing should always be encouraged and celebrated, but I also think that it is important to take these nuances into account, instead of sustainability shaming .
On the other hand, mending is an element of slow fashion that makes the movement more accessible, because it doesn't focus on consumption. Mending requires nothing more than a needle, threat, and the will to repair.

A few places to learn how to mend

Beginning a mending journey can feel daunting. But, there are so many undaunting resources to remind us of why mending is so important, and that share some useful tutorials for how to get going. Here are just a few:

Upcycling and mending and sewing creators to follow

It is always good to gather some inspiration before you get going. Whether it be ideas for patterns you can incorporate in your visible mending, ways to creatively rework your clothing, or paying homage to the ancient art of Japanese Sashiko , these creators have got you covered:

We need to reclaim our connection to our clothes and believe that we are capable of more than just consumption.

We are creators, curators, and designers too. Mending teaches us this by allowing us to use our hands and minds to add to rework clothing we already own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stella Hertantyo is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and is currently completing her PGDip in Sustainable Development to accompany her undergraduate in Multimedia journalism. She is a slow-living enthusiast and a lover of low-impact fashion.

She is passionate about encouraging an approach to sustainability that is inclusive, accessible, and fun as we try to figure out how to create a more sustainable and just world, together.

When Stella is not in front of her laptop doing uni work, you'll probably find her reading, writing, illustrating, or baking/cooking. A dip in the ocean, or a walk in the mountains, are the two things that bring her the most peace.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Mending Matters - Plus 10 Clothing Repair Accounts to Follow! | Conscious Fashion Collective

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the importance of mending, the difference between visible vs. invisible mending, plus discover how-to resources and inspirational accounts to follow.

# data[].attributes.body
https://mymodernmet.com/artistic-repairs/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15+ Times Artists Fixed Broken Objects and Made Them Better Than Before

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many artists give new life to damaged objects by creatively restoring them, These artistic repairs prove that broken can be beautiful.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HyrIJE5IBg

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Repair Jeans with a Fabric Patch | Levi’s

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/4HOCPtcy85I

# data[].attributes.body
https://zoehillyard.wordpress.com/

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.instagram.com/hikaru_noguchi_design/?hl=en

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.collingwoodnorrisdesign.com/

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.instagram.com/selinaam05/?img_index=2

# data[].attributes.body
https://bridgetharvey.co.uk/about/

# data[].attributes.body
http://celiapym.com/

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08l581p

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shining a light on the wonderful treasures to be found in homes across the country.

# data[].attributes.body
Vicky ....forgot  to sign in before posting I began by looking up mending in the oxford dictionary and heres what it said

mend

/mɛnd/

verb

1. 1.

2. repair (something that is broken or damaged).

3. "workmen were mending faulty cabling"

Similar: repair, fix, put back together, piece together,patch up, restore
sew (up), stitch, darn,patch, cobble, botch, vamp (up), rehabilitate
renew, renovate,redevelop, overhaul, recondition, rebuild, refurbish
make whole, make well, cure, heal, fettle, spetch, ranter, , clout, tinker
beet.

I mend stuff all the time and always have done but in my own research im interested in the act of mending creating a scar, a signature of the mender. I like mending or adding to things made by my mum or grandma or myself, adding a new layer of history. In my artistic practice I   love to take apart and put things back together often destroying to remend creating new relationships between materials . Ive often use  revamped needlace techniques to mend holes

I will end with  big ears face. Hes a toy given to me by my grandmother at birth. He was moth eaten so I mended his face but decided to make it into a scar

# data[].attributes.body
You can see some mending that I've already done on this shirt, I'm going to mend another part of the shirt (it's wearing thin everywhere, but I really like it!) I'll be using another much-loved shirt to add patches to areas around the sleeve seams.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mending..when is it domestic and when is it art ..

