Are you interested in visibly mending textiles and exploring care as we age? Together, in this 2,5-hour workshop, we will spend time learning to plain-weave darn and exploring acts of care and transitions as we age (during any point in our life). This will be an opportunity not only to visibly mend, but to provide a space to exchange experiences about care and aging, with the goal to gather new outlooks, empathy, and connections between generations.
The workshop will include:
- Overview of darning tools and picking the perfect yarn
- Step-by-step darning demonstration and darn-a-long
- Conversations and reflections around care and aging
- Darning take-aways and more
Participants are encouraged to bring their own damaged or worn textiles to mend along with yarns or embroidery floss of your choosing. We recommend looking for small holes or very worn/thin areas in socks, sweaters, hats, and wool shirts or flannels. We DON'T recommend jeans, t-shirts, or garments made of delicate fabrics for your first time darning. You can find more information on supplies and specifics on yarns in this list of Darning Supplies by the Repair Shop. We will also have materials to practice with.
This workshop is inspired by the 19th century adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” where we explore experiences of aging through the concept of mending and maintenance. This workshop will be facilitated in English, although during written reflections you may write in the language you are most comfortable with.
Accessibility
If you are tight on funds and want to participate in this event, please get in touch with maro [@] waag [dot] org.
