Modern Mending

Praise

With mending, everything old can be new again, and as Lewis-Fitzgerald points out, “there is no away” in our global society; every cast-off piece of fast fashion will become someone else’s problem. She has created the mending guide every public library and every conservation-minded clothing consumer needs. She assumes nothing about the reader’s sewing skill, beginning with essential basics (what is woven versus knit fabric? what tools are really essential? how do those different stitches work?) before moving into a well-photographed and encouraging guide comprised of a breadth of knowledge it can take a lifetime to accumulate. Unlike in mending guides boasting only bold, whimsical designs, Lewis-Fitzgerald points out that a mend is only as useful as its intended wearer, and offers unobtrusive options, techniques for planning ahead to handle future mends on the same garment, and yes, plenty of whimsy—mending does, after all, extend the life of our favorite things, so why not enjoy them all the more! Multiple nuanced techniques are illustrated, with good tips on when and why to use them. Encouraging samples abound, and a final section shares stories from menders worldwide, whose websites and Instagrams will offer additional creative inspiration. An essential resource for slow fashionistas.
— Heather Booth  Booklist June 2021 STARRED REVIEW