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Mending masterclass at the Bridge: Term 4 2019

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Event description

Do you have holes in your clothes and don't know how to fix them? Learn how to make your clothes better than new with professional mender Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald.

This course focuses on visible mending – creative, colourful repairs – but also covers some invisible methods. You'll learn a wide range of techniques including hand stitching, patching, darning (by hand and machine) and needle felting.

The course is suitable for ages 15 and up; no mending experience is required but basic hand-sewing experience is recommended.

Students are encouraged to bring their own mending projects to work on.

Course dates and times

Tuesday nights 6.30pm to 8.30pm x 7 sessions at the Bridge Thornbury

the Bridge logo

The first five sessions are devoted to specific techniques and the last two sessions are open – you can delve more deeply into a particular technique or mending project, or catch up on patching, darning or needle felting if you've missed a session. 

Course sessions:

  1. 22 October: introduction + hand stitching
  2. 29 October: patching
    (no class 5 November due to Melbourne Cup Day public holiday)
  3. 12 November: darning
  4. 19 November: needle felting
  5. 26 November: machine darning (BYO sewing machine if you have one)
  6. 3 December: open session
  7. 10 December: open session

(Note: stitching and machine-darning are unable to be repeated in the open sessions; please keep this in mind if you know you will have to miss a session.)

Student testimonials for the mending masterclass

"Erin’s mending masterclass was absolutely inspiring. From someone who is technically already a professional mender, working in alterations, I learnt so much! We delved into many creative and modern mending techniques I hadn’t tried before. The classes were well structured and easily adaptable to all different skill levels. I fell even deeper in love with mending as a creative way forward for sustainable fashion. Thanks Erin!"
--Tali, Term 3 2019 student

"It has been so rewarding to breathe new life and creativity into my clothes. I've fixed ripped jeans, patched my jacket and finally learned to darn socks. Now I see moth holes as opportunities for visible mending art projects, and old favourites that I thought were just rags are now back in active use. Erin leaves you with the confidence, skills and inspiration to tackle your mending pile and the techniques are so straightforward that I've already passed them on to friends and family. Your wallet and the environment will thank you - you can't afford not to do this course!" -- Kat, Term 3 2019 student

"The Bridge’s mending course is fantastic. I learnt loads of new mending skills (plus some good sewing tips) and had fun doing it. Erin’s a very engaging presenter who explains things well and is generous with sharing both her expertise and her mending supplies too. The group doing the course together were lovely, so supportive and encouraging." -- Claire O, Term 3 2019 student

"I really enjoyed and recommend the mending course. Erin is a wealth of knowledge and generous in sharing her tips and tricks, along with other resources from great books to mending supplies and tools. Lots of inspiration too with the beautiful mending samples Erin brought in to share." --Claire L, Term 2 2019 student

"Thank you so much for an incredible class! I am so inspired and have already volunteered (eek!) to mend some friends' clothes. I am also planning to start a group in the New Year that meets once a month to make, create and share our knowledge on mending, crafts, making :)" -- Term 4 2018 student

"I loved this course. It gave me lots of techniques and inspiration for mending clothes in a creative and practical way." -- Term 3 2018 student

"The course was really well balanced and certainly delivered on its description, I definitely feel I could/can mend my own clothes - now just to find the time. Erin was a great teacher and helped develop a great group dynamic. Thanks for the new skills. The course was also excellent value." -- Term 3 2018 student

"Erin was very generous with her time and knowledge. It was great to hear about her philosophy, experiences, and see examples of her work. She was also excellent at encouraging everyone's projects." -- Term 3 2018 student

"Erin has a wonderful positive approach and makes everyone feel like they can achieve." -- Term 3 2018 student

Terms & conditions

  • If you wish to withdraw from this course, you must notify the instructor at least 14 days before the course begins in order to obtain a refund. Refund requests may be submitted to erinlewisfitzgerald@gmail.com - a refund will be made less a $10 administration charge.
  • No partial refunds will be provided for missed sessions.
  • In the event of a course cancellation all fees will be refunded in full.

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Refund policy

Refunds are available up to 14 days prior to the event