Mend It Like You Mean It: Slow Stitching for Repair and Calm

In a world of fast fashion and throwaway culture, there is quiet power in slowing down and stitching something back to life, not only does it give new life to old clothes, it also calms the mind.

This hands-on workshop brings together vintage mending techniques and slow stitching. You will learn how to repair or embellish clothing with intention, creativity and care. We will cover practical basics like threading a needle, tying a knot and visible mending on fabric, along with simple stitching patterns that soothe the mind and celebrate imperfection.

Whether you have never sewn a stitch or you are a lifelong maker, you will walk away with new skills, a little more confidence, and something beautiful you made by hand.

No perfection required. Just curiosity, a willingness to experiment and a garment in need of some love.

Details

📅 Saturday 18 October

🕙 10am–1pm

📍 SMSA’s Windeyer Room, Level 1, 280 Pitt St

What's Included:

• 3 hr Guided Workshop
• A Range of reclaimed fabrics, donated pieces and thrifted finds plus embroidery threads and buttons
• BYO garment to mend

Cost:

🧵 SMSA Member Price: $70

🧵 Non-Member Price: $140

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Creative workshop host, vintage skills champion and all-round maker of things.

After 20 years in the corporate world (and a life-long obsession with fabric, needles, colour and textures) a chronic illness diagnosis nudged me back to what I truly love: helping people slow down, make something with their hands and actually enjoy the process.

From slow stitching to flower hammering to team building that doesn’t suck, I create playful, sustainable workshops that spark connection, laughter, and a little bit of magic.

More info about Deb and her work is available

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Host or Publisher Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA)