May - Maximise and Mend It!

Spring feels like it is in full swing this week in my neck of the woods. It definitely feels like we can peel off the layers that we were wearing even up until the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

I challenge you to not buy any brand new clothing or accessories this month. Pre-loved, yes. Vintage, Yes. Upcycled, yes. Mended, yes.

Why not reacquaint yourself with a needle and thread? Or if you have never done so before, pick a mending kit up from your local supermarket or haberdashers and have a go. There are lots of YouTube tutorials on how to darn your socks or mend a hole in cotton, wool and even Lycra! The @sustainablefashionweek_uk also has lots of posts and stories on this topic too, in addition to hosting #MendItMay scheme. Mending, upcycling or repurposing your clothes is an extremely sustainable way to extend the life of your clothes, it is pocket friendly, helps the environment and the communities at home and abroad who are affected by clothing landfill waste. Communities affected the most are often in developing countries, since the clothing waste from the global North often ends up in the global south.

I recently mended a cute chiffon dress I thrifted, that I only discovered had a large tear in one of the from seams, as I was going to wear it. I mended it and it looked almost as good as new. Maximise what you already have!

"Mending, upcycling or repurposing your clothes is an extremely sustainable way to extend the life of your clothes, it is pocket friendly, helps the environment and the communities at home and abroad who are affected by clothing landfill waste. Communities affected the most are often in developing countries, since the clothing waste from the global North often ends up in the global south."

If mending something yourself is not for you, how about getting a professional to do it for you? I recently thrifted a beautiful mustard coloured sleeveless shirt dress that was brand new and still had tags on, but had buttons and fastenings missing and was much too long for me. But it was calling to me, and I had an idea of when and where I would wear it on its debut styling and then beyond. So without a second thought, I walked across the road the dry cleaners, who adjusted it, replaced the the missing buttons and pressed it for me to collect a few days later. I am looking forward to wearing it this season and into the autumn.

You could also upcycle your clothes and accessories. Again, you could have a ago yourself of get it done professionally. I upcycle satin and silk neck ties into corsages that can be worn as jewellery necklace/chokers, and bag charms and brooches. Contact me if you would like to commission a piece.