making things better

3/17/2020

Over the past few days, I haven't felt like there's much I can do to make things better. So, today I mended. Halfway through this lovely article that classifies mending as "a quiet, global protest movement", I decided to gather a few mending projects + make something a little better.

Mending always has the effect of adding value to these utilitarian objects rather than downgrading their value in my mind. The pieces I'm mending are always the most loved pieces of clothing in our home. They are the hardest working...the most worn. They've taken on the shape of the wearer...someone I love.

Both of these pieces had holes at the elbows. One was repaired with a lightweight patch + the other received heavy-duty elbow patches made with fabric leftover from a pair of vintage army pants that were shortened into shorts.

I suppose mending reflects what we are trying to do together with all of our social distancing + staying at home...trying to add a little strength to the fabric of our collective health. Thank you for all the sacrifices you've made for our collective good...not that I'm any sort of authority or anything...I just feel like we could be showing our appreciation for each other right now. I appreciate you, friend.

Love,
Jane

5 Comments

Trang P

3/17/2020 08:29:07 pm

I appreciate YOU!
Thank you for all your posts and pictures... you’re the only blog I follow!
You and yours stay safe
Warmly from MN

Jane link

3/18/2020 01:59:54 pm

Thank you so much, Trang! This means so, so much. :)

Julie

3/19/2020 12:53:25 am

Hi Jane. This may be an odd question, but in your sewing pattern searches have you ever come across patterns for utility type clothing for the whole family? My thought is simple, hard working, perhaps unisex, clothing basics for children, men and women. A few patterns and some yardage of material that could work for all garments might be good security, especially for those of us whose wardrobe is pretty limited. With everything shutting down it may be difficult to obtain patterns and materials now, but thought it worth asking in case you had any ideas. Although I’ve been mending my clothes for years, I’ve never darned a pair of socks. Today I ordered a darning egg. Thanks for sharing your ideas and inspiration. I’ve blocked so much media out of my life, but I still come here. xx

Jane link

3/19/2020 11:10:33 am

I love this thought. Some yardage of sturdy denim or canvas + a few utilitarian patterns would be smart to have on hand. It might be useful to choose some lighter weight fabric as well for warmer months. Obviously utility clothing probably means different things for different people, but it made me think of Merchant & Mills patterns for adults. There are patterns for both men + women...and many of them (jackets, pants + coveralls) would work well in sturdier fabrics. The dress/top patterns have a timeless, hardworking quality about them as well.

https://merchantandmills.com/product-category/patterns/

As for children's patterns, maybe the Oliver + S cargo pants + raglan tee pattern (which could be adapted for sweatshirts, pajamas, short sleeves + shorts as well). The ability to add reinforcement at the knees seems especially utilitarian. It's nice that their patterns span size 6 months-12 years. I'd likely grab 1 or 2 of my favorite Japanese pattern books as well.

https://oliverands.com/shop/digital-field-trip-cargo-pants-raglan-t-shirt-sewing-pattern.html

Without looking too extensively, I came across this jacket from Ellie + Mac which looks versatile + comes in a variety of sizes. https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/kids-duke-jacket-pattern

It means a lot that you still find some sort of value here. Thank you so much for being part of the conversation! :)

Julie

3/19/2020 12:22:35 pm

These are great suggestions! Thank you!

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