A History of Patches and Visible Mending, Darn Tough Socks, and Spinning Q&A

[@TheChroniclesOfYarnia]

I am Gypsy (lol obviously by the name) and patches are paramount to our culture. Many of our garments are patched together , remnants of Grandmas dress cut into squares or uncles coat cut in the squares that way everyone gets a piece of that beloved fabric that walked with our loved one for so many years. I love that it is coming back into fashion ❤

[@yunglynda1326]

as someone who works in a secondhand store, daily i see so many piles and piles of clothes that don't sell get sent to recycle & landfill or overseas. i just can't believe so many clothes exist!!!

[@TheTypewriterError]

Thanks for having me on the podcast, Evie! I'm thinking a little too fast for my mouth to work at times, but I was glad to be able to share what I do with you and your audience. I loved the patch you made on that sweater! I do, unfortunately, have some clothes I bought directly from Shein, but like you said, they do a good job at being size inclusive. Even if their sweaters don't last long, I intend to reuse the ones I have even if that means I have to unravel them for the yarn and knit something else up.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much for joining me and sharing your work! I'm wearing my socks right now and I love them! 🦉💜

[@TheTypewriterError]

@@JillianEve They're darn good socks! ;)

[@kcbryant6546]

An oddities and curiosities expo followed by a yarn show sounds like an ideal date!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Eve I want to say thank you for not only all the spinning help but also for your bright and sunny personality. Listening to you always lifts my spirits. May you have a wonderful week.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much. Happy spinning to you! 💜

[@nz-nz]

I love these types of videos Evie! Recently, I helped a non-sewer friend do a heap of mending on her clothes (and other items). These were top quality garments, and she was thinking of binning them. I said nooooo!!!!!!! A stitch in time certainly DOES save nine!!!

[@vanessalujano7869]

I actually just got a speedweve loom to fix the inner thighs on my pants and shorts it worked beautifully even though I'm a very new fiber artist.

[@penelopefp]

Here from Bernadette Banner's channel. SOO happy to find a sock company I feel good investing in!! Can't wait to check them out! Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year!! The pictures were INCREDIBLE!! How cool!! Cheers to you both!

[@JillianEve]

Welcome! 🧦💖😊

[@bonniemcgee6648]

I think putting patches on garments gives it a new life, I enjoy watching your podcasts.

[@thegadflysnemesis4102]

the visible mending section is so interesting! it never would have occurred to me that there was such thing as a darning loom, but it looks like it makes darning so much easier

[@JillianEve]

It really helped! I want to put patches on everything now! 😂

[@elynapege6467]

It's always a good day when I get a notification for one of your new videos! I loved your story about the accidental yarn festival. Truth be told I had a similar experience. I went to my local yarn store to show my husband my new hobby and the shop owner informed me that there is a fiber show 3 blocks down! It was great to see local makers. This was my first show ever and it happened by complete accident! Now I go there on purpose! Fiber arts are the best 🧶

[@Dollcan]

Sustainable brands should be for all, not for the elite. I love the history you share here. Thanks 🎉

[@JillianEve]

So true!

[@heidim7732]

Awesome! - I've been darning socks for my husband and I for years, just to keep them useful and out of the landfill for longer. I use the teeniest of my steel crochet hooks to winkle pulled loops of yarn to the inside of a sweater, where they can be sewn down. And my daughter is an ardent hiker and requests Darn Tough socks for Christmas every year. Congratulations on hitting so many of my buttons! and thanks for the video.

[@JillianEve]

Haha! We are on the same wavelength! 😄🧶🧦💜

[@Meredith36]

I’m so looking forward to the spindle videos. I’m also finding it so much more complicated than it seems on every video… and then my hands cramp (which is rude and gives me a whole new level of respect for my great-grandma, who could do all of this so easily). Thank you Evie for helping me rekindle family traditions! I think this is so cool 🥰

[@marcireale]

When my kids were babies, I darned their hand-me-down wool tights. My darning egg was a light bulb. 😁 Now I use a small Kolibri loom. I often adorn my clothes darning with embroidery, buttons, and ribbons. My favorite linen dress has a flower pot shaped patch with antique buttons as flowers and embroidered stems.

[@JillianEve]

I would be so scared I would set it down on the couch and then sit on the lightbulb and get glass stuck in my sock! You are brave! 😂

[@caylarivera2804]

As a factory machine operator, and a knitting/fibers art enthusiast, the segment with Jessie was absolutely fascinating. So cool to see how the industrial knitting process works there, I will definitely be checking out darn tough socks!

