Fashion: Make Do & Mend

The insides of my sewing box

I've had a pile of 'To Sew' items in my bedroom for a while; a few pairs of tights, popped off buttons and little holes in clothing, that are easily mended. With a few days off, it was time to make do and mend my clothing so I can get even more wear out of them. Other than the little holes or things that can be easily fixed, there's nothing wrong with them, but I've been appalled to learn that some people simply throw things out if they get damaged or well worn.

I don't need to tell you guys that it's really bad for the environment to simply throw things away, always textile recycle you clothes, but only when they can't be worn anymore!  With so many online tutorials, you can easily learn a new skill if you don't know how or technique to fix your clothes in a small amount of time, save money as you wouldn't need to buy another item and contribute to in the long run, saving the planet.





I know that's a lot to take in and very SAVE THE WORLD NOW PEOPLE. But I'm really passionate about making do and mending clothing that still has life left in it. I wrote about my Fashion Consumption last month and being more wary and selective with my clothing , starts with what I have. If there's a hole, I'm going to mend it and that's exactly what this post is all about.

A hole in a pair of tights

It's been years since I have sewn anything other than a hole. It's also frightening to think about how long ago it was that I learnt to sew in school (Some ten years ago, if not more!) but it's a skill thats worth learning and from time to time use it and I dare say that I will for the rest of my life.

I started repairing my tights first. The best thing about repairing tights is the fact you don't have to be very picky about it looking perfect, as lets face it, no one sees your feet in tights! It also geared me up practice wise before sewing the button back on my cream trench coat.

Re-sewing the button back on my trench coat

It's a bit messy, granted, but it serves its purpose and I can wear my coat again and not be cold from the wind flapping through!

Ready and raring to be worn!

Within 10 minutes I'd repaired some tights and a trench coat, easy peasy. All it took was a needle and thread, which are easily available and low priced. So next time you get a hole in an clothing item, please reconsider before throwing it out or recycling it, a little TLC can go along way.

An array of haberdashery collected over the years.

I appreciate that fashion isn't made the way it used to be and wear and tear happens, but there's something so cathartic about mending something and being able to wear it agin because you fixed it.

Let me know what you make do with and mend!

Clo :)