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Book Review + Giveaway: Mend It Better

  • March 7, 2012
  • Lindsay
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Mend it Better: Creative Patching, Darning, and Stitching by Kristin M. Roach is a new release from Storey Publishing that celebrates a well-worn piece of clothing and teaches the reader how to make it new again. In a society that flocks to the new and discards what is old, the advice in this book is simply refreshing.

Kristin got her start in mending pre-loved clothing for her blog Craft Leftovers. Although she wasn’t always in love with the craft of sewing, she learned from her grandmother to artfully wield a needle and thread.

Mend It Better book contents

The book covers techniques like patching, darning (fixing holes in knit fabric) and caring for clothing. You’ll also get a quick history lesson, to show you how sewing has progressed over the years – particularly mending clothes.

Mend It Better Buttons

Buttons, snaps and zippers are among the notions that Kristin breaks down in an approachable, meaningful way. Gorgeous photography of vintage notions throughout this book pairs perfectly with the author’s sage advice. You’ll learn how to confidently tackle a split seam, a sweater snag and a torn buttonhole without tossing the garment.

Mend It Better Repurposed Mending Bag

Project tutorials, such as The Repurposed Mending Bag, are paired with the techniques as they are discussed. The idea of having a dedicated bag for mending is not lost on me, and would save my husband’s buttonless shirts from an endless pile of to-dos on the floor.

Mend It Better Hemline

Kristin and 21 contributors show the reader how to make an old garment dance again. Have you ever tossed a skirt that no longer fits? This clever project shows how to let down a hem by adding a patchwork border. This clever detail completely “makes” the skirt in a way that makes it hard to imagine the garment without it.

Mend It Better Rickrack Skirt Updo

Another favorite project in the book is the Rickrack Skirt Updo, meant to cover up a random spattering of ink spots. There are plenty of “why didn’t I think of that?” moments in this book.

Mend it Better is a visual reference that you will love to have around to help guide your sewing efforts. Chances are that this book will teach you something new and you’ll be inspired to revisit your wardrobe and give that old ______ a second chance. And on a side note, this book is a padded hardcover – the only book of it’s kind that I’ve ever held – and it’s just fun to hold.

Giveaway!

Would you like to win a copy this book? Storey Publishing is giving a copy to one lucky reader!

  1. Enter to win by leaving a comment about your must-have sewing notion or tool.
  2. For an extra entry, “Like” Storey Publishing on Facebook and leave a second comment.

Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, and we’ll choose a winner on Monday 3/12. Good luck!

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Lindsay

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105 comments
  1. Baye says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:02 am

    My newest must-have sewing tool is the rotating cutting mat. Expensive, but so nice when working with cutting patches. Just the bits you show of the book here are inspiring. I’m looking forward to see the whole thing!

    Reply
  2. Maria Kievit says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:13 am

    Would love to get that book, but am in Canada. However, my favourite sewing tool is definitely the seam ripper. Nothing gets finished without at least using it once on any given project.

    Reply
  3. northern cottage says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:16 am

    mmm this book looks completely yummy! must having sewing tool? lately I’ve been using embroidery hoops for all kinds of projects & loving sewing, hoop art etc. keeping my fingers crossed for this giveaway.

    Reply
  4. northern cottage says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:16 am

    liked storey publishing on fb!

    Reply
  5. Brenda Nichols says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:31 am

    My favorite sewing notion is my scissors. Nobody is allowed to use them for anything else.

    Reply
  6. Dell says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Must have sewing tools is a good pair of scissors. What a creative idea for a book, would love to win.

    Reply
  7. Krista Robbins says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:39 am

    My must have sewing notion is my Clover needle threader. Best tool ever – especially when using sharps!

    Reply
  8. Krista Robbins says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Liked Storey Publishing on Facebook.

    Reply
  9. Jessica says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:48 am

    Neat book! My must have tool is my seam ripper. I am a perfectionists, so it seems like I’m always taking stitches out and reeling them!

    Reply
  10. Sofia says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:58 am

    A seam ripper. Who knows how many times I’ve used and it has saved my project. Great idea for a book I’m excited to see it.

    Reply
  11. Kristy says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:59 am

    What a clever book idea! I’ve shared about one of my favorite notions today on my blog, turning tools including the Bodkin. Love it! But my favorite is my HUGE magnetic pin dish that was actually stolen from my husbands tool box! It’s MUCH bigger than the sewing ones and works so well!
    Thanks for the fun!

