Weekend Review: Well Worn

 

Well Worn / Skye Pennant
NY: Chronicle, c2024.
144 p. 

This is another book in the now common Visible Mending area. This one is by a UK author, so has a little bit of a different feel to some others. But it covers the basics that are to be expected in a book on this topic. 

The intro gives us an introduction to the author and the topic: why and how to use visible mending, and an overview of fabrics and mending supplies, so that you can learn to judge which option might be best suited to your particular project. 

It covers darning, patches, sashiko, and some troubleshooting - like when NOT to mend (if the fabric is too worn or weak, for example). She talks about sustainability but also about evaluating whether a mend will be worth your time and effort, considering both the age and condition of the fabric but also how old it is, if you have mended it before, if you wear it often, and so on. 

There are then eight specific chapters, showing techniques and options for the following: 

• Jeans
• Sweaters & Knitwear
• Shirts
• T-shirts
• Leggings
• Socks
• Jackets
• Delicate Fabrics 

Each chapter tackles some ways to approach these different kinds of mends and repairs. Whether that's darning a knit sock or sweater, patching or reinforcing woven fabrics, or using applique or decorative stitching, there are many examples given. 

The book has many illustrated instructions for the stitches and techniques. It also has a lot of photos, clear but in a subdued palette. They are very useful, and give the book a relaxed vibe. 

There are some straightforward, easy ideas given here, but nothing that has not been shared in many other mending books. And to get full satisfaction from this, you will need to really love the very visible mend. As a first approach to the topic, I think it would be useful to a reader. If you've read or own a lot in this area, you probably won't need it. Check it out at the library to see for yourself!