Joyful Mending - by Noriko Misumi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Joyful Mending shows you how to repair and improve old items of clothing by turning tears and flaws into beautiful features.

Simply by applying a few easy sewing, darning, felting, or crocheting techniques, as well as some sashiko and other favorite embroidery stitches, you can repair your favorite pieces in a transformative way.

Along with her own philosophy of mindfullness and Wabi-Sabi mending, author Noriko Misumi teaches you how to:

• Repair any kind of fabric that is torn, ripped or stained--whether knitted or woven
• Work with damaged flat or curved surfaces to make them aesthetically pleasing again
• Create repairs that blend in, as well as bold or whimsical visible repairs
• Darn your handmade or expensive gloves, sweaters and socks to make them look great again

The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.

Review Quotes

"...a resource as practical as it is whimsical... Misumi visually guides readers through visible and invisible mending techniques that bring new life to well-loved materials...Anyone wishing to preserve and repair their favorite clothes will find plenty of ideas and useful techniques here" --Library Journal Starred Review

"...Filled with practical mending techniques, both visible and invisible, Noriko approaches every mending project as an opportunity for creative expression...this book has the classic minimalist 'zakka' aesthetic that we've all come to love about Japanese craft books. Overall, Joyful Mending is a lovely read. It's full of practical instructions and lots of creative ideas to approach your next mending project with a touch of whimsy." --My Poppet Makes blog

"...It's perfect for those of us seeking practical and creative ways to reduce our environmental footprint...If you have an interest in this sort of thing, get a copy of the book to see the numerous examples of clothing restoration. It is inspiring. Your repairs can be as subtle or creative as you like, and it's so satisfying to keep that beloved jean jacket going." --Empress of Dirt blog

"The photos are beautiful and the layout is very thoughtful and easy to follow...I found the details and approaches included in the book very refreshing and inspiring! If you're new to mending or an experienced mender, you'll find the artful details in this book inspiring for your own mending." --Oak Blue Designs blog

"This is a very interesting and useful book that will come in handy! I love her ideas and inspirations of her works." --ET Speaks from Home blog

"Turning tears and flaws into beautiful features using a few easy sewing, darning, felting and crochet techniques, Misumi shows you how to add character to your clothing, helping you to save money and make life more sustainable, using a range of subtle and whimsical visible repairs." --Embroidery Magazine

"With Joyful Mending I am now able to make items wearable and unique without ongoing costs. [...] I am so happy to have been introduced to visible mending and the techniques involved." --Castle View Academy

About the Author

Noriko Misumi graduated from Tokyo's Musashino University of Art and Design before becoming an author, magazine stylist, window display designer and instructor. She is a frequent contributor to crafting and DIY magazines in her native Japan, helps to organize exhibits and teaches workshops throughout the country.