By Cole Bedics*
We all like to buy new clothes, but the ones we already own can be the most important to us. They may be stretched, discolored, and even stained by the journey that you have taken them on. The sense of nostalgia and meaning of putting on the shirt your parents wore when they were young, or a shirt you have worn through thick and thin, is a powerful feeling that can help you express your identity in a way that the new items from fast fashion never could. The financial and sustainability implications of fixing rather than buying new clothing items can also not be overstated. Have you seen these clothes prices lately?
All this being said, too many clothes are thrown away before their time. Personally, I have split many a favorite pant and ripped many a cool shirt, and it always hurts to throw them out. There is another option, though! You can learn the skills to fix, patch, and help your clothes right here on campus, making their lifespans only limited by your patience for fixing them.
Some thrifted pants in need of a little TLC
The Office of Sustainability just hosted its second annual Mending Night in partnership with AU Libraries, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Apparel Merchandising Design Association (AMDA), the Thrift Club at Auburn University, and Auburn Outdoors. This event focused on fixing and repurposing items instead of throwing them away; while teaching attendees these skills so they can repair their items themselves.
Auburn Outdoors shared how to make their rope belts. Hint: They have an event where you can learn to make your own next week!
There was some equipment, like sewing machines provided by the library (and are available to check out at the Innovation and Research Commons (IRC)!), that allowed volunteers to teach and mend at a faster rate. However, folks primarily learned to mend clothes using nothing more than needles and thread, so they could take our newfound skills home. There were years of experience in sewing and tailoring in the Library IRC for the event brought by our partners’ skills, including members from AMDA and OLLI, along with other folks from the Auburn/Opelika community.
Our other partners, like Auburn Outdoors, brought patches to sew and showed a demo of their future belt-making event. The Thrift Club provided a wealth of thrifted material. These groups also helped us upcycle items, turning your trash into something more valuable! The event was made possible by all our knowledgeable volunteers and clubs, and we would like to thank them for partnering with us.
Holding a needle and thread requires a lot of attention!
In total, over 80 people came to the IRC to mend their things. Everything from shoes to scrubs and backpacks to jackets was brought in. I even got the chance to learn how to fix my pockets with a running stitch thanks to an AMDA volunteer! The room was buzzing with people sharing the stories of the clothing they were fixing and excited about the possibilities of renewed and bespoke beginnings.
After a lot of holes sewn shut, buttons reattached, and patches applied, it can safely be said that mending night was a success. We can’t wait to see these classy mends around campus!
Cole Bedics serves as the Engagement Coordinator for our office.
