Reviving Radical Mending as a Community Art Practice
Radical Mending book stored in The WasteShed book library
Completed visible mending project - embroidery technique
Welcome to The WasteShed’s Mobile Mending Project (MMP), a revived, hands-on mending experience where we rethink the way we approach our clothes, our wardrobes, and our impact on the world. This creative and empowering workshop series invites participants to learn the art of hand- and machine-mending, turning repairs into opportunities for self-expression.
But, this is more than just sewing. Together, we'll dive into conversations about the fast fashion industry and the growing problem of overflowing landfills, explore how our clothing choices shape the world around us, and rediscover historical fashion techniques in upcycling and repurposing, transforming what was once "worn out" into something that feels personal and new.
Workshoppers work on mending projects at the previous WasteShed location
Workshoppers enjoy some beers while "diagnosing" a sewing conundrum
Whether you're stitching up a beloved jacket, reimagining an old dress, or simply curious about sustainable clothing, Mobile Mending welcomes all skill levels. Join us in creating a more thoughtful, creative, and conscious approach to what we wear—because every stitch tells a story, and every repair sparks change.
Mobile Mending: Threading change into the fabric of your fashion!
Revived image from "Radical Mending" workshop series in 2014
Event Dates
Click the date to be linked to the Eventbrite registration page! We hope to see you there.
Chicago
Evanston
Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 to 8:00pm:
Introduction to Embroidery + Sashiko
Tuesday, November 12th, 5:30 – 8:00pm
Introduction to Mending
Sunday, October 6th, 1:00-3:30pm:
Introduction to Mending
Tuesday, October 15th, 5:30-8pm:
Introduction to Embroidery + Sashiko
Thank you so much for your continued support! The WasteShed is thrilled to be reviving this mending project, a brain-child of Eleanor’s (Executive Director and Founder of The WasteShed). To contribute to this work and to help The WasteShed’s art education arm keep oiled, consider donating to our 10-year Anniversary Fund.