# data[].attributes.subject
Mending..when is it domestic and when is it art ..

# data[].attributes.body
I was just ponderi g this as im thinking about what to bring on Wednesday..I mend all the time and often it is functuional but I  make it preety.or interesting .i have lots but then with this jumper i started to get "carried away" if i stop now ( it was fill of massive holes) if i stop now its repaired and  decorated but if i carry on and on does it become art. Its mended using first buttonhole  lace with a straight stitch return ...which I think is also I think  Scotch Darning ..and then the mending us disguised with heaped up cross stitches. The process is like a compass with art at one end and repaired at the other .,where does this sit....controversial maybe but i think these questions are important. Is ut defined by intention of the maker , context or societal norms ? Or even gender .

# data[].attributes.headline
Artist that relates well to my current thining around my art practice 

# data[].attributes.subject
Artist that relates well to my current thining around my art practice 

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/07/glen-taylor-broken-porcelain/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Artist Glen Taylor solders ridges of metal to porcelain fragments, completing a halved teacup or broken saucer with a range of unusual materials: barbed wire, tarnished silverware, old book pages, and multicolored twine form a portion of the household objects. Each intervention contrasts the pristine, delicate qualities of the porcelain with the visible rust, unwieldy strings, and patchwork metals.

A cabinetmaker for much of his life, Taylor originally worked with pottery but found it limiting until he started breaking his ceramics into pieces. "I had read about the ancient art of Kintsugi and decades before I had learned how to copper foil and solder stained glass windows. All of a sudden I felt the emotional expressive range was infinite," he writes. A Japanese art form, Kintsugi is the process of fixing broken pottery and celebrating the repairs, rather than try to hide them.

Now, Taylor gathers materials at auctions and estate sales, choosing pieces that spur an emotional response or nostalgia for his childhood, although some objects have a more personal connection. "For years, I have had my grandmother's dishes in the attic, wondering what to do with them," he says. "My mother died last year and so I have let the grieving process appear when it needs to. I released a lot of emotions about my mother when I started breaking the dishes that she grew up with."

The artist tells Colossal that the broken pieces also are symbolic of imperfection. "As I began mending and recreating my broken pottery, the personal therapy and healing became the whole point," he says. "I reached an age where I began sorting through the emotional baggage of my life, and the elements for my work became apparent."

For a deeper look into Taylor's mended works and a glimpse at his process, follow him Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You'll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Barbed Wire, Rusty Knives, and Found Objects Mend Artist Glen Taylor's Broken Porcelain - Colossal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Artist Glen Taylor solders ridges of metal to porcelain fragments, completing a halved teacup or broken saucer with a range of unusual materials: barbed wire, tarnished silverware, old book pages, and multicolored twine form a portion of the household objects. Each intervention contrasts the pristine, delicate qualities of the porcelain with the visible rust, unwieldy strings, and patchwork metals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
“I am interested in the cycle of damage and repair” | Artist Phyllida Barlow | Louisiana Channel

# data[].attributes.body
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gpuWbMgeZ9Ecznk9TfF6V?si=KE9FC8ItRpm69ZXk1s_62Q

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/XuGQUKdDeWY

# data[].attributes.body
I wrote a post on my blog for Creative Arts 1.2 about mending, in particular darning, which can be seen here Mending Susie’s wardrobe (aka a short world history of mending) – Creative Arts Sue Lucas Blog Two (oca.ac.uk)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
scorch holes on the back of my t-shirt dress

# data[].attributes.body
My Iron went bonkers - seriously overheated. Seconds before it all went up in a cloud of smoke, I had been ironing this cotton t-shirt dress! Can I make it wearable again?!