[@JillianEve]

Glad you enjoyed it! I was equally fascinated! 💜😊

[@tracybird4547]

That was awesome! I loved it all. It was especially nice seeing and hearing about the Darn Tough socks. AND, I adore the fact that you didn’t go for a perfectly symmetrical visible patch. ❤❤❤

[@paulamoore2007]

Wow, Great guest. Her socks are amazing and so fun to see the sock factory. Great show today.

[@madamsasquatch]

I always appreciate a good conversation about sustainable fashion! This is a topic we all have to make more noise about until change is actually had!

[@JillianEve]

Absolutely!

[@irisdude]

"It sparkled...I couldn't help myself." 😂🤣😅 That's awesome!

[@tinathebear]

I love mending because it is so empowering to give clothes a new life!

[@ritzydaisy]

Your guest was wonderful! Great presentation, Jessy! Every time I watch your channel, i know I am going to learn something new. Never thought patches could be so much fun!

[@lulucie5999]

I like that episode, mending is so important, it's sustainability. And has someone who keep their clothes as long as possible, it's pratical 😅

[@deeraines9416]

I had to giggle when you said something about people tearing cloth to then patch. I can still tell the stories of each tear of my jeans. I can also tell the stories of each mended tear. My darning ball was lost in a move and i miss it so much. Each story however has been shared with my son as he will be getting a quilt that will become a storybook for him to share when he starts growing his family. I will have to check into the loom as the ideas started flowing when you were mending with it. I still have some clothes that are over 45 years old. 😊❤

[@JillianEve]

Yes, the cloth holds our stories! Absolutely right!

[@kywire._]

It's so awesome that you interviewed someone from a knitting factory! I've never met anyone with that job, so it's cool to put a face to the work. I love my darning loom! I have one of the metal ones like the one pictured on the magazine cover. I love how sliding the hooks side-to-side allows me to alternatively lift different warp threads. It does stink being limited to one warp size, though. Despite occasionally sewing / upholstering her own home furnishings, my mom's perspective on mending is different from mine, since I studied sustainability in college and have a community of people who love doing sustainable crafts and mending, but for her, having to mend things sometimes feels like a reminder that she can't afford to buy new, and she hates it. I've offered to mend things for her, excited to practice something I preach, and she's refused, feeling frustrated at the frequency of the need. I understand it, but I feel like it's a bit of a generational wall between us!

[@lorimurphy889]

seeing that sock factory was so much fun. I love that kind of stuff. There is. Mill in New Bedford Massachusetts that is now shops but they still have some of the old machinery from when it was a textile factory

[@JillianEve]

I would love to tour that some day. The old machinery is fascinating!

[@fionacarruthers2444]

I love your patched shirt. I have started adding woven patches to my cardigans so I can use them longer. I haven't thought to use my handspun, a thought for next time.

[@Eternal_Hope_Q]

Seeing you sniff the book helped me to feel less weird Evie...thank you 😆

[@JillianEve]

Book nerds unite to smell old books! 📚😂

[@Spinknitty]

Thanks! We were just talking about how often our clothes were patched when we were kids. I love my Katrinkles darning loom, and Darn Tough Vermont socks are my go-to for store-bought socks.

[@staciehite6834]

I was looking at the darning looms here a while back. I’d love this. I totally agree the holes in clothes should be earned. I only started patching after I learned how long it takes to make clothes; if I’m going to spend that much time on something, I want it to last!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

I feel that buying clothing that was manufactured with warn spots and holes misses the hole 😉point. If you ware something until it has naturally acquired holes. It is supper comfortable. If you ware something until it has holes. Then make some decorative patches. You suddenly have a super comfortable one of a kind, fashionable item. That is basically free.

[@Ninjozata]

That's why it exists tho. It's manufactured authenticity. Wanting the street cred od thw working class without the time/effort

[@Serenity7250]

I for one have an old army parka from the 80s (that has visible mends) that ive covered in patches of all my favourite bands and things that i love, that express me as a person. I adore it and really wish more people wore such self expressive pieces. Patches rule.

[@camboyd5260]

I learned to sew and quilt from my mom, but recently got into up cycling and am currently sewing rags for all my friends because, we all need rags!

[@amykehoe7183]

I've been patching my clothes, and then my kids clothes for almost 40 years now. This little loom has been on my radar for a minute now. Fantastic giveaway! Good luck to all!

[@robinpennell1594]

I have an expensive linen tshirt I bought from JJill that has very yhin string. It cannot take cats ir dogs jumping on it so it has multiple pinholes and larger. I decided to hand stitch the holes closed with a running stitch or a whip stitch. I left the snipped end visible. I love the way it looks and I continue to mend it after each dog jump or cat pinhole. I will continue doing this until all of the shirt becomes sewing thread. Now I have a pair if jeans yo patch from my two pups jumping up and grabbing me with their teeth. I cannot wait to do a Japanese style patch.

[@tracysmith7935]

I really could use the patching loom on all of my barn jeans. My goats and horses would see my classy patches and smile with delight! Thanks for sharing a fun video.

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

Evie that style top actually suits you very well. It is very attractive. I have been mending and darning since they handed me that wooden egg on a stick, lol, and then I graduated to a blown glass egg! Thank you for understanding all of us and how we feel about our making.

[@JillianEve]

A blown glass darning egg? It sounds beautiful! 😍

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

@@JillianEve It is!!!! And it is white! Very old and beautiful. Thank you for responding.

[@jeanneb6320]

Very excited about the upcoming spindle videos!

[@LadyWiggin]

I really love the recycle, repurpose(reuse), repair mentality.

[@JillianEve]

Hi LadyWiggin! Thanks for watching, fiber friend. I'm commenting to tell you that you won the mending loom giveaway! (Yes this is really Evie telling you that you won! Here's a ball of yarn and sheep emoji to prove it 🧶🐑) Your name will be announced as the winner in the next podcast on my channel. It will be published on October 1st. To claim your loom, please send me an e-mail with your information so I can send it to you. My email is [e-mail] or you can click directly on the email listed for the JillianEve channel. Happy spinning!

[@lorainew4281]

Hi Evie, great video with a lot of excellent information! I have been wondering how to use one of those little menders and I have some well worn and earned “holey” jeans I love and want visible patches and mending! I enjoyed the interview as well, the socks look amazing and seeing how they are made was very interesting. The curiosities show is a favorite as well and it comes around in Chicago too, it is a lot of fun! Thank you for a terrific podcast!

[@susancorbett8155]

I really love the variety of segments in your podcast. So much useful and interesting content in one package!

[@ArwynArising]

One of the classes I am MOST excited about at Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival is the mending and darning class. The shirt is awesome.

[@MadamHerrero]

I absolutely love your videos and tutorials. I'm over the moon that your going to be doing more spindle videos! I can't wait to see them and share them with a few friends who find my wool obsession interesting and want to give it a go to without dropping a bunch of money on the "big" equipment. Spindles are my preferred method for beginners since it takes up no space and you can control every aspect of it easier then most wheels and espinners. That's just my preference

[@JillianEve]

Spindles are so wonderful! Happy spinning!

[@DreamWeavr]

I loved looking at all the sock looms, it would be so awesome to do a tour!

[@stitchwithbritt5922]

Thank you so much for answering my question🥰 I love the little patch on you’re sweater.

[@Adarhysenthe]

I haven't gotten very brave with my visible mending, but there was a crocheted doll that my mom had as a kid and I ended up with. I recently took it apart and washed it, replaced the styrofoam base with batting, and did some visible mending by replacing the missing leg with a new one in yarn that wasn't a perfect match to the other legs but matched the overall colors of the doll. I think it's looks so good and is much more huggable now! I'm feeling more encouraged to fix some of my old garments with holes with some patches now, though!

[@JillianEve]

What an adorable make-over for your precious doll! 💜

[@linneaedwards1862]

This was so interesting! I’ve never ever payed much thought to visible mending before, but it’s so interesting how it can be both utility and fashion.

[@gaibutler3254]

What a great array of topics, the time flew by! That sock factory was an eye-opener. As a very new spinner, your channel is one of the first I've found, so I'm slowly checking out various episodes. I really love the way you explain things and how you clearly show what you are doing...thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I'm taking this episode as a forceful hint - my husband's woollen jumper has been sitting around, begging for some holes to be mended, I may have to give visible mending a try today. Thanks again.

