Monday, April 6, 2009

Make Mend and Do

Welcome to Make Mend and Do - The CurlyPops Make It Up As You Go Along Creative Version....

It seems that certain family members actually believe that I know how to repair various items of clothing. I'm always happy to oblige. I don't have any training in the right way to make clothing repairs, but I'll always have a think about it, and try to have a go.
Take object 1 (above photo) - ripped lining inside nephews parka (raincoat if you prefer).
How do you fix that strange synthetic slippery frayed lining stuff?
I had absolutely no idea - I couldn't use anything that was iron on as I was afraid that I would just melt the entire lining onto the iron, so my best and most creative solution, was to cover all of the frayed edges with some homemade bias binding......

.... and then handstitch the bias binding together to close the gap.

At least he can now easily identify which parka is his, just by looking inside!

14 comments:

Jenny said...

Now that's a clever idea!

Liesl said...

When it comes to repairs, make it up as you go along is the only way I know! That's an ingenious repair. Extra points for the use of a nice binding!

Nikki said...

Impressive! Well done....

Unknown said...

That's fabulous! Love the binding, I'll add that to my list of how to fix things. I agree making it up is the only way :)

willywagtail said...

I totally know how you feel. None sewers have no idea what the are asking of us but it is still nice to oblige. I like your innovation and might use something like this to fix th torn seams on my skirt linings. Thanks

Margaret said...

I love the "can you take these pants up, I know that it will only take you a few minutes!". I just love being the family dressmaker (not).

Missie Krissie said...

Well done- I would have just tried to stitch the frayed ends together- obviously repairing is not my strong point!!

littlechrissy said...

I only know the 'make it up as you go along' method. This one looks like it's worked a treat :-)

Jenaveve said...

Bravo! It's worked a treat.

Funny to read this today ... M came to me yesterday with a rip in his camo cargos and said confidently, "You'll be able to fix this up, no problem!"

Er... problem. Did our generation completely miss out on the whole patch-em up / repair 'em knowledge? I sure did.

sewfunky said...

well done - I have the same problem, no one here (except me!) is ever surprised when I can fix something or create something new...

Ulla said...

What a coincidence: I'm just trying to figure out how to fix DH's Gore-Tex trousers which have a torn seam at the crotch. And I just finished hemming 3 pairs of new trousers for my big brother (you can do it in no time! = almost 2 hours). You used such lovely bias binding!

Michelle said...

oh yes i get quite a few repair jobs too...mainly heming pants...as my mums very short...and everything she buys has to get taken up...
but it does get me in the good books!!!

Taccolina said...

Yeah, me too. So I left the country.

(Just kidding). But I do get a sadly scary amount of mending each time I go to Canada to visit! It's like they save it up between.

Love that binding. I did similar on a jacket I adored and which was fraying apart at the seams after a few years' hard use. But your bias is so goegeous!

Jennifer Rose said...

a very good idea :) turned out great
because I am the only one who sews, I am always getting asked to fix things. I don't really mind as long as I don't get bugged about how long a repair is taking (hmm that reminds me. I really should fix the hole in hubbies trouser pocket)