Fabrications are regularly asked if they undertake repairs and alterations to various items of clothing. With Hackney's moth epidemic on the increase, it should come as no surprise that the most popular requests are for repairs to woolen jumpers.
Although they do not undertake garment repairs they usually offer those enquiring two options for repairs. The first option they recommend is that the person try using a dry cleaners to undertake the job. However, they always point out that this can often work out as an expensive option. Along with that option they always try to encourage the person to try to carrying out the repair themselves, offering advice on ways that they might achieve this.
Sadly, in recent years, and maybe as a result our growing “throw away” culture, there has been a marked decline in the practice of learning even the most basic of clothing repair skills. As such, many of us now lack a real understanding of the various stitching techniques and tricks, used in basic fabric repairs. This is also the case with traditional weaving and darning techniques used to mend and prolong the life of our cherished woolen garments.
In light of this situation, Barley Massey has put together a comprehensive hand repair workshop focusing on common woolen garment repairs. The workshop is not only very informative, but also very enjoyable encouraging a really mindful approach to clothing repairs.
On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:
Use 2 types of ‘Darning’ techniques: Traditional Weave & Swiss Darning
Apply techniques to different weights of woolens from fine cashmere jumpers to chunky hand knits
Explore ‘Visible Mending’
Consider different colour combinations and creative features
Never throw away a sock again!