[@EssaysByTom]

Great episode! Regarding the history section, I think part of the history that we have to own is that the punk movement's visible mending was something of a gentrification. For the poorer people throughout history, as you mentioned, it wasn't a statement but a necessity. "liberating" visible mending from class association because it is fashionable (see: pre-ripped clothes, like you mentioned) does the impoverished a disservice because it turns their plight into an aesthetic. However, we also have to demonstrate that it can be fashionable to make mending appealing in our society that wastes so much. Its a balancing act, and I appreciate how you walked the tight rope! I especially appreciated you calling attention to Shein.

[@sophiamartinez5718]

I loved hearing about darning and visible mending! I tried to darn a pair of jeans a little while ago, without a small loom, and by basically winging it, and to say it did not go well is an understatement 😂 i guess the darn wasnt too bad itself, but what was worse is i did the entire wrong spot! Haha love the podcast, cant wait to see more!

[@thealmightym]

This video was perfect timing! I have a handknit sweater that recently developed a hole. Darning sounds like the right solution to repair it.

[@fancyweasel5726]

Interesting to see the sock factory. I've never used a darning loom but I've sewn many patches onto worn out jeans!

[@JillianEve]

Worn out jeans are the most comfy jeans!

[@jacquelinesalem2776]

I've been having a darn tough time getting motivated to patch my knits, so thank you for this thread of inspiration:)!

[@meloowho1373]

Thank you for showing how it works! I’ve always wanted to know exactly how it works before getting one! Congratulations to the lucky winner!!

[@EliDeNeige]

I love it so much when you publish a new video. All that you value,is what I think too. I discovered mending recently and really love it.

[@Melissah9812]

I really enjoy your videos. It makes me want to run out and get all the supplies to get started. I especially like how realistic you are with the methods and equipment. Keep it up!! 😊

[@strickbaerbel7430]

Thank you for answering the questions of last time! I'm really looking forward to your upcoming videos about spinning because I can learn something new every time! 😍

[@genier7829]

64 yo here. Mc Calls and its ilk were how everyone learned stuff before the internet. I learned lots of complex craft skills from books including chair caning and invisible mending and embroidery.

[@alenemazzuca5118]

That little loom was fun, maybe a better way to patch my sock heels

[@roxanneash4091]

Loved this interview so much, it was really interesting to watch, as always a great video! Thank you.

[@JillianEve]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephinerock3426]

Loved the behind the scenes of the sock factory. I have never repaired a pair of socks before but I have a pair that I knitted, and they are starting to wear out. So I think I'm going to try my hand at mending them.

[@JillianEve]

Happy mending!

[@flowerjoy2090]

Patches for decoration take me back to bell bottom days. Hours and hours spent embroidering on them instead of homework. 🫣🤣🤣

[@kathrynway7218]

Love the visible patching

[@albertl.cruztoro3050]

I love patching! I think it gives a beautiful life to torn objects. Its poetry!

[@FelixTheAnimator]

Down with fast fashion! Patching is Solarpunk! 🌄🌻

[@carolmujica2479]

Love your channel. You are so knowledgeable and a good communicator/teacher. Thoughtful topic and presentation. Thanks!

[@deannagreenwood7257]

It's been great to see you podcasting again! I've done a few visible mending patches on some of my handknits; some socks as well as a favorite cardigan of mine. But I've never used any kind of loom for them.

[@cmwranch1010]

I love working with yarns

[@christman688]

I've been thinking about getting a darning loom after reading the Spin Off magazine. What a cool giveaway.

[@belindasilver8430]

I loved the interview with this week. I have had my heart set on getting a circular sock machine, for awhile now, so it was great to see the massive commercial sock machines. I also agree with you. Mending our clothes is so much better for the environment.

[@ispeaknerd]

I love Darn Tough Socks. Very cool to see inside the factory.

[@daniellemoya-mendezilling2591]

Darn Tough is a favorite brand for backpackers, so neat to hear more about them! Thank you for all you do to share so much practical information about working with fiber 🙏

[@davidkish9829]

Very smart to recycle & save textiles. That is one cool little darning loom. Very interesting. Your long hair looks great! Thanks for all the informative and fun videos!

[@fernsmum-l5y]

great episode. I am testing how many years of wear I can get from a pair of second hand cargo pants, After four years, several areas have now been sashiko mended, , the pants are proudly worn on average 20 hours a week, I am hoping to get to 10 years at least.

[@georgiabaddeley6606]

I seriously love this channel! Thank you Evie

[@CheapEngineerCrafts]

I love your deep dives into historical methods. Thank you for your researches!

