Mending Matters: Stitch, Repair, & Reflect

Instructor: Jay Reddish

Day & Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuition: $70.00

Ages: 16 and Up, Minors must have a parent or guardian registered for the same workshop and present throughout in order to participate.

Mending Matters – Stitch, Repair, and Reflect In this class at Olive’s Porch, we’ll explore the art of hand-mending through conversation and stitch work. You’ll learn basic embroidery and repair techniques while creating a fabric mending book—part sampler, part keepsake—that you can reference for future fixes. Using thread, fabric, and a little patience, we’ll practice useful stitches and talk about the life cycle of our clothes: why they wear out, how to fix them, and when it’s worth it to try. You’ll gain the skills to repair most common rips, holes, and stains—and the confidence to decide when and how to mend.

Experience needed: All levels are welcome. No experience required.

Students Please Bring:

• (Optional) Personal hand sewing kit
• Note taking materials.
• (Optional) A snack and/or water bottle. Filtered water is available in the classroom.

An additional fee for materials provided by your instructor for this workshop is estimated at $10.00. THIS FEE IS PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

* We contract with local and regional instructors for short workshops that generally require a minimum of students to run. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for up-to-date enrollment information. To respect our instructor’s time and preparation for workshops, please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a workshop. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to a workshop will be issued a full refund. Cancellations made 14 or less days prior to your workshop are not eligible for a refund. If Olive’s Porch needs to cancel a workshop for any reason, we will issue a full refund. See our General Information and Policies page on our website for more information.

About Instructor: Jay Reddish is a metalsmith and educator specializing in sand casting with recycled materials. With over a decade of teaching experience, they create functional sculpture and jewelry inspired by history, fantasy, and the natural world. In addition to metalwork, Jay has a background in mending and sustainable fashion, using hand-stitching and repair as tools for both creative expression and environmental care. Through their workshops, Jay empowers students to explore sustainable practices and discover the creative potential of upcycled materials—both metal and cloth.