I picked up a pair of jeans recently. They were new jeans with fake ageing. I have to say I am generally not a fan of such techniques, but they fit really well and I was in need of a quick fix. This doesn’t exactly fits with my ideals, but hey ho.
I knew that the knees would go pretty quickly as the ageing made them pretty weak and so a hole quickly emerged. Of course, cool people leave such holes, but I just can’t. I see creative possibilities and I just can’t leave them.
I have been wanting to try some more complex Sashiko for a while and these jeans presented an opportunity to experiment.
A few months ago I visited the Craft and Quilt Fair in Sydney, not exactly my bag, but worth a trip to meet Jane MacDonald, the owner of Bebe Bold, a local Sashiko supplier and teacher. It was crazy busy but she chatted to us for a while and helped me choose some thread and impart some of her vast knowledge. I bought some lovely pieces, three Olympus threads, long Sashiko needles and some Kogin fabric. Jane also gave me instructions for a pin cushion, the Hitomezashi Hydrangea pattern.

I have been dying to try it for a while but it looked frightening complicated so I have been sitting on it. Time to bite the bullet.
Here’s what I did;





I am not the neatest hand sewer, even with the dots to help me out. But it’s quite lovely all the same.
Boring mending? Definitely not. Enjoyable mending? Most definitely.
I loved sitting down with the kids, I rarely do it. They watched ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’ while I stitched away.
Cosmic x
Good God! You’re a genius!
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Doubtful but thank you for your love X
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Ps miss you X
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That looks amazing! Love it. XX.
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Thanks Suze X
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Kate this is truly beautiful! How wonderful to repair something to better than it’s first incarnation. I wouldn’t be able to stop looking at my knee. I am almost convinced to give Sashiko a go. I’m not at all into it usually, but girl this is so pretty and effective.
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It’s great fun, I love a bit of slow sewing. You would really enjoy this process I am sure x
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So lovely!
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Thanks Sarah X
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Outstanding next level shit I aspire to – so very well done 🙂
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‘Next level shit’ I love that! Made me really laugh. Thanks X
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It’s my highest accolade Kate x
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Super idea, I love it! I’ve thrown many pairs away as I wear the knees out when playing with the kids on the floor and I’m not a cool ripped kinda gal. I need to try and find some of that fabric, it looks great and the possibilities are endless.
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Thanks X It’s great fabric. Online is your best bet. If you are in Australia then try BeBe Bold. X
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That’s so cool! I usually try and make my mending blend in with the garment, but this is very nice!
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Thanks! I love visible mending do much. X
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This is all sorts if fabulous Kate. Your visable mending is inspiring… and definitely not boring.
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Thanks Anna X
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Wow, that is so beautiful! I’m seriously impressed 🙂
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thank you x
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