I have a shirt.
A favourite shirt which I will reach for first nearly every time, it is a perfect partner to jeans and boots. It was a teenage cast-off from one of my boys and I suspect I have loved and lived in it for about nine or ten years.
Suddenly it started to wear thin - first it was an elbow, so I trimmed the chest pocket and stitched the patch with the teeniest tiny stitches. I was rather pleased how I managed to colour and stripe match making the repair virtually invisible.
Then about six months later, my cuffs and the narrow placket down the front showed signs of wear. So this time I stitched a floral fabric along the wear marks and absolutely loved the contrast of the materials.
Then, last weekend after I'd worked on the Saturday, I changed out of my work duds and of course reached for my jeans, boots and fav shirt. I was horrified to see a huge tear on the back - the fabric has just worn thin with use and love. So reluctantly I had to put on my second favourite shirt (which is so not favourite at all in comparison!) However, the thought of adding patches of love and stitches rather excited me.
This time I tried a more 'organised' pattern and with a nod to Sashiko mending this time I made long waves of colour. I may be a teeny bit in love with this patch...
A form of self care too.
Not just mending, creating too
ReplyDeleteYes, I quite agree, also escaping as I can zone out when I am sewing x
DeleteThis is fantastic! Pure art, like Tom of Holland.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you - high praise indeed (Love Tom of Holland!) x
DeleteThat is amazing and incredibly beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you! xx
DeleteLove the pattern the little stitches make. BUT one day you will end up with a complete patchwork shirt at the rate it is quietly wearing out!! 🧡🦴 xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Boro boro mended jackets in Japan are several generations old due to mending - to the point that the original jacket no long exists but the patches are now the new cloth - I just love that process :D
DeleteI love those patches and the lovely patterns. I have to say, hand-quilting was always my favourite part of patchwork.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I can see why you like the hand quilting part of the patchwork x
DeleteThe patches are lovely, though you certainly have more patience than me to do all that :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Eunice, I love the fact I can zone out and concentrate on stitching x
DeleteThat is absolutely beautiful. I love visible mending, such a wonderful way to relax and to show the world that you don't care that your clothes have had a life! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you :D I love visible mending too - almost a badge of honour of time well used x
DeleteWell done! I like the Sashiko one the best. I too have been doing a bit of slow sewing but it is very slow! No where near finished yet but it is fun. x
ReplyDeletethank you and me too :D been mending more things, mostly woollen this time - looking forward to seeing your slow sew! x
DeleteAlthough I loved seeing your artistic mending, your thoughts at bottom really did it for me. Must remember your clever way of mending as mine tends to be very plain & utilitarian. Thanks Kate, take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, definitely try a different way of mending - would love to see your results :) x
DeleteSo many metaphors, and beautiful mending.
ReplyDeleteThere is much comfort from an old friend such as a garment which has seen you through so much. I have a jacket which I do not wear often anymore, but in the day it walked hundreds of miles with both dogs, worked hundreds of hours in the garden, and holds so many memories . . .
Thank you Jayne, I knew you would understand about 'old friends' which hold so many memories xx
DeleteBeauty in the mending! I have a big bag of clothes I have been meaning to mend for some time, and you have inspired me to try some therapeutic patterned stitches xXx
ReplyDelete💗Please do - I would love to see your results xx
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