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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
- Enter to win by leaving a comment about your must-have sewing notion or tool.
- 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!
105 comments
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!
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.
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.
liked storey publishing on fb!
My favorite sewing notion is my scissors. Nobody is allowed to use them for anything else.
Must have sewing tools is a good pair of scissors. What a creative idea for a book, would love to win.
My must have sewing notion is my Clover needle threader. Best tool ever – especially when using sharps!
Liked Storey Publishing on Facebook.
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!
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.
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!
I “like” Storey on facebook! Thanks again!
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!
I “liked” Storey Publishing on FB.
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.
I like Storey on facebook! Thank you for the giveaway!
What a fun book! My favorite tool is also the seam ripper…so convenient.
I hate to admit it, but my must-have sewing tool is my seam ripper. LOL Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
My favorite sewing tool is a tie between my chalk liner and hera marker. Love them both!
I “liked” Storey Publishing on FB. 🙂
Seam ripper or iron. My grandmother always told me an iron can remove a multitude of sewing issues.
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!
I “like” Storey Publishing on FB.
My favorite sewing tool is a good pair of shears. They are so essential!
My must have sewing tool is my rotary cutter!! I know not a sexy choice, but makes life a bit easier =) Excellent giveaway.
Oh, I agree with the other commenters so far…seam ripper and a good pair of shears!
And I already like Storey on Facebook!
I like Storey Publishing on Facebook. Thanks and enjoy the day =)
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….
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…
My must have item is my rotary cutter. 🙂
I like Storey Publishing on fB.
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.
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!
I like Storey on Fb!
my must have sewing tool is a seam ripper!!!
My must have tool is a good pair of scissors, that thing that helps you thread needles and google.
Also; I found out about this contact because I’m a fan of Storey on fb.
My musthave is my machine. I had one before but this one is super awesome.
I liked them on fb.
I love my leather thimble!
I like Storey Publishing on FB- Kylie Carlson.
seam ripper for sure!
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!
I love my rotary cutter and cutting mat.
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!
I like Storey Publishing on Facebook!
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!
My must have notion or tool is a rotary cutter.
My favorite tool is the rotary cutter. I’d love to win this book and learn more tricks!
I also “like” Storey Publishing on FB!
My must have notion… recently I’ve really appreciated my ball point needle.
I need a needle and thread.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Must have notion… well, my favorite pair of super-sharp fabric shears!
My new favorite tool is the rotary cutting mat, although I have not gotten the hang of it yet 😉
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!
I also like Storey Books on FB.
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.
I use my rotating mat all the time. I just ordered the martelli minute miters and can’t wait to get them.
Lynn
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!!!
I’m a new sewer so my must-have gadget is for sure a seam ripper.
I’ve liked Storey Publishing on Facebook.
Definitely a sharp pair of scissors.
I love this book.
Lovely book…favorite sewing notion? My little embroidery scissors.I do a lot of hand sewing and they are absolutely essential!
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!
I am a fb fan of Storey.
I love my rotary cutter! thanks!
My must have sewing tool/notion is Fiskars Sew Taxi.
Unfortunately, my seam ripper seems to be my favorite. I’m even thinking of a lighted one.
My favorite sewing tool is my seam ripper. It gets me out of most jams and I love the feel and weight of it.
Oh this is fantastic
I remember my mom darning socks for the seven of us.
Thanks for the opportunity to win
I love my thread cutter pendant. It’s perfect for quickly cutting apart hundreds of chained pieced units.
Seam ripper, definitely!!
I would love to win the wonderful book. I could not sew and finish anything without my iron.
Seam ripper – nothing else comes close.
My favorite tool would have to be my seam ripper.
I could not live without my Ginghers!!!
My favorite tool is my rotaty cutter, can’t live without my ruler either!!! Thanks for the chance
i’ll have to go with seam ripper, great for modifying clothes and fixing mistakes
I liked Storey Publishing on Facebook
that would be my seam ripper. thanks!
My favorite sewing tool is my imagination! Does that count? If not, a seam ripper comes a close second.
My seam ripper, my seam ripper, my seam ripper! Thanks for the give away
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!!
I would say a good pair of scissors is an absolute must along with a good thimble!!
Liked on fb also 🙂
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!!!
Not my fave, but necessary… Seam ripperoo.
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.
My must have tool is my Gingher scissors. You have to have a super sharp pair of fabric scissors.
I like Storey Publishing on FB
My favorite tool is my titanium rotary cutter. Such an improvement over my old one!
I can’t live without my rotary cutting tool!! and the seam ripper…. 🙂
and I like them on FB
Seam ripper. Almost never make or repair anything without using it at least once!
love my little snip it scissors.
My can’t live without tool is: seam-ripper!! sorry to say but it gets a lot of use…
A seam ripper for sure!
Would love to win! I love my Reliable Iron!
I like you on facebook
Gotta have a seam ripper, lol. Can’t seem to get it perfect the first time round.
I’m a fan of SP on FB
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!!
I am a fan of Storey Publishing on facebook. Wonderful giveaway!
My must have tool – a really good iron and a NON wobbly ironing board!!!
Thanks
Cleo
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.