Mend! by Kate Sekules is a great introduction into the history of mending, and acts as a how-to for beginners, it can get you really into all the possibilities of taking care of your clothing in this level.

Perhaps it will not be an issue in the finished print version of the book but I had a really hard time seeing and understanding the stitches as shown. That is the part I was most interested in and couldn't really tell what I was looking at or learn the techniques.

Things potential readers should know before getting into this book: it is a manifesto, so there's a lot of clothing politics going on here, by which I mean negative comments about the effects the garment industry and its related industries has on the environment and the human condition. That's kind of the point of a manifesto, don'tcha think? Another thing to know is there's less instruction than you're likely expecting, though the instruction bits are very helpful- extensive information on vintage clothing and fabrics, such as how to identify the era something was made in, how to decide what type of mend you want/need, materials to use, stitches that work well, and more- and there's way more history of clothing and mending than you thought you'd get, but oh my! it's all so interesting! The information on the fashion industry is eye-opening, and will inspire the reader to get into slow fashion. Read this book for the kick in the pants you need to stop being such a consumer and start mending!

#Mend #NetGalley

This book teaches techniques to get more life out of your clothes instead of adding them to the trash heap. It's interesting to me that this was once the norm and now it's a refreshing idea again. I'm glad that there are books like this to encourage less of the throw away culture mentality.

I thought this book was going to be how to mend. While it did include that, it also included the history of mending and why we should mend. I was a little put off by the tone of the book. It felt a little brash, for a book about mending. While the history was fascinating, and I appreciated the how-tos, and charts in the book, I'm not sure if I would buy this. I'm 50/50 on the fence, as I didn't feel the author's tone was appropriate for a book on mending.

I was interested in learning how to mend clothing, as in the techniques behind it. I got that, but I also got a history of sewing and a lot of information on where to find supplies and other information. A very helpful book.

This book pleasantly surprised me. I was expecting a straightforward guide on mending clothes and got so much more! I found the social, cultural, and political history of mending fascinating. I especially appreciated the images
that accompanied the history. If you are a consumer of fast fashion (as many of us are, myself included) this book will make you think twice about ordering more. Sometimes the deluge of information can be overwhelming and borderline preachy but it is a manifesto, after all. There is a wealth of information about more than just types of mending: the book covers fabric types, laundering, vintage clothing, and much more. Many of my students are interested in entering the fashion industry and I am excited to recommend this book to them.

I did not care for the author's attitude throughout the book. The voice came across very condescending and judgmental, holier-than-thou. I also didn't appreciate that there's an assumption the reader is a woman -- for a book that sells a counter-culture aesthetic, the mentality behind it is decidedly not.

All that said, I did find the book very well informed and educational. There is a wealth of knowledge here that can be used to help combat our fast-fashion culture. Certainly one to have on the bookshelf at home and reference whenever closets need a refresher.

I just wish the overall attitude of the author wasn't so heavy.

Well written blend of historical fact and current culture. Will appeal to all ages, especially those interested in breaking the cycle of fast fashion. I will recommend this to students in my Women and Textiles class.

This book was expected to be instructional, but it was so much more than that! The history of mending, the informative lists and resources given for materials , tools, and suppliers was amazing. Highly recommend to anyone looking to change how they view their clothing resources and global outlook.

This is a great insight into sewing through the ages.
The book goes thru the trends over the years and different techniques used.
There are many visuals on stitches and examples.
Images showing clothing, textiles, and other sewn items.

I can see this book as needing mending in the future for the vast potential of uses that it provides to the reader. Not only does it provide a detailed breakdown of the materials, methods, and art of mending, but it sets all of these pieces and practices into the context of the past and present. Mending isn’t displayed like a hip fashion statement or cute accompaniment to your wardrobe, but as an important activist activity to better vote with your dollar and lead by example. To take away money from the fashion industry that continues to devalue human life while selling cheap (and brand name) wares to people with power.

Part history book, part mending manual, this book provides a stable foundation to allow people to solidify their opinions of fashion as solid and achievable actions. I was thinking of some pieces I have at home right now that may be donning odd fabric patches and embroidered grease stains (my favorite got a grease stain, and it will now be reborn!).

I recommend this for anyone in public libraries looking to have some titles on hand to recommend for programming about mending or ethical shopping or fashion or recycling/reusing/repurposing. Knitting or crochet group? You can do a demo on how to use these practices to mend clothes!