# data[].attributes.headline
One more ..ive been obsessed with siddiquilters for a long  time

# data[].attributes.subject
One more ..ive been obsessed with siddiquilters for a long  time

# data[].attributes.body
I am followed and follow an artist who works with siddi quilters so every day I see wonderful things they are making..
https://fb.watch/mBqpq30tqG/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
As the final running stitches intertwine, the Siddi quilter places a grain of rice or a fragment of roti beneath the last piece of fabric. This practice is shared among quilt makers across various communities in Karnataka, including the Siddi people. Known as ‘hotte thumbisodu’ in Kannada, it translates to ‘fill your stomach’ or ‘may your belly be full’. Beyond mere sustenance, this grain or bread symbolizes abundance and prosperity. With careful precision, the quilter weaves this gesture of plenty into the fabric, silently wishing for the quilt’s user to experience prosperity prevailing over hardship. As the Siddi woman expressed, “Nothing should remain bare – it has to be filled and complete.” | Anitha N | Anitha N · Original audio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
232 views, 21 likes, 4 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Reels from Anitha N: As the final running stitches intertwine, the Siddi quilter places a grain of rice or a fragment of roti beneath the last...

# data[].attributes.body
Still balaced between shall I bring what I call my lovely domestic mending..fixi g my clothes or shall I go in the other direction and mend something unexpected

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/ma4St7aDE_g

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/PcTrcoucsI0

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to darn knit fabric with Swiss darning

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.ministryofmending.co.uk/the-ministry-of-mending-library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We wanna make it easy peasy when it comes to learning how to repair your clothes. That's why we've put together this list to help you find the advice you need whatever level you're at...from beginners to advanced menders.

Best for: beginners with no prior knowledge of textile repair!

Best for: a comprehensive intro to the full range of modern mending techniques for beginners and intermediates.

Best for: those wanting to learn more creative darning stitches & techniques beyond the well-known basics.

Best for: another fabulous intro to darning stitches and more unusual mending techniques such as: needle felting, patchwork, rug hooking, and crochet.

Best for: learning how to repair your jeans including using Boro/Sashiko.

​

Best for: reading about the history of textile repair, rise of craftivism and fast fashion issues. It also includes a wealth of mending advice!

Best for: learning how to Swiss darn, Scotch darn and handle cuff repairs on knitwear. A beautiful book full of colourful mendspiration!

​

Best for: a wide selection of mini weaving patterns with how-to instructions and diagrams.

Best for: more weaving pattern inspiration.

Best for: learning about the environmental and human impact of fast fashion...why it matters to mend!

Best for: those wanting to expand their mending skills to a more advanced level.

This was published back in 1979 and hasn't been reprinted so it can be difficult to obtain a copy!

Best for: another helpful guide to a variety of mending techniques as well as useful upcycling and zero waste project ideas.

​

Best for: knitwear repair inspiration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The MM Mending Library | Ministry of Mending

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We wanna make it easy peasy when it comes to learning how to repair your clothes. That's why we've put together this list to help you find the advice you need whatever level you're at...from beginners to advanced menders. Best for: beginners with no prior knowledge of textile repair!

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.lakesidepottery.com/Pages/Pottery-tips/repairing-pottery-with-metal-staples-ancient-method.html

Finding this triggered a very strong memory of owning something..think it was..think I only got rid of it when I moved..think i kept it out of curiosity  a plate from a jumble sale something like that.

I like using staples to make things because I can take them apart again and its very quick ..quock to fix things too...quick chair covers for old dining chairs etc

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ceramic & Sculpture Repair Lessons
(click pictures)

Using Metal Pegs & Pins To Join Broken Pottery

Hundreds of years ago before the availability of adhesives, pottery was repaired with metal staples or rivets on particularly valuable pieces holding together the broken ceramic segments. Small holes were drilled in to the piece and then the staples are inserted. Remaining holes space were sometimes filled with organic glue or clay colored or painted to conceal the repair.

We often receive antique Japanese or Chinese vessels repaired with staples and are asked to convert them to a seamless repair. In each case, we attempt to convince the owner to keep the staple-repaired vessel as is to appreciate it's beauty and the skill required to join broken pottery at a time when adhesives were not available. When we do reverse the old repair, as I remove the old staples, I find myself saddened apologizing to the skilled person who skilfully brought the vessel back to life long before I was born. This page was created to shed some light on this extinct repair method, it's beauty and historical value with the hope that it remains as is.

