Mending for Wholesomeness

Mending for Wholesomeness in the time of a pandemic.

Pam Henry

Right at the beginning of the pandemic, I had indicated that I was on a mission to mend. It seemed to soothe something deep inside of me that could not fully articulate at the time. The truth is that I have several lovely woollen pieces that had become nesting places for moths. I was determined that I would not be outdone by these creatures especially as each piece had cost a reasonable sum of money and, in a couple of cases, frankly eye-watering.

The fact that these garments included some of the favourite colours of my wardrobe was another good reason to do some repairs.

Notwithstanding all of the above reasons, there is the selfrighteousness of doing my bit to reduce the amount of personal waste that I contribute to an increasingly fragile climate and while it appeals to my practical side.

Once I took up the needle and thread and started my project,

I decided that it was going to be hand sewing all the way, after all, one had a lot of time - right? It was so deeply satisfying that I was not going to use the sewing machine to help even if it would make the process quicker. I did not plan nor make specific designs for any of the pieces but rather had the following considerations:- Every hole, irrespective of where it was on the garment had to be made good and the areas around the holes in the garments would need to be strengthened - I would not be using reinforcing materials, rather just threads I would make it up as I went along

without having a sketch and design - I would use simple and basic stitches - I would use mainly flowers, real or imagined - This would not be a timelimited project (folk who know me would hardly be surprised by this!)It was quite cathartic to hear via the radio of a popular radio broadcaster declaring that she was finding that stitching with a needle and thread was a satisfying thing and apparently someone had started a blog to this effect. It seems like there are quite a few of us who benefit

from this old pastime. When I would work on a hole, I tended to begin with reinforcing. Firstly, an initial circle is done in running stitches and pulled tightly to close or semi-close the hole. Then I would work with a set of spiralling running stitches around some of the holes, mainly the larger ones.

Next, I would work buttonhole stitches around the first circle, if there was a tiny hole left from the first circular stitch. After this foundation was laid I would work on making flower petals in situ.

As I worked, I could think deeply about what I was doing, needle in, loop the thread and needle out. One after the other,

breathing in deeply as one worked. Where to place the next needle downwards was the biggest decision that I was going to make. I would make these all holes new again, stitch by stitch. Hole: that which was broken now no longer so. I could do this; I could control my needle, my thread.

I will restore this little thing a bit at a time.

And so it continued until a flower was completed then another one would start until I had covered all of the holes on the

garment. Then I would start on another garment, the little running stitch to start close or reduce the hole then the strengthening with circular stitches...and so it continued, again and again. The same repeated, with this loose format becoming a pattern and yet ambiguous at the same time, just like that of the times that we are experiencing. Couching and chain stitching using wools, and various threads of varying thickness allowed for good coverage and well as texture. I think it will only be a matter of time before someone brands "mending it" as mindfulness because the sense of wellness is as calming and a deeply satisfying experience. It is the act of restoration that is so powerful. Needless to say, the added

value of being to wear my beloved clothes again made it all the more worthwhile, especially when my friends admired these restored garments as having a “designer look”. And no, I can assure you it was neither kindness nor politeness. Here is a chance for you to see for yourself!