Which fall layers are you reaching for?
I have this green sweater I wear all the time, and the elbow patches in particular always get compliments. It came from the thrift store already mended, then I added my own flourishes 💕
Like (tbh) most of my clothes, it’s a little big on me so I cuffed the sleeves and carried on. But soon enough, the cuffs really started to wear at that fold. And even sooner, they were so threadbare that they almost fell off in protest, and I knew I had to do something about it.
Look familiar? Holding the sleeve up to the light reveals not just a hole, but several thin spots to be patched...or...removed entirely?
It was November, so I was really getting ready for the holiday rush, but it was November... so I really needed to keep wearing it. I didn’t have the time (or at least not the mental space) to commit to any sort of beautiful cuff darn my perfectionism would accept, so I started over. I picked up all the stitches on a tiny circular needle, cut off the worn bits, and cast those stitches off to finish with a clean edge.
The ribbing is gone, but the yarn I cast off with matches the elbow patches. And it’s fixed. And mended is better than perfect.
Mended is better than perfect.
Mended is better than perfect.
Despite knowing this (and repeating it to myself), I couldn’t help the thought this week of how much cooler they would have looked done “properly”, and what a missed opportunity. But I can only do what I can do, and, um, mended really is better than perfect.
I’m still not quite proud of the cuffs like I am the elbows, though. I didn’t take a single photo of them done, and turns out I’ve even taken to double-cuffing them now. Oh dear...
On that note, it’s November again.
And (tbh) I might be even more off-track than last year. Even though, ok, we're still doing great! Scott and I are both feeling pulled in too many directions. He told me not to worry (haha) but I’m worried about this year for us, so I thought I’d do a tangible thing and ask for help.
Whether you have purchased from us or not, if you’ve read this far you’re clearly a big fan of Worth Mending. Thank you for that, so so much. For real. Could help us out with some word-of-mouth support?
Big Ask (for our Swifties):
If you have a Swift Loom, could you consider dusting it off and sharing a picture of your repair? You can tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, or Bluesky, or even reply to this email with a full-resolution photo that I can repost. Bonus if you scrawl a couple words about what you repaired, or something else encouraging.
Smaller Ask (for everyone, including fellow tired Swifties):
Could you re-share one of my posts, share a link to one of my blogs (like the Mending Migration!) or head to the comments anywhere (like Instagram) and tag someone with a note to explain why you think they need to know about us? Every little gesture counts.
One of the many volunteer projects that's keeping us stretched thin is the fact that Saturday is Kwartzlab’s Holiday Market, which I've been putting in a lot of hours to help organize. In fact, I squeaked this one out while laser-cutting these pins for our fundraiser… Using bits of wood from our upcycled stash, of course!
These will be given as a gift to those who donate to our Textiles Area Fundraiser, in support of upgrading our sewing machines and generally making the space even more awesome. If you're local, come check out the market, or visit any Tuesday for our Open House. Kwartzlab.ca for more information :):):)