Getting Started
Visible Mending is for everyone, including the unvisual and the cack-handed and the non-sewer. It's experimental stitchery, mending improv, fun with thread. VM is arty and exuberant and colorful and silly. The only way to go wrong is to say: I can't. Of course you can! Read on for all you need to VM yourself.
Supplies
These are the essentials, in order of need
NEEDLES. Of course you need a needle
THREAD. Cotton thread for general sewing
EMBROIDERY FLOSS. In heavy rotation for everything
YARN. Wool or acrylic, mending or knitting wool
FABRIC. Collect pretty pieces for patching
SCISSORS. Consider investing in good ones
DARNING MUSHROOM. So handy, such a nice name
PINCUSHION. For your pins of course
EMBROIDERY HOOP. For tension management
NEEDLE THREADER. If you are dependent
THIMBLE. The icon of drudgery, but saves your skin
SEAM RIPPER, rotary cutter, pocket shears: useful
IRON. Ironing makes everything go smoother
BUTTONS. Boring repairs & also embellishmends
In fact, the only equipment that is absolutely essential is needle and thread--though wool or floss in a contrasting color makes it easier to be visible. On the other hand, it's fun to collect bits of fabric and trimmings to enhance your mends, and, once you've established your mending pile, you may never again throw out an old garment--if it's not worth fixing, you can break it down for parts.
Friends' first mends...
