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arachne_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Straightforward, practical, no frills. I've had other mending books which emphasize "projects" more, and they weren't nearly as good. The physical book itself is built to last, hardcover, bound well. I find myself returning to it if I can't remember all the details of a particular technique. I also feel competent to mend belt loops, which I thought previously beyond my skill.
sookie13's review against another edition
5.0
This book is the best source on mending out of the several I've read lately. I wanted to find the most encompassing reference book to have on hand in my home, so that I have it when needed, because regardless of my long-cultivated sewing skills, I'm always learning something new or needing a refresher, and I wanted to have a source for my children to go to, so they too can learn these skills.
Nina provides very clear diagrams and illustrations for all types of stitches and repair methods, with detailed explanations in the text. Especially when it comes to doing something like this, having clear diagrams is essential and hers are excellent. She covers how to mend all kinds of items, from denim to socks to the tips of gloves to ripstop fabric used in down jackets and heavy-duty winter clothing. And with the tool overview, I finally learned that what I thought was a darning egg that used to be my grandmother's, is in fact a darning gourd and has multiple applications for usage. All other mending books hadn't even mentioned that there are at least three shapes/versions of this kind of tool.
The part I really loved about this book though, is the instructions on *invisible* mending. Visible mending is very much the hot thing now, to make repairs noticeable, but that's not for everybody. Say you have a nice dress shirt used for the office and it gets a small tear- no need to break out the embroidery thread. Or the crotch/bottom of your favorite pants is looking rather thin- it seems like overkill to slap a colorful and perhaps too bulky patch on it when there aren't any holes yet, and you just want to strengthen that weak area. Plus how to do a proper hem! And even taking in the seams on too baggy clothing- immensely useful! She covers all of that.
The illustrations not having to do with diagrams throughout are very charming, and I loved the personal stories added in as well. It gives you a feeling of soothing accomplishment and emotional connection to the act of repairing your clothing. Really an awesome publication.
Nina provides very clear diagrams and illustrations for all types of stitches and repair methods, with detailed explanations in the text. Especially when it comes to doing something like this, having clear diagrams is essential and hers are excellent. She covers how to mend all kinds of items, from denim to socks to the tips of gloves to ripstop fabric used in down jackets and heavy-duty winter clothing. And with the tool overview, I finally learned that what I thought was a darning egg that used to be my grandmother's, is in fact a darning gourd and has multiple applications for usage. All other mending books hadn't even mentioned that there are at least three shapes/versions of this kind of tool.
The part I really loved about this book though, is the instructions on *invisible* mending. Visible mending is very much the hot thing now, to make repairs noticeable, but that's not for everybody. Say you have a nice dress shirt used for the office and it gets a small tear- no need to break out the embroidery thread. Or the crotch/bottom of your favorite pants is looking rather thin- it seems like overkill to slap a colorful and perhaps too bulky patch on it when there aren't any holes yet, and you just want to strengthen that weak area. Plus how to do a proper hem! And even taking in the seams on too baggy clothing- immensely useful! She covers all of that.
The illustrations not having to do with diagrams throughout are very charming, and I loved the personal stories added in as well. It gives you a feeling of soothing accomplishment and emotional connection to the act of repairing your clothing. Really an awesome publication.
katebelt's review against another edition
1.0
Reading a book on mending was not one of my better ideas. I had trouble following the stitching diagrams and directions. This is not for beginners, and I'm not a beginner.
kimfullofbright's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
mmmmgreen's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet how-to book that ties mending clothes to mending lives.
kaities_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: I was given a temporary eARC of this book from Sasquatch Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful reference book for anyone. It shows you how to mend just about anything that would need mending. I love the artwork and the feel of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to extend the life of their clothes and other belongings. This is a wonderful reference book for anyone concerned with keeping things out of the landfill as long as possible.
This is a wonderful reference book for anyone. It shows you how to mend just about anything that would need mending. I love the artwork and the feel of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to extend the life of their clothes and other belongings. This is a wonderful reference book for anyone concerned with keeping things out of the landfill as long as possible.
mercourier's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully illustrated guide for repairing clothing. The women do a great job walking you through the steps and not making it remedial or holier-than-thou. They connect mending your clothing to a larger cycle of restoration and meditation which some in this culture of fast throw away things are striving to attain. It's a good book to keep in your arsenal to remind you that things aren't so broken you can't fix them.