Mend in Public Day at The Creative Reuse
Got a jacket with a hole? That sweater you keep meaning to fix? April 25th is your day.
We're hosting a free drop-in mending event from 4-7pm as part of Fashion Revolution's global Mend in Public Day. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. Bring something from your mending pile, grab a seat, and stitch alongside other makers.
What is Fashion Revolution and Mend in Public Day?
Fashion Revolution is a global movement working toward a clean, safe, fair, transparent, and accountable fashion industry. Mend in Public Day happens annually in April, marking the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed over 1,100 garment workers in 2013. The day serves as a reminder of the human and environmental cost of garment production and celebrates mending as an act of resistance to fast fashion.
Why mending matters
Every visible mend is a conversation starter about waste, fast fashion, the art of sewing, and what we choose to keep. When you mend, you're extending the life of a garment that holds meaning for you and making it uniquely yours.
There's beauty in the mark of the hand. A carefully placed patch or a darned sweater shows the passage of time and the choice to repair rather than replace. Wear marks tell a story. Visible mending isn't about making something look new again; it's about honoring what it's become and recognizing that something you've owned and cared for can be more valuable than something brand new.
What to expect
This isn't a class. It's a self-guided co-crafting event where everyone, from beginners to experienced menders, can work on their own project and share skills as they come up. Think of it as a social skill share: some will know what they're doing, some won't, and everyone learns from each other.
Do I need to know how to sew? Nope. Everyone is welcome—whether you're just learning, or have mended before. Hand sewing is a simple resiliency skill that's easy to learn. Aran will be casually demoing basic sewing techniques, darning, and patch application throughout. If you've never held a needle before, you'll leave knowing how.
What should I bring? Just something you want to repair: a missing button, a torn seam, a hole, a worn hem, a spot waiting for a patch.
What materials will be provided? Needles, thread, fabric scraps for patches, and basic supplies. Aran will also have handmade decorative patches available for purchase if you want something ready-made.
How does it work if it's not a class? You show up, grab what you need, and get to work at your own pace. Aran will be working on mending projects and offering casual demos throughout the event. Ask questions, watch what others are doing, and share a technique if you'd like. It's collaborative, not instructional.
Is this hand sewing only? Yes. No sewing machines for this event. Hand stitching is slower, quieter, and more conducive to socializing.
Join us
Mend Event at The Creative Reuse
Friday, April 25, 4-7pm
97 Oak Bay Road, Port Hadlock
Free, drop in anytime
Bring something to mend. We'll provide the rest.
