Ref: SLW40869
Mending is a three-day workshop that explores textile repair on knitted and woven textiles, how you do it and why you do it. It considers the tenderness and care of mending. The aim of the workshop is to practise mending techniques on knitted and woven garments. You will learn about artists working with repair. You will learn and develop skills in woven and fake knitted darning and patching. There will also be an opportunity to work on repairing any of your own garments that have holes.
Day one will focus on repairing wool with darning and day two will focus on repairing woven cloth through patching. On day three you can explore and develop techniques you have learnt on the previous days. Please bring along any damaged wool, knitted items such as socks and sweaters, as well as woven clothes like jeans, shirts and skirts that you would like to discuss repair options for. Darning materials will be provided. No previous darning, knitting, patching or needle-based experience is necessary.
Your tutor has been exploring mending since 2007, with extensive experience of small everyday holes, at heels, elbows, in pockets, as well as working on more dramatic damage from water damage, animal nesting and moth issues. The tutor’s interests are around the evidence of damage – through repair you look closely at where garments and cloth have got worn down and thin. In clothing, this wearing is often to do with use and how the body moves. The tutor says she likes that “darning is often small acts of care and paying attention to where things fray and wear out.”
You should bring a selection of your own garments that have holes in them and need repair, and any yarns, patching cloths or simple sewing kits (needles, thimbles, sewing scissors) that you already have in your collection.
Enough materials will be provided so that you can come without bringing anything, but the course can be enjoyable if you bring something of your own in need of repair. (The tutor will supply some of the materials, including a selection of darning yarns, cottons for patching, embroidery thread, darning needles and scissors for use during the course.)
Available from shop: Basic sewing equipment, needles, scissors and a small selection of fine and stranded cotton
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Celia Pym is a teacher with 15 years experience. She works with knitted, stitched and woven textiles and has been exploring mending since 2007 with extensive experience of everyday holes. She is currently visiting lecturer in textiles at Royal College of Art.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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