Shippensburg University students in the Intro to Environmental Sustainability class hosted a mending night on April 10, in CUB 105, for people interested in thrifting, sewing and mending.
The event was held as a workshop, intending to promote the recycling of clothing instead of overconsumption or fast-fashion practices. The event taught people how to give their clothes with ripped seams or holes a second life, and taught people how to upcycle sustainably.
The class, taught by Russell Hedberg, associate professor in the geography and earth science department, provided a range of needle sizes, many different colors of thread and different-sized and colored scraps of fabric to repair clothing that people brought for upcycling.
Attendees sewed and fixed shirts and other articles of clothing, cross-stitched and embroidered fabric, along with listening to music and talking among each other. With the many different thread colors, students made designs on their clothing as well, adding some flair.
Emma Sokolowski, a student hosting the event, said, “I chose this kind of event because sustainable measures can feel too daunting sometimes, and on too high a level for normal people to partake in. So, something as small as clothing mending is something we can all do on our own to take small steps rather than big leaps toward change.”
With the success of mending night, it is possible that more sustainability-focused events will happen in the future.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.