Repair service (TLC by ELF)
Yes, mending fairies really do exist!
If you're not up to mending something yourself, ask for ELF. (More about me here and here.)
When I’m not teaching or running my shop I’m a mender for hire, fixing clients’ favourite everyday clothes and family heirlooms.
You can view example mending commissions below, and request my services via the form at the end of this page.
CLIENT CASE STUDY: Rosie's jumper
The big picture
Rosie's cashmere jumper had been attacked by moths, and she requested a mend that would make her daughters smile. Together they cut out shapes from paper, which I used to create patches.
I love it when clients come to play!
Before
Moths had attacked the jumper in at least 15 spots.
After
I made patches made from felt scraps and stitched them by hand.
CLIENT CASE STUDY: Mannie's jumper
The big picture
This much-loved jumper had been hand-knit for Mannie decades prior. It was frayed on the cuffs and bottom band and had a hole in one elbow. I mended the edges and added elbow patches.
The perfect yarn
I split and plied two vintage yarns together to get the perfect match.
After
I combined stitching and darning techniques to get the best result.
CLIENT CASE STUDY: Clare's jacket
The big picture
This Driza-Bone jacket was torn and threadbare, inside and out.
Lining repair
The lining was damaged in six places, which I patched by hand with green triangles.
Sleeve repair
The outer-layer repairs needed to be waterproof, so I created laminated bias binding and patches.
CLIENT CASE STUDY: Marnie's couch
The big picture
Marnie's vintage velvet couch had busted open in multiple spots. I made a house call to repair it on site.
Before
Yikes.
After
Ta-da!
CLIENT CASE STUDY: kindergarten laundry bag
Twirly whirly
This kinder laundry bag was prized for its size, able to hold a week's worth of washing and fit the kinder's laundry-bag frame. I was given complete creative freedom to repair it, as long as the size did not change.
Before
A large panel was ripped and threadbare. I was keen to strength the existing fabric and not replace it, to highlight the mends and inspire kinder families while on laundry duty.
After
I placed striped fabric behind the damaged section and used free-motion stitching to secure it. I also attached eyelets and inserted a drawstring for added functionality.