Event

Heidi Parkes Mending Workshop

Clothing items can be very personal to us, and it is sad when a favorite garment or other textile item tears! Join this workshop led by Milwaukee fiber artist Heidi Parkes, and she will teach you a number of "visible mending" techniques that will bring a uniqueness to these worn items - and make them even more special because you did it yourself!

Students should bring 1 to 3 items that need mending. They can be clothing, jackets, quilts, bags, rugs, or other beloved textiles. Denim, stretch, knits, and woven fabric will all work.

Students are also encouraged to bring a thimble to sew with, it should fit their ring finger. Heidi prefers the 'clover grip and protect' thimble, but any thimble will work. Depending on the garment, students may want to bring their own fabric to make a patch. The drape/weight, and stretch of the fabric should be considered as much as the color when making this choice. Students may also bring their own sewing kit, scissors, and thread if they have them.

In class, students will have access to a variety of threads and fabrics to use in their mend.
Students will also be given an embroidery hoop, needle, pins, rubber gripper, and a 'zine' on mending.

The timeline for the day:
10-11 Introductions, and trunk show of Heidi's mends
11-12 Demonstrations and practice of mending techniques
12-1 Lunch. BYO, or purchase something nearby. There will also be some vegan goodies provided to snack on!
1-3 Begin your first mends with guidance from Heidi
3-4 Share results with other students, and get guidance from Heidi on additional garments to mend at home

Benefits of taking the workshop and learning these techniques?
-improve your cost per wear
-repair your favorite clothes
-feel more confident wearing mended clothing
-learn techniques that will maintain the drape, stretch, and comfort of your clothes
-beginners welcome!