There are cases today where pegs and pins are required even with a seamless repair, Some examples are shown at the end of this page.

The Last Staples Repair Person - China

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ceramic Repair Using Staples and Rivets to Join Broken Pottery

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Repairing and joining broken pottery and ceramic with metal staples, rivets, pins and pegs - how was it done?

# data[].attributes.headline
Yoko ono installation collaborative  piece involving mending in a white room

# data[].attributes.subject
Yoko ono installation collaborative  piece involving mending in a white room

# data[].attributes.body
https://renniemuseum.org/exhibitions/yoko-ono-mend-piece/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
rennie museum is pleased to present Yoko Ono’s MEND PIECE, Andrea Rosen Gallery, New York City version (1966/2015). Illustrating Ono’s long standing artistic quest in social activism and world peace, this instructional work will transform the historic Wing Sang building into an intimate space for cr…

# data[].attributes.body
Vicks...So Ive had nasty virus last 4 days so  havnt managed to locate so anything unexpected so I decided instead to use skills i normally use to make surfaces by knotting together discarded materails to instead be practical and mend this bag..its been broken for years, im using some paper covered wire as a base ( leftover from a project ) and i will knot over...probably a bit boring but its repair and will be fun i hope to do...

# data[].attributes.body
So i ripoed open the lining and took out the old handles and I ve used some leftover paper covered wire to make a base for knotting.no idea yet really..see you all later

# data[].attributes.body
Here's a photo of my darning basket - and walking socks, one of which has a small (moth?) hole. Penny

# data[].attributes.body
I'll be using one of my grandmother's darning needles.  I threaded the wool through using Burt's Bees cream in lieu of tailor's wax.

Penny

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Grandma's darning needle threaded with Burt's Bees.JPG

# data[].attributes.body
Here's the hole with stitching around it to start off the darning process.  You might just be able to see the bobble on the end of the darning needle which stops it 'catching'.

Penny

# data[].attributes.body
Every now and then, I darn something cherished that's made of wool.  Woollen garments can be worn for years - it's just you get the odd places where they wear through or moths chew them.  Darning then gives them an amazing new lease of life.  Sadly, I think a lot of people throw away woollen garments with holes in these days.  In my grandmother's day (1895-1978), i.e. certainly earlier in her life, that just was not done - if you were poor, as she was.  Waste not, want not. By using her needles, etc., I can honour her memory and continue her good work!

Penny

# data[].attributes.body
I am going to be mending a skirt i have from Toast. I love the fabric and shape and it was an expensive purchase so i really want to extend its life. I haven' t worn it this year because of the damage. It is a really fine fabric and the damage is at the pocket/ side seam which is weak spot. I have tried to repair it before badly, i was rushing it. I plan to remove the old repair and then patch it using a seed stitch.

# data[].attributes.body
This is the other side

# data[].attributes.body
I will be repairing these jeans using sashiko stitching technique. The fabric I am using for the repair is an indigo dyed piece that has i have previously used for sashiko pattern stitch work. - Helen Tyrrell

# data[].attributes.body
Includes templates and inspirational photographs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This slim volume combines the simple elegance of traditional Japanese sashiko with modern surface designs and materials. The easy to follow techniques are perfect for the absolute beginner plus providing plenty of inspiration for more advanced stitchers. The designs are made from single stitch sashiko worked on a linear grid either with single or multiple strands. In patterns the stitches do not cross. The designs are created from straight or curved lines of running stitch. There is now a sewing machine that can imitate hand stitching. This is a charming book with high quality pictures and many designs to get anyone started.

