Joyful Mending

Starred review from March 1, 2020

With her first book, Misumi crafts a resource as practical as it is whimsical, with beautifully rendered cartoons, images of clients with garments in need of mending, and straightforward tips. By focusing on "visible repairs," mindfulness, and the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (appreciation for imperfections), Misumi foregrounds the ways in which mending is (in her words) a "way of life" and a way of preserving the lives of things. From moth holes to stains, the damage that fabrics incur during daily life becomes a new backdrop for stitches and techniques including shibori and crochet. Misumi visually guides readers through visible and invisible mending techniques that bring new life to well-loved materials. VERDICT Anyone wishing to preserve and repair their favorite clothes will find plenty of ideas and useful techniques here.--Emily Bowles, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison

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