Goodbye Winter! Visible & public mending techniques

Welcome spring by mending those winter layers before packing them away til next fall! We’ll learn a few different useful methods of mending wool sweaters, flannel/work shirts, and light jackets commonly in need of repair. We’ll talk about how to assess what kind of mend is needed, how to choose materials, how to predict future wear and reinforce areas of wear, and what makes for a successful repair. 

We’ll discuss mending in public, whether on transit or in meetings, including what’s good to have in an essential repair kit and social/practical considerations. We’ll also talk about mending as a mindset, as a lifestyle, as a broader perspective on life, and as a source of connection and hope in a time of climate crisis. 

A portion of the class will include demonstrations of specific mending techniques, which will be available online after the class for additional viewing. The class will be split fairly evenly between demonstration and mending as a lifestyle.

We will not be directly addressing more modern outer layers in this class (windbreakers, weatherproof shells, down jackets, etc.). Class skill level: Beginner-intermediate.

Funding for this class is provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Environmental Assistance Grant Program.

About your instructor:

Julia is a classically trained geographer and self-taught artist and designer who has been repairing clothing (mostly by hand) for about ten years. For Julia, mending (especially in public) is a generative act of resistance and connection in a world of fast fashion and spiraling climate breakdown, as well as a frugal means of self-expression especially when clothing a body outside the off-the-rack sizing.