Mindful Mending

Hand-stitched mending can be a gateway to creative expression. Mending can also be a way to step back from consumer culture, to care for ourselves, the people we love and our planet. In this workshop participants will learn practical and decorative repair skills, along with exercises and reflections to bring mindfulness to the act of stitching. The group will explore hand-sewing techniques including darning, boro-style patchwork and duplicate stitch for knits. The magic of slowing down will be fostered with periods of silence, contemplation, and walking in the landscape. Participants are encouraged to bring their projects and questions - the group will collaborate and learn from each others' examples.

Tasha Miller Griffith grew up in a family of makers and tinkerers, and has been drawn to textiles of all kinds since she was very small. She is driven by the belief that making things by hand empowers people to live more joyfully and thoughtfully. In her classes, she works to build deep understanding through hands-on experimentation in a warm and inspiring environment. Tasha teaches at folk schools and fiber arts events nationally, and writes for magazines including Taproot and PLY. She also shares free tutorials on her website.

Small sharp scissors

Anything made of fabric that you would like to mend (please bring clean, laundered items!) You can work on as many items as time permits.

Matching thread, yarn, etc., if needed for your projects.

Optional:

Any other preferred hand-sewing tools you already have (a thimble, pins, etc.).

Any special fabrics, threads, or other materials that you would like to incorporate into your mending.

Fabric scraps to share with others in class

A variety of needles

Fabric and thread samples for practicing techniques

Fabric scraps and threads for students to use in their mending projects

Handouts and resources covering techniques learned

Instructor will also bring small tools which everyone can use in class