About

Hello! I'm Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald (ELF): repair artist, mending teacher, author and photographer of Modern Mending the book, and shopkeeper here at modernmending.com.

A sewist and mender since childhood, I’ve been running community mending events in Australia since 2009, and teaching mending workshops since 2013 to students worldwide, in person and online.

I launched my book and shop in 2020 and bring a small pop-up shop along with me to workshops and events. 

When I’m not teaching or running my shop I’m a mender for hire, fixing clients’ favourite everyday clothes and family heirlooms.

I'm also an experienced public speaker and love sharing my passion with TV viewers, radio and podcast listeners and conference audiences.

If you know of any fantastic mending supplies not listed in the shop, get in touch! I prioritise products that are:

• made in Australia
• made from recycled/reused/upcycled materials or the most environmentally friendly products in their category*
• plastic-free
• packaging-free or in minimal / zero-waste / compostable / fully recyclable packaging
• best in show — really, really good products that are worthy of devotion
• delightful — I love using tools that make me smile, which helps with mending motivation

*I hate greenwashing, and if a product isn't truly environmentally friendly, I'm not going to pretend it is just to sell more products.

If you have any questions, get in touch at elf@modernmending.com.

Happy mending!

ELF xo

📷 Image by Mark Lobo