    Reply
  12. Kristy says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:59 am

    I “like” Storey on facebook! Thanks again!

    Reply
  13. Deece says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I love the idea of this book! My must have notion is my chalk liner. I use it all the time to mark stitch lines, placement lines, etc. Actually, my hera marker is tied with the chalk liner. It does the same job, but without leaving a mark that has to be washed or ironed out. Love these tools!

    Reply
  14. Deece says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:31 am

    I “liked” Storey Publishing on FB.

    Reply
  15. Tina says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:43 am

    My must have sewing tool or notion is a seam ripper! I am rather new to sewing and find myself ripping more than sewing. Thank you for the awesome giveaway! I love learning! And, I normally just wing it when I’m trying to mend something.

    Reply
  16. Tina says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:44 am

    I like Storey on facebook! Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply
  17. tara says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:54 am

    What a fun book! My favorite tool is also the seam ripper…so convenient.

    Reply
  18. Michelle @ Little Peanut says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I hate to admit it, but my must-have sewing tool is my seam ripper. LOL Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Denise says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:57 am

    My favorite sewing tool is a tie between my chalk liner and hera marker. Love them both!

    Reply
  20. Denise says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:57 am

    I “liked” Storey Publishing on FB. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Marjorie says:
    March 7, 2012 at 9:58 am

    Seam ripper or iron. My grandmother always told me an iron can remove a multitude of sewing issues.

    Reply
  22. aprilshowers says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:01 am

    I’ve been working on some patchwork doll quilts so my current favorite tool is my rotary cutter. I am sure it will be something else if you ask me again next month!

    Reply
  23. aprilshowers says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:02 am

    I “like” Storey Publishing on FB.

    Reply
  24. Stacey Fisch says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:15 am

    My favorite sewing tool is a good pair of shears. They are so essential!

    Reply
  25. itsrenee says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:39 am

    My must have sewing tool is my rotary cutter!! I know not a sexy choice, but makes life a bit easier =) Excellent giveaway.

    Reply
  26. Jo @ The Hungry Crafter says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Oh, I agree with the other commenters so far…seam ripper and a good pair of shears!

    Reply
  27. Jo @ The Hungry Crafter says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:40 am

    And I already like Storey on Facebook!

    Reply
  28. itsrenee says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I like Storey Publishing on Facebook. Thanks and enjoy the day =)

    Reply
  29. Molly P says:
    March 7, 2012 at 10:59 am

    My must have notion is my Famore seam ripper. This baby has a steel blade on it and can rip through any ‘ol mess I can through at it. Not that I make stitching messes or anything….

    Reply
  30. jfox says:
    March 7, 2012 at 11:03 am

    This is so simple, but you know what my favorite tool is? A tapestry needle. Maybe it’s because of the time in a project when I reach for it…A big, simple blanket stitch with colorful embroidery thread, pulling together a tassel, finishing off a simple crochet or knitting project, things like that. Simple, satisfying tasks that complete a project at the end of the day.

    Can’t tell you how much I’d appreciate a copy of this book! My pile of “to mend or otherwise resucitate” is *huge*! I’m sure the book has some great ideas for how to attack them, using my trusty tapestry needle…

    Reply
  31. robin says:
    March 7, 2012 at 11:34 am

    My must have item is my rotary cutter. 🙂

    Reply
  32. robin says:
    March 7, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I like Storey Publishing on fB.

    Reply
  33. Christy says:
    March 7, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    My must have sewing tool is my rotary cutter. Don’t know what I’d do without it! I would love to have a copy of this book. I have quite a pile of my kids clothes that need repaired.

    Reply
  34. Sunni @Love Affair with my Brother says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    My must have sewing notions are all my different feet. I find myself changing feet throughout all my projects. Using the proper sewing foot makes life so much easier!

    Reply
  35. Sunni @Love Affair with my Brother says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    I like Storey on Fb!

    Reply
  36. christy says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    my must have sewing tool is a seam ripper!!!

    Reply
  37. Gabrielle says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    My must have tool is a good pair of scissors, that thing that helps you thread needles and google.

    Reply
  38. Gabrielle says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Also; I found out about this contact because I’m a fan of Storey on fb.

    Reply
  39. mo says:
    March 7, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    My musthave is my machine. I had one before but this one is super awesome.

    Reply
  40. mo says:
    March 7, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    I liked them on fb.

    Reply
  41. Kylie C says:
    March 7, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    I love my leather thimble!

    Reply
  42. Kylie C says:
    March 7, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    I like Storey Publishing on FB- Kylie Carlson.

