Visible Mending & Upcycling

Workshops

In my creative workshops, you spend time exploring, learning, and tuning into the art of slow stitching in a relaxed atmosphere of independent spaces in East London that are inspired by sustainability, community, and wellbeing.

Introduction to Visible Mending Workshop

In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the Art of Darning and Japanese Sashiko to mend your well-worn garments. We observe and understand the damage and make decisions - what thread and colour to use, the purpose of the repair, and what technique is right for the desired outcome. 

On fabric samples, you start practicing classic darning, a casual mending technique to cover moth-eaten holes and tears and learn how to use a running stitch to reinforce fabrics with basic Sashiko patterns before moving on to repairing your damaged garments.

You don’t need any prior sewing experience and all sewing equipment will be provided along with some refreshments. Simply come as you are with what you like to bring, and together, we can dip into the art of slow stitching.

“When we make time to re-work and mend clothes, we strengthen our connection to the garment and the people we experience and share the creative process with.”

– Nadien

Clothes Upcycling Workshop

Bring your project or idea and join this inspiring hands-on sewing workshop in a natural and calm group atmosphere in Hackney Wick.

You'll be introduced to different techniques around the process of upcycling clothes and explore the art of repair by working on your own damaged item or materials provided.

Learn how to upcycle an old shirt into a pair of kids’ trousers or rework a pre-loved dress so you can wear it longer and add a bit of character to your sustainable wardrobe with embroidery stitching.

Whether you are a total beginner or more advanced, this workshop is intended to slow down and tune into the art of slow making. You’ll be guided and supported throughout the session and will have gained the confidence to continue your sewing work at home.

“I had a very lovely time at the visible mending workshop with Nadien. I learned some very useful mending techniques that I will be applying going forward. Nadien explained everything clearly and made it very enjoyable. I highly recommend!”

– Rosalie Fabre

The Art of Darning Workshop

In this visible mending workshop, you’ll explore hand-sewing techniques on how to repair holes and torn parts in your jumpers, a thinned-out heel of a sock, or how to cover a stain on your favourite shirt using a darning mushroom or embroidery hoop. Scotch darning and chain stitching work well on knitted garments, and the classic darning technique gives a natural finish to the mend in your woven fabrics. 

You’ll learn the history of darning, why it’s important in terms of sustainability, and what technique is right for the desired outcome of your repair. 

Please bring along any damaged items that you would like to discuss and work on throughout the session. Darning materials will be provided along with some refreshments and a calming cup of tea. 

This in-depth session is built up on the ‘Introduction of Visible Mending Workshop’ but you don’t need any prior sewing experience to join.

“I most enjoyed how empowered I felt at the end of Nadien’s workshop - not only did I come away with a mended jumper, but invaluable knowledge of how to preserve my most loved items of clothing. ”

– Sarah Flynn

The Art of Japanese Sashiko

A slow stitching Sashiko workshop, where you’ll explore the cultural background of this traditional mending practice that translates directly as ‘little stabs’, as well as basic techniques and principles of Sashiko stitching with different patterns to repair your well-worn garments. 

On naturally dyed indigo cotton swatches, you’ll explore running stitch, cross stitch, and patching to reinforce and embellish damaged fabrics using different Sashiko stencils to create geometric or one-stitch patterns. 

Tools, scissors, samples for practicing, and a range of Sashiko threads will be provided. You’re welcome to bring a damaged item that you would like to discuss repairing. A warm cup of tea and refreshments will be available during the workshop.

This is an in-depth workshop built up on the ‘Introduction to Visible Mending Workshop’ but you don’t need any prior sewing experience to join.

‘I invite you to slow down and take pleasure in the joy of creating something with your own hands and some simple equipment.’

 
 
 

 FAQs

  • Darning is a mending technique that repairs a hole or worn-out area by sewing new threads into the fabric creating a woven patch over the damage. From bold, visible finishes to subtle and invisible garment repairs the choice of thread and technique will determine the outcome of the repair.

  • Sashiko is a traditional repair technique and translates directly as little stabs. It is typically carried out with a white cotton thread on indigo fabric using a running stitch to create a geometric pattern on large areas.

  • You don’t need any prior experience for any of my workshops. However, the Introduction to Visible Mending is a great starting point while The Art of Darning and The Art of Sashiko are more in-depth and focused on several methods of the respective mending technique.

  • You can bring along any damaged piece of clothing that you would like to discuss repairing and work on throughout the session. All mending materials will be provided along with some refreshments and a calming cup of tea. 

    If you don’t have an item to bring you can practise on the fabrics provided.

  • All workshops are available for those who are 18 years or over.

    Anyone who is between the ages of 12 and 17 can attend my workshops if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for the young person at all times. 

    If your child is under 12 years and would like to explore the world of mending, please get in touch here to book a bespoke session.

  • I offer a Gift Card that is valid for 12 months for any Visible Mending, Sashiko and Creative Upcycling workshop. View the workshops HERE. Choose a £60 Gift Card to include a Sashiko or Darning starter kit.

    If you like a bespoke value for your Gift Card, please get in touch.

  • You can purchase one of my visible mending kits online separately or with your workshop booking, and on the day of the workshop. Both the Darning and Sashiko kits contain tools, threads, and an optional step-by-step instruction to download and print.

Tailored Group Workshops

If you are a group of friends and wish to book a workshop together please fill out this form and I will be in touch.