23/02/2024
Enjoying some spring weather, hopefully it will last. As I'm not a winter loving person 🤣you might clame I live in the wrong environment, but I do enjoy the rest of the year and the nature. Debbie from is definitely in the right environment when it comes to mending and restoring vintage clothing.
It's a honour introducing Debbie and her fabulous work this Friday 🪡🧵
Mending began in my teens, mostly second hand items which I would repair or customise. I later took classes in tailoring which led to a career as a costumier by 2002 where I dressed entertainers using vintage and recovered fabrics. Specialising in clothing restoration and refashioning, my business grew and I was exhibiting at large shows when in 2013 a cancer diagnosis meant I had to stop for several months.
This became a catylist for me to make changes, working in the fashion industry felt superficial as throw away culture grew. By 2015 my business was zero waste where every part of each garment was reused in some way.
I continue to restore vintage clothing which means mending is an integral part of my job. I only upcycle where a garment is beyond repair, the fact many have survived over seventy years means they deserve a second chance.
The biggest challenges are stains which can be so random. I work daily with tears, cigarette burns, moth holes, broken zippers and mould damage but a red w**e spillage can cause problems!
A couple of years ago I set up The Mending Circle, a community group where we meet to mend, encouraging others to extend the life of their clothing. I think the most valuable mending tip is to pass on what you learn, more menders means more clothing saved.
As we battle the environmental crisis that fast fashion brings, my weapon of choice would be a needle and thread!
