Mending for the Modern Maker

Fashion historian and sewing expert Julie Eilber will demonstrate easy yet important mending skills, including patching holes with Japanese Sashiko stitches, replacing buttons the haute couture way, and beautifying worn items with decorative embroidery. No sewing experience is needed!

Space is limited. This workshop is designed for adult participants but children are welcome if accompanied by an adult collaborator. Free with museum admission, but a separate ticket, available online beginning November 17, is required. Drop-ins on the day of the program will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis in the People’s Studio, beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.

Julie Eilber reconstructs famous midcentury designs using original patterns by Charles James, Chanel, Vionnet, and Schiaparelli. Her irreverent blog, Jet Set Sewing, has entranced a worldwide readership of vintage fans and #makers, who follow along as she demonstrates techniques that range from home sewing to haute couture. While researching her upcoming book about fashion legend Claire McCardell, Eilber discovered the secrets of “make do and mend,” which kept WWII-era women chic while supporting the war effort. Her modern updates on traditional mending techniques are created for today’s “slow fashion” movement.