[@JillianEve]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sierrapelona]

I have several items of clothing with small holes and tears, and those little darning looms are an intriguing alternative to applique as a means of visible mending.

[@MrAllenbrook]

I have a small loom and was a bit iffy as to how to use it. Seeing you demonstrate it really helped me to see how it worked. Thank you for all your videos. I have learned so much.

[@kimjacobsen8916]

A video on short fibre flax on drop spindle would be very interesting. I haven't seen that anywhere on KZbin so might be a good addition!

[@chanapearl1]

For the Q & A section, Rachel might skip buying a swift and just put her skeins over the back of a kitchen table chair (or the like) and use the chair back to hold her yarn while she winds a ball. And while I recognize this isn't exact, my arms have always been my knitty knotty! I hold them comfortably apart and wind from my wheel into the crook between my thumb and forefinger in such a way that the yarn forms an open circular skein shape. It could be that if she lives in a tiny college apartment, she might have a tiny budget for spinning as well! And one more thing -- just in case she isn't using the space under her bed, she could stuff a lot of fiber under there. paula

[@dawnrowe5645]

We just had colonial heritage festival here and I had lots of opportunities to talk about fast fashion and the change in clothing philosophy.

[@saragreenfield1648]

Hahaa I sat down with my birds, a snack, and the sock I'm kitting, and then opened this video. Almost immediately you suggested we grab a WIP, snack, and fluffy friend! I guess we're on the same wavelength! Thanks so much for all the work you put into these podcasts! They are such a treat!

[@KBFibers]

Those darning looms look neat and easy to use. Very nice sweater, I like it.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

The sweater looks good and the patch keeps it from being plain.

[@lexisavard6092]

I just stumbled on your channel and as a sock nerd, this was an incredible introduction to your videos. Looking forward to more in the future!!

[@teresac.m.355]

The shirt is cute with its little patch.

[@mermaidstears4897]

I have an original cotton dress ca. 1860, that has a lining patched together from five completely different (but similar color) fabrics. A friend has a WWI issue print shirt that has been carefully pieced in four places, with the pattern carefully matched-and done before initial construction. It’s fascinating how frugal our forebears were with fabric

[@JillianEve]

What treasures you both have!

[@tmckin8806]

Thanks for the episode! I enjoyed it 😊

[@Auctophantasia]

I absolutely love the idea of visible mending. I can already think of a few projects I could try patchwork on.

[@JillianEve]

You and me both! I'm worried that everything I own is about to get ✨embelished✨.

[@Caelmore76]

Thank you for the video. You are always so soothing and it gives me a chance to take a few minutes and reset my mind.

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad! 🧶😊✨

[@lisabecker9809]

When darning I have always just attached my warp to the top and bottom edges of the hole and then attach on each side as I complete the weft. This was how I learned to darn from my mother. However trying this mending loom does seem intriguing 🙂

[@mariepla1370]

I buy my clothes from thrift stores and I buy yarn and fabric, too. When I find nice skeins of yarn for a good price, I can't resist. Love your channel, taught me how to spin. Thanks.❤❤

[@teresac.m.355]

These repair looms have peaked my interest for a long time. One day I will give in and purchase one.

[@JillianEve]

Cross your fingers, maybe you will win one! Happy spinning!

[@vane_lao]

Great content! this little loom is the cutest thing and I'm very excited for the upcoming videos about spindles since I also am a crafter with small space 😆

[@invisibleabi999]

This was such a perfectly timed video, I was just sitting here trying to resist the urge to do some visible mending instead of finishing one of my trillion WIPs! I'm not sure how you read my mind, but I'm not mad

[@JillianEve]

So what did you end up doing? I'm in suspense! 😂

[@farasanchez2618]

Thank you so much for your videos I am self taught spinner and appreciate all the lessons you so graciously provide

[@sharonvaughn5063]

Thank you for doing the Q and A, very helpful!

[@coraleedennis8034]

Thankyou, this was perfect to come home and relax to

[@morsmitt3126]

I really like mending my clothes (and I make a lot of them myself or remake thrift clothes). I think it's so nice to take care of your clothes, taking your shoes to cobbler. Im a big fan of Darn Tough Sock. Found then through hiking community and fell in love ❤

[@mereina2193]

I loved your segment on the history of patches. As always, the info you present is so well organized and relevant. I may have to try some visible mending-the top came out so well! It definitely added an element of visual interest. Thank you again for a great podcast!

[@JillianEve]

Yay! Happy spinning!