Mend It Better by Kristin M. Roach
I picked up this book from my local library. The title caught my eye. Mending? That’s not very trendy or glamorous. Up-cycling is trendy. Fixing what you already own? Not so much.
This book is full of practical tips and instructions. It also has projects, like a pouch for your mending kit. After the author shows you a basic repair she shows you a way to make that repair more of a design feature. For example, a child’s garment has a stain or hole. It is covered with a patch which has then been added to with other fabric to be a three dimensional applique flower. It’s a very clever idea. Another clever mend is turning a hole of a sweater into a beaded design element. Some of the crafty mending projects are too crafty for my taste but they are good ideas.
I really liked the basic mending instructions. I learned how to darn my striped cotton Hanna Anderson tights. Much caught my eye in this book. I especially liked how to make in seam pockets for a lined jacket that has no pocket and the chapter on replacing zippers in garments including the fly zipper.
I recommend reading, if not owning, this book. It’s in my Amazon wish list and after the 29th when it goes back to the library I will have to put it in my cart.