Visible Mending Workshop | October 22, 2026

Give your worn-in favourites a second life — and a little flair. Instructor: Sadie Gilker has been embroidering for over 10 years and teaching since 2020. They are a member of the Embroidery Association of Canada. Every well-loved piece of clothing tells a story — the jeans you've worn thin at the knee, the t-shirt with the mystery hole, the dress shirt that never quite recovered from a spilled glass of wine. In this workshop, we'll teach you how to turn those small disasters into something worth showing off. This is an introduction to visible mending, using embroidery to repair rather than hide. Instead of camouflaging a hole, you'll learn how to highlight it — turning a rip or a stain into a deliberate, decorative detail. It's a small act of care for your clothes, and a quiet way to push back against fashion waste. This class is beginner-friendly. All skill levels are welcome. Workshop Size: 4-16 people What you'll learn: Foundational visible mending techniques using embroidery How to assess a hole or stain and choose a mending approach How to turn a repair into a design feature What to bring: One worn, torn, or stained garment you'd like to mend (think elbow holes, knee holes, or coffee stains). All mending materials and tools will be provided. Please note: This workshop does not cover crotch repairs or zipper replacement — these are best left to