Mending old clothes isn’t generally seen as a fun communal activity, but in Kennington, people come together twice a month to do exactly that.
Mending Circle, held at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, is a drop-in space where anyone can bring along their sewing and work on it over a cup of tea and a chat.
For organiser Asako Kobayashi, communal needlework is a way to foster a “warm connection” with ourselves, others, and the wider environment.
She said: “Mending Circle is a place for being, not for doing.
“We can embody non-violence through the materials and things that happen to come into our lives, and remind ourselves not to give up on things so easily.”
At Mending Circle on 13 November, two women spoke about why they prefer to sew with others – you can watch their comments in the video below.
Sharon Bannister was sewing crochet squares together into a homemade scarf, while Libby Jennings was mending a linen jacket she bought in the 80s.
Asako said while most people do bring something to work on, some turn up just to meet new people, or to pick up mending tips.
Free to join and open to all, Mending Circle runs on the second Wednesday (evening) and last Wednesday (afternoon) of each month.