― Merseyside Embroiderer's Guild (megonline.co.uk)

February 2015

Sashiko was originally used for economic, nor decorative purposes. Developed in northern Japan to rework used materials, simple patterns of repeated running stitch were working in white on indigo-dyed textiles. Worn-out jackets were repurposed as rice bags or cloths with this structural, attractive stitch. Fire-fighters' protective jackers were traditionally lined with sashiko embroidery, possibly in designs symbolising protection from evil spirits or a wish for health. Because they were repurposed many times, few early sashiko examples exist. It wasn't until the 1970's that sashiko regained popularity. Silke adapts sashiko traditions to dramatic effect. Where old garments transformed into bags would have been dark fabric quilted in white. Silke's inverted palette sees floral motifs stitched on snow-white cloth, while colour is gently introduced on useful items including a laptop case. Silke references other Japanese textile techniques including shibori which sets fabric in patterns before dyeing. in Silke's version the fabric is gathered up is not dyed, but stitched with floral patterns in sunny shades. The seeds originally used are replaced by glass beads, and tufts of wool pull up the flowers' centres on a luxurious fabric felted from cashmere, merino and silk - it's worlds away from sashiko's prosaic origins.

In this lovely book, Silke Bosbach introduces you to the basic elements of sashiko, showing the reader how this simple stitch can magically transform plain fabrics into beautiful works of art. Sashiko is a tradition Japanese embroidery technique, which is very easy to master. There are templates in this book for 14 design variations, which Silke uses on bags, cushions and table linen. Furthermore, she shows you how to adapt the stitch to create unique textile combinations by applying it with other techniques to textured surfaces.

September 2015

Sashiko is a wonderful relaxing hand technique based on running stitch patterns and originating from Northern Japan. Traditionally it is worked in white thread on dark plain cloth, but Silke Bosbach has updated the traditional stitch patterns by using coloured thread on a variety of different surface textures. There are fifteen projects in this collection, half of which are stitch projects on previously bought or made items, such as tote bags or scarves and the remainder are more creative pieces with either further embellishment or using an unusual base fabric such as organza. Her stitch projects on wool and felt surfaces are particularly interesting, and a new source or inspiration. If you are lucky enough to have access to a Sashiko stitch machine, there is an additional machine sewn project featuring the beautiful six pointed star design on a wadding background.

Silke Bosbach is a designer, lecturer and author known for her brave adaptations and modern interpretations of conventional design techniques. Her areas of expertise include fine art and textile design. She studied Visual Arts at the University of Cologne before going on to train in textile design and has spent the last 19 years actively engaged in the field of textile design. Silke currently works as a freelance designer and a teacher of Fine Art. She also runs private workshops on textile design in addition to organising international trade and consumer exhibitions in collaboration with UNICEF in Germany and Switzerland. Silke has designed numerous pieces for international trade fairs and specialist textile shows and has been awarded many trade industry awards in Germany for her innovative work. This is her first book to be published by Search Press.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Modern Sashiko Illustrated by Bosbach, Silke (ISBN: 9781782210610) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

# data[].attributes.headline
Japanese traditional repair/recycling exhibition until 23 September

# data[].attributes.subject
Japanese traditional repair/recycling exhibition until 23 September

# data[].attributes.body
Here's the link to the SOAS exhibition: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/japanese-aesthetics-recycling

Penny

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This exhibition highlights the beauty of Japanese recycling, showcasing objects made of cotton, hemp, bast fibres, washi (handmade paper) and pottery dating mostly from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai).

# data[].attributes.body
If I'd had the necessary skills, maybe I would have done a circular darn for the circular hole - but this rectangular darn will have to do!

Penny

# data[].attributes.body
https://pin.it/4IilOwn

# data[].attributes.body
The book I mentioned yesterday....
I love the idea of restoration, of adding fabric, fingerprints and memories to an existing piece;  making it more than it was before.  To repair and give a garment a new life, added years and save from landfill is powerful.  To have the ability to sew and darn is essential to a life of sustainability.
My mending and stitching began with my grandmother who made it an adventure of picked up stitches and woven textures.

# data[].attributes.body
Wel, im done for now but might well add more over the winter..perhaps every year ill add a bit more ..