Critiquing Consumption: Fix & Mend Gathering

Words by Kit

Sock knitting, restringing a wooden xylophone, strengthening loose buttons on a cardigan, gluing scuffed soles onto shoes. These were just some of the projects that people brought to our neighbourly gathering called Fix & Mend. Over a potluck dinner, we also shared life histories on the topics of low consumption, repairs and making things. In between stitching and sticking, the conversation veered to the ‘circular economy’ and local economic practices.

How do we get more talk and action in these areas? Several great ideas floated to the surface such as organising a ‘crafternoon’ tea party at a local café, or maybe in a library study room to build community, draw people to the library, and access library resources useful for the tasks. We also see a need for bringing young children in contact with older people to share the skills of fixing, sewing, knitting, mending, crochet, etc as well as more technical projects.

Working by hand can be time-consuming and thus seen as a chore, so we often push aside these small repair jobs. But when you get together to do it in good company, and add in the dimensions of learning and storytelling, you can have fun while getting work done.

A stitch in time saves nine. Come on over and we’ll dine!