I’m currently leading a 6-week Artsy Mending workshop as part of Carleton University’s Lifelong Learning Program.
Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, this workshop celebrates imperfections by highlighting mends instead of hiding them—turning flaws into features. It's an artful way to give clothing a second life and creatively alter the rips, tears and stains, all while reducing waste and keeping textiles out of landfills.
We're exploring techniques such as embroidery stitches, patches, beading, needle felting, painting, and even using Inktense pencils on fabric. For clothing that is beyond repair, we're purposing usable parts into our mends.
But this workshop has turned into so much more than just a mending class.
From the very first week, I've seen sharing, chatting, a social side in this little community. They are inspiring each other with their mends, ideas, and resources. We discuss mending styles around the world, the Slow Stitching Movement, textile waste, and how stitching - and creativity in general - benefits our health and wellness.
We meet for 2 hours on Thursday afternoons, and as of today have completed 4 of the 6 weeks. The bonding has been wonderful. I'm delighted they are interested in continuing this journey beyond the workshop, with plans for regular mending socials after the holidays.
And they have noticed the benefits of slowing down and working with stitch, how it enhances our wellness, leads to reflection, mindfulness, while embracing sustainability.
We meet for two hours every Thursday afternoon, and as of today, we’ve completed four of the six weeks. The bonding among participants has been incredible. I'm thrilled that they’re eager to continue this journey beyond the workshop, with plans for regular mending socials after the holidays.
These gatherings won’t just be about fixing clothing and textiles —they’ll be an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the meditative process of stitching, and nurture friendships, much like a "knit night." Many participants have already noticed how mending enhances their well-being, promotes mindfulness, and fosters a deeper connection to sustainability.
I’m excited to see where this leads—building a broader mending network, hosting more socials, and continuing to celebrate the art of making something beautiful from imperfections.
I'm also offering a 3 evening class in Kanata through the Ottawa School of Art next February. Information and registration information is available here.
Below are photos of some of the wonderful mends and samplers being worked on in our class this week:
