I created this basic starter kit for students enrolled in the Modern Mending masterclass when access to shops was limited. But now, by popular demand, you can purchase the kit without needing to enrol in the course.
The starter kit is a sampler containing a bit of everything you need to try out stitching, patching, darning and needle-felting techniques. The kit does not include instructions for these techniques; I recommend that you purchase the kit and the book together, or for someone who already owns the book.
Kit contents (colours will vary):
- combination pack of 50 hand-sewing needles (sewing, embroidery and darning) with needle threader
- Scanfil mending yarn for darning* x 1 colour
- wool fleece for needle felting* x 2 colours
- foam block for needle felting
- felting needles x 2
- Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite double-stick fusible web - 12x15cm piece
- Rooftop Honey 15g beeswax block*
- DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss for stitching/darning x 2 colours
- assorted fabric scraps for patching and practising needle felting
* If you're vegan, let me know in the comments at checkout and I'll substitute the wool products for vegan ones and omit the beeswax.
Each kit comes in an Earthpak cardboard gift box, made in Australia from 100% recycled materials.
Optional extras:
Not included but available for purchase, should you wish to upgrade:- Modern Mending the book (the course textbook)
- safety pins or fabric pins
- darning mushroom
- embroidery hoop
- scissors
- thimble
- fabric-marking tools
- fabric comb
- snag repair needle
Click here to see all products available in the shop. Let me know at checkout which additional items you would like bundled inside the kit box.
Sign up for the Modern Mending mailing list to be notified of upcoming mending courses.
🔴 2024/2025 holiday deadlines 🔴
17 December 2024:
Last orders for Christmas delivery in Australia
HOLIDAY BREAK: 18 December 2024 to 12 January 2025
Postal orders placed during this time will ship the week of 13 January, when I'm back at work. Gift vouchers will be available for purchase 24/7 and delivered automagically by email.
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Weekly dispatch
This shop dispatches orders once a week so I can do alllll the things – including running this shop and running after two tiny tots – and enjoy my life. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
I have a new work and childcare schedule for 2024 and am still working out the best schedule for postal dispatches; please allow approximately one week from time of purchase while I figure it all out.
Shipping carrier
I ship via Australia Post. If you select Express Post at checkout, it will speed up Australia Post's delivery timeframe but won't speed up my process.
After your order has been packed, you will receive an email notification with your Australia Post tracking number, which you can use to check on the delivery status of your order.
International customers: click here for current Australia Post international delivery timeframes.
Shipping fees
Shipping is currently a flat rate of $12 within Australia ($17 Express Post); international shipping is calculated at checkout. Gift vouchers are delivered electronically and do not require shipping.
NEW: Modern Mending has partnered with Mateship to offer free shipping and cash back when you combine orders with your mates and have them sent to one location. Save money, carbon emissions and packaging waste!
Modern Mending customers have been combining orders informally for ages; Mateship makes it official and easier for me to coordinate, and rewards you for your efforts. Win win.
How it works:
- Check out as usual.
- A pop-up will appear to sign up to Mateship.
- Invite mates to your order. They have 8 hours to join your order.
Note: Mateship only works with standard shipping, not Express Post, and only in Australia at the moment.
International shipping
I ship worldwide with the exception of the UK, due to VAT regulations that came into effect on 1 January 2021. If you are in the UK you can order the UK edition of my book from your local bookshop.
Local delivery
Customers in Northcote, Thornbury and nearby suburbs (subject to capacity) can select local delivery at checkout. Local delivery is extra-slow and coincides with my pram-walking / kid-wrangling schedule, up to one week after purchase.
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I choose to reuse
When shipping orders my first priority is to reuse packaging materials whenever possible – boxes, padded mailers, cardboard, paper, tissue paper, bubble wrap and egg cartons from neighbours, second-hand shops and recycling centres. I cannot guarantee the materials used to ship your order will be plastic-free for this reason.
I buy recycled packaging
If I don’t have suitable second-hand packaging to use for your order, my next priority is packaging made from recycled materials. It's important to me to support Australian companies making good products from our recyclables, and to make sure that material gets a second life.
Tape
I use compostable, gummed kraft-paper tape to seal my parcels whenever possible. I have a second-hand tape wetter that I love, purchased from my local op shop. Gummed paper tape is available at most art-supply shops if you want to make the switch yourself!
Express Post orders will have official plastic "Express Post" tape added.
International orders with many items will have a plastic pocket taped to them, to accommodate additional paperwork required by customs.
Individual product packaging
Every item for sale on this website has its packaging components listed and in most cases photographed, so you can make an informed decision.
Upstream packaging
When I speak to my suppliers I specifically ask that my orders be supplied to me without plastic packaging, whenever possible, to avoid waste and single-use plastic. This isn’t always possible, but I’ll keep asking, forever.
Here's how one of my suppliers has my name recorded in its database:
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