The Lost Skill of Mending

Our parents probably did it and our grandparents most definitely did do it, but do we do it? Mending? It sounds like one of those things you might do when sitting in front of the fire with a rug over your knees. Perhaps darning a sock or turning your brother's hand-me-downs into your sister's new school uniform. Yes, the days of making do to that extent are long gone and thank goodness for that. But we could all benefit from learning some of these basic skills to help us save money, to improve the environment and to prevent some of the wastage we all are guilty of.

Schools hardly ever teach the skills of sewing, knitting, woodwork or general handiwork these days. It is a skill which is passed down the generations and is quickly becoming lost. But it isn't hard and is quite possible to learn at any age. It is also surprising what might be able to be saved from what looks like a trip to the landfill.

Clothes – simple sewing skills can mean that a favourite piece of clothing can last another season or be passed to another child. Learning a few techniques on a sewing machine can help to repair a hem or a rip. Invest in a simple sewing kit. A few different sized needles, a few different coloured threads, spare buttons, good scissors, some iron on hemming tape and some pins and you have the tools to keep those clothes out of the bin and save some money into the bargain.

Household items – we have all done it. Knocked over a favourite vase or broken a picture frame and had no idea what to with it other than throw it in the bin. But fixing these sorts of things can be so easy and the results can be completely invisible. For wooden items a simple hot glue gun can work magic. Take your time and apply it carefully and leave it to dry thoroughly. Glass and metal can be fixed in a similar way – just make sure you buy the correct glue for the type of material you wish to stick. Of course antique or very expensive items should be fixed by a professional.

Electrical items – yes some of these should be looked at by professionals. But everyone should learn how to change a plug or a fuse. This can be easily learnt simply by asking someone who knows or even watching it on YouTube. Sometimes we will throw away a perfectly good electrical product for the sake of a fuse which will cost less than 50p. There is certainly no harm in trying.

Making your own – Use up all those bits and pieces you never know what to do with. Ribbons, wrapping paper, old cards and anything which seems a waste to throw away will most likely have a use at some point. Keep it all hidden away in a box and have a rummage when you need a card made or a present for someone.

We all have the skills to repair and mend, it simply takes a bit of practise and the willingness to try. So rather than popping to the shops the next time your cup loses its handle or your sock gains a hole, try mending it yourself and see how satisfying it feels.