MAKE DO & MEND

This hobby could save you big bucks in the long run

- AMBER BRAMBLE

Taking care of the stuff you already have, and reimagining it, is also taking care of yourself and your savings. And one way to lessen the “need” for new stuff is to start really taking care of the things you already have. Because often the most sustainable T-shirt, shoes, bike, dress, computer, or whatever, is the one you already have. Even if it needs a touch-up, or a new screen or a few stitches. So, let’s make fixing stuff awesome again.

This habit has some side benefits too. You will save money by not buying as much, you’ll get more creative as you figure out how to fix the things you already have, and as you reconsider your relationship to your things, you’ll feel less ‘need’ to purchase more.

THINGS THAT ARE (MOSTLY) SIMPLE TO MEND YOURSELF

If you’re just getting started with mending, it’s best to start with the easiest fixes so you can build your skills and confidence and chalk up some wins. The satisfaction of a newly hole-less sock might just give you the motivation to keep going with bigger projects. Here are some ideas on where to start:

• Maintain your boots with a bit of polish

• Sew a button back on

• Hide a snagged thread by pulling it through to the other side

• Hand-stitch over torn seams to keep everything together

• Depill your woollen jumpers with a razor (or a depiller thingy)

• Tighten the screws on your glasses and sunglasses so they sit better on your face

• Sew up a hem