    Reply
  43. nicole says:
    March 7, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    seam ripper for sure!

    Reply
  44. Jennifer says:
    March 7, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Must have tool… tape measure… and really sharp scissors! It’s a tie! Already LOVE Storey Publishing on FB. My bookshelf is overflowing with their help. 😉 Jenna Woginrich is a favorite!

    Reply
  45. Erin B says:
    March 7, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    I love my rotary cutter and cutting mat.

    Reply
  46. Jennifer C. says:
    March 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    I am brand new to sewing and my new machine is being delivered today, but so far I think a great pair of scissors is a must!

    Reply
  47. Jennifer C. says:
    March 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    I like Storey Publishing on Facebook!

    Reply
  48. Rie says:
    March 7, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    I have a sewing needle that is used so often, that it has bent to the shape of my fingers! And BTW, what a great idea for a book – brilliant!

    Reply
  49. Jennie P. says:
    March 7, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    My must have notion or tool is a rotary cutter.

    Reply
  50. Jessica says:
    March 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    My favorite tool is the rotary cutter. I’d love to win this book and learn more tricks!

    Reply
  51. Jessica says:
    March 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    I also “like” Storey Publishing on FB!

    Reply
  52. kim-the-girl says:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    My must have notion… recently I’ve really appreciated my ball point needle.

    Reply
  53. MelodyJ says:
    March 8, 2012 at 12:08 am

    I need a needle and thread.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  54. Misty Miskimen says:
    March 8, 2012 at 12:15 am

    Must have notion… well, my favorite pair of super-sharp fabric shears!

    Reply
  55. Jessica says:
    March 8, 2012 at 12:37 am

    My new favorite tool is the rotary cutting mat, although I have not gotten the hang of it yet 😉

    Reply
  56. Jenelle says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:01 am

    A simple, sharp hand sewing needle can be very useful but I have to admit that I should probably have a holster for my rotary cutter as much as I use it. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  57. Jenelle says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:02 am

    I also like Storey Books on FB.

    Reply
  58. Kathy H says:
    March 8, 2012 at 6:48 am

    I hate to admit it, but my favorite (and most used) tool is my handy, dandy seam ripper. I use that little gadget more than you can imagine! It’s all about do-overs. Be blessed.

    Reply
  59. Lynn says:
    March 8, 2012 at 7:37 am

    I use my rotating mat all the time. I just ordered the martelli minute miters and can’t wait to get them.
    Lynn

    Reply
  60. Julie Routon says:
    March 8, 2012 at 7:38 am

    This would be wonderful to win!!! My favorite sewing took is my seam gauge!!! I use it in my sewing, cross stitch and much much MORE!!!

    Reply
  61. Claire says:
    March 8, 2012 at 8:43 am

    I’m a new sewer so my must-have gadget is for sure a seam ripper.

    Reply
  62. Claire says:
    March 8, 2012 at 8:44 am

    I’ve liked Storey Publishing on Facebook.

    Reply
  63. Gil Crews says:
    March 8, 2012 at 8:49 am

    Definitely a sharp pair of scissors.
    I love this book.

    Reply
  64. Jeannie D says:
    March 8, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Lovely book…favorite sewing notion? My little embroidery scissors.I do a lot of hand sewing and they are absolutely essential!

    Reply
  65. Marie P says:
    March 8, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Would love to win this book! My favorite sewing tool is my seam ripper…use it at least once on every project. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  66. kimberlee says:
    March 8, 2012 at 9:59 am

    I am a fb fan of Storey.

    Reply
  67. Lee says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:01 am

    I love my rotary cutter! thanks!

    Reply
  68. kimberlee says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:04 am

    My must have sewing tool/notion is Fiskars Sew Taxi.

    Reply
  69. Sharon S says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Unfortunately, my seam ripper seems to be my favorite. I’m even thinking of a lighted one.

    Reply
  70. Jill says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

    My favorite sewing tool is my seam ripper. It gets me out of most jams and I love the feel and weight of it.

    Reply
  71. Lori Smanski says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:44 am

    Oh this is fantastic
    I remember my mom darning socks for the seven of us.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win

    Reply
  72. Angie says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I love my thread cutter pendant. It’s perfect for quickly cutting apart hundreds of chained pieced units.

    Reply
  73. jamiemueller0522@yahoo.com says:
    March 8, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Seam ripper, definitely!!

    Reply
  74. Brenda says:
    March 8, 2012 at 11:22 am

    I would love to win the wonderful book. I could not sew and finish anything without my iron.

    Reply
  75. Ann says:
    March 8, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Seam ripper – nothing else comes close.

    Reply
  76. Kathrynn says:
    March 8, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    My favorite tool would have to be my seam ripper.

    Reply
  77. Heather dela Cruz says:
    March 8, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    I could not live without my Ginghers!!!

    Reply
  78. quilterbell says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    My favorite tool is my rotaty cutter, can’t live without my ruler either!!! Thanks for the chance

    Reply
  79. Jessie H says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    i’ll have to go with seam ripper, great for modifying clothes and fixing mistakes

    Reply
  80. Jessie H says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    I liked Storey Publishing on Facebook

    Reply
  81. lynn says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    that would be my seam ripper. thanks!

    Reply
  82. Gizala says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    My favorite sewing tool is my imagination! Does that count? If not, a seam ripper comes a close second.

    Reply
  83. spontaneousthreads says:
    March 8, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    My seam ripper, my seam ripper, my seam ripper! Thanks for the give away

    Reply
  84. Rhonda D. says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    My most favorite sewing tool is my rotary cutter…
    the probably most used sewing tool is my seam ripper.
    Thanks for the chance to win!!

    Reply
  85. Lora says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm

    I would say a good pair of scissors is an absolute must along with a good thimble!!

    Liked on fb also 🙂

    Reply
  86. Amy C says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm

    I can’t live without my seam ripper! It is all chewed and yucky at the end but I need it to help me concentrate!!!

    Reply
  87. emilia says:
    March 8, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    Not my fave, but necessary… Seam ripperoo.

    Reply
  88. bladerunner5 says:
    March 8, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    aside from my sewing machine (which isn’t very helpful for a lot of repairs, really), my favorite thing is my magnetic pincushion that I made from an old candy tin. I glued a couple of super-strong magnets on the inside bottom, then put in polyfill stuffing, a layer of wool roving (to keep those pins and needles sliding through fabric nice and easy), topped it with a scrap piece of fabric, hot glued the whole mess inside, and it’s deep enough that the pins sit in it with the tin’s top closed. When it’s open, I can toss pins into the lid. If I drop one on the table or floor, I can wave the whole pincushion over it and the magnets pick it up.

    Reply
  89. Nancy's Couture says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    My must have tool is my Gingher scissors. You have to have a super sharp pair of fabric scissors.

    Reply
  90. Nancy Brumfield says:
    March 8, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    I like Storey Publishing on FB

    Reply
  91. Beth T. says:
    March 9, 2012 at 12:34 am

    My favorite tool is my titanium rotary cutter. Such an improvement over my old one!

    Reply
  92. louise says:
    March 9, 2012 at 3:42 am

    I can’t live without my rotary cutting tool!! and the seam ripper…. 🙂

    Reply
  93. louise says:
    March 9, 2012 at 3:42 am

    and I like them on FB

    Reply
  94. Holly u says:
    March 9, 2012 at 6:59 am

    Seam ripper. Almost never make or repair anything without using it at least once!

    Reply
  95. missy says:
    March 9, 2012 at 11:29 am

    love my little snip it scissors.

    Reply
  96. Julie says:
    March 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    My can’t live without tool is: seam-ripper!! sorry to say but it gets a lot of use…

    Reply
  97. marci girl says:
    March 9, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    A seam ripper for sure!

    Reply
  98. Shawn Schumacher says:
    March 10, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    Would love to win! I love my Reliable Iron!

    Reply
  99. Shawn Schumacher says:
    March 10, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    I like you on facebook

    Reply
  100. Cath says:
    March 11, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    Gotta have a seam ripper, lol. Can’t seem to get it perfect the first time round.

    Reply
  101. Cath says:
    March 11, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    I’m a fan of SP on FB

    Reply
  102. sandy says:
    March 11, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    My must have tool for crafting and sewing are my mats and cutting wheels – I don’t know how I got along without them 20 year ago!!

    Reply
  103. sandy says:
    March 11, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I am a fan of Storey Publishing on facebook. Wonderful giveaway!

    Reply
  104. cleo fitzgerald says:
    March 12, 2012 at 5:40 am

    My must have tool – a really good iron and a NON wobbly ironing board!!!

    Thanks

    Cleo

    Reply
  105. Amber H. says:
    March 13, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    My must have tool is my vintage sewing machine! I know it sounds weird, but using Olga (I name my sewing machines) is so much more inspirational than using modern machines.

    Reply

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