Welcome to a new limited series! For the next several weeks I’ll be sharing tips and advice from local professionals on topics that might not have been covered in your schooling. Whether you’re a teen getting ready to strike out on your own or an adult who hasn’t had someone whom to ask these questions, the library is here for you! These events are happening in person at the West End Branch on a set of Mondays at 4pm for teens. The blog posts are for any teens that can’t attend or any adults who’d like the information as well.

Marquetta Fisher

Hi there, I’ve been sewing for 49 years and have teaching it for 12. l love teaching it because it is a lifelong skill that everyone can benefit from.

1) How important do you consider mending your own clothes to be?

It is very important, as a single parent, elderly person or college student on a budget to have this skill that
would save a nice amount of money opposed to paying a seamstress, tailor or cleaners, or having to just throw away and replace.

2) What kind of things can be mended?

Any garment, upholstery, sheets, comforters & pillows.

3) What do you think is the easiest thing to be mended?

Any loose thread of a seam, any straight rip or tear.

4) What starting materials would you recommend to someone putting together their first mending kit?

1: hand sewing needles with multiple size eye opening 2: thimbles( silicone)
3: small scissors 4: straight pins 5: needle threader 6: thread black white navy & brown

5) What are some option for things to do with clothes that have pass the point of being mended?

Upcycle, upcycle! You can sew on patches or beads to give garments a new look. You can make throw pillows and stuff with other unwearable garments. T-shirts can be donated to a crochet club or class to be recycled as t-shirt yarn.

Summary

Being able to mend your own clothes is a skill from which everyone can benefit. All bodies are different and clothes sizes are inconsistent across brands so it’s quite beneficial to be able to tailor your clothes to yourself or loved ones as needed. We have a plethora of books on this subject and we’d be thrilled to help you find whatever you’d like. Here’s a few to get started!