Girl About Town - Make Do and Mend

[Julia Crew]

With the gloomy forecasts for the economy continuing for the foreseeable future, it's no surprise that consumer confidence is low and people are being more careful with their money. There is also a growing awareness of how unsustainable our culture of throw-away fashion is.
There's a feeling of thriftiness in the air, which harks back to the days of 'make do and mend' in the 1940s and 50s. Cottoning on to this is the gallery/boutique Fabrications based in Broadway Market.
Along with a variety of knitting classes for people of all abilities, Fabrications is holding a 'Mending and Darning Party' on Sunday the 1st of February. The session will turn a chore into something sociable and fun, and mending, adjusting and customising will give old items a new lease of life.
To find out ticket prices and availability call 02072758043, email [e-mail], or check out the website www.fabrications1.co.uk

[Sian Toon]

I do agree that it is a shame that it has taken us the downfall to see how wasteful we are.... but I also believe that traditional ways of sewing have been lost as well. I feel really bad saying this but I have no idea how to darn.... I can knit but only because I wanted to as a child and so my nana taught me.... how many children today know how to knit? Let alone darn? .... I do believe that technology is the future and hopefully we will find a way to make it more eco friendly but I think we need to be taught traditional methods as well... children are taught very little in schools about sewing, in my daughters school it is optional should the past be fogotten?

[Becky Barrett]

Unfortunately, it's taken the downturn to make us think about how wasteful we can be and how resourceful we could be. The new trend for 'make do and mend' is a great opportunity to be creative and take time out. Who knows where it might lead. The likes of Etsy and Love Eco could be great channels for your new found skills too.