indigo | Mr X Stitch

Introduction Mend and Patch - A Handbook to Repairing Clothes and Textiles by Kerstin Neumuller is the latest publication documenting the new mending trend. It is published by Pavilion and has a soft cover. About the artist We learn.... Kerstin Neumuller is a men's tailor with her heart in handicrafts. She has spent many years studying handicrafts and the history of textiles. Together, she and Douglas Luhanko run the shop Second Sunrise in Stockholm. Who is it aimed at? With this guide to mend and patch, you don't have to say goodbye to your worn favourite clothes. As us hoarders are well aware, finding damaged, loved clothes can be one of the saddest things, especially if we don't know what to do with them. With Mend & Patch, you can learn to take care of your clothes, mending, patching and repairing so you can cherish all your garments...…so yes, its for all you nostalgic people out there! Or those who love to help the environment and put a stop to our throw away society. Content There are different types of mending alluded to within this book. The sections as shown below document this: The sections within this book. we love this opening piece of text..... What makes it special? The writers background makes this an educated yet interesting read; her skill as a men's tailor comes through, yet does not overpower. The blue hues are seen throughout, which could be said to give a more masculine feel. Yet the mend and patch subject discussed could be for anyone or thing. Piles of garments, ready to be re-loved. Its not a book which complicates, its a book which simplifies the things which may seem complex: Simplistic mending, things often overlooked are included in this publication. Thus there are plenty of achievable ideas within. Photography Many of the images are close ups, focusing on the stitching. This isn't a book to show how to hide the mending, its one which glorifies it, celebrating the fact that the item can be used and its life lengthened. The book has a paired back vibe, materials and stitching quality are shown, over pattern and colour. Ideas are well displayed. We can get into the "perfect mending" concept, where we think that we must return a damaged item back to its original state. Here the writer demonstrates how we can actually highlight the mended places! Beauty in mending, patterned pieces are used to cover holes in denim. What is wrong with the book? The concept to mend and patch will not be for everyone. Others may not like the consistent colour tones used within this publication. However the message behind this book should be for everyone. We all need to look after things more! It is simply a way of saving the environment and actually it can save us money too in the long run! It is also a way for us to slow down, creating time for ourselves for a good reason! Conclusion Get your copy of.... Mend and Patch - A Handbook to Repairing Clothes and Textiles by Kerstin Neumuller