Make Do and Mend, the OG Sustainable fashion
Hi there sewing friend,
Earlier this week, I was at work when I felt a stabbing pain in my chest. Heart attack, stroke ??? no, bra wire. My bra wire had made its way out of the soft cushy padding, right into my chest. This mild inconvenience may have caused someone else to throw away this item of clothing, but not me. Where other people saw the death of a bra, I saw an opportunity to make do and mend."Make Do and Mend" isn't just a catchy phrase, it's actually the original sustainable fashion! Coined during World War II, it encouraged folks to patch up their clothes and get crafty with their resources. Fast forward to today, and it's pretty clear we could all use a little of that wartime wisdom. With our planet facing some serious environmental challenges, bringing back this old-school approach could help us all tread a bit lighter on the earth.In this piece, we're diving back in time to where it all began and bringing those savvy, sustainable practices into our modern world. Whether it's patching up your favourite bra or stitching on a loose button, "Make Do and Mend" teaches us to love what we've got. It's all about making the most out of our wardrobes and cutting down on textile waste. So let cut to it, and make do and mend !The history of MDM
"Make Do and Mend" came from fabric rationing during World War II. As materials became scarce, the British government launched this campaign, urging people to repair and up-cycle their clothing instead of buying new. This necessity bred ingenuity, leading to an enduring culture of resourcefulness. People learned to cherish their possessions, discovering creative ways to extend the life of every garment.Today, we can take inspiration from this wartime wisdom by embracing similar practices in our own lives. For instance, turning an unworn dress into a summer top or using fabric scraps to sew scrap buster projects, this not only gives a new lease of life to our textiles but also reduces the need to consume. This shift away from consumerism can have profound impacts, lessening our environmental footprint and fostering a deeper connection with our belongings.Before rushing to the fabric store, take stock of what you already have in your stash. A few years ago, I implemented a “No-by-90” where I did not buy any new fabric for 90 days. This made me look at what I already owned in my stash and helped me work through some of the sewing projects that had been hanging around a little too long.Making it last
Mending isn't just about keeping your clothes and household goods alive a bit longer; it's a practical skill set that can save money and significantly reduce textile waste. Learning how to sew on a patch, fix a loose seam, or reattach a button can transform a damaged piece of clothing back into a favourite wardrobe item. Whether it's repairing the ripped seam of a cherished skirt or patching up a well-worn jacket, these simple techniques can extend the life of your garments and keep them out of landfills, which is a win for both your wallet and the planet.The act of mending also carries an emotional value that is deeply satisfying. There's a unique sense of accomplishment and attachment that comes from breathing new life into a beloved item. This isn't just about being thrifty; it's about forging a bond with our belongings and respecting the resources we've already consumed.To make mending a seamless part of your routine, keep a small sewing kit handy in places where you relax, like beside your couch. This way, you can easily pick up a mending project while unwinding with your favourite show, integrating these valuable skills into your everyday life without it feeling like a chore. This strategic placement not only ensures your items last longer but also enriches your downtime with productive and fulfilling tasks.Sashiko
Visible mending is a transformative sewing method that not only repairs but also redefines the aesthetics of clothing. Rooted in Eastern traditions like the Japanese technique of "sashiko," visible mending uses decorative stitching to turn areas of wear and tear into eye-catching designs. This approach has surged in popularity in the West, standing as a bold counter to our throwaway culture. It’s not just about fixing a tear—it's about celebrating the garment’s journey and infusing it with new life.Embracing visible mending means viewing each snag or hole as an opportunity to add personal touch to your clothing. This method goes beyond basic repairs, allowing you to create a style statement that’s as unique as it is eco-friendly. Whether it's a brightly colored patch on a denim jacket or an intricately stitched pattern over a moth-eaten sweater, these enhancements make the piece uniquely yours and tell a story of endurance and creativity.Try out visible mending by choosing threads that contrast with your garment to highlight your stitches. This not only draws attention to the repair but celebrates it, turning what might have been a flaw into a mark of beauty and resilience. Let your creativity guide you, and let each stitch reflect your personality.“Make Do and Mend” has many names, sustainable fashion and "sashiko," just to name a few. But, what it all comes down to is taking care of the things we love and value. In an ever changing world filled with mass consumption and consumerism, it is now becoming a luxury to have a garment stand the test of time.Anyone can buy the new best thing, the new trend, the new “it” garment. But there are very few who can value and respect the items we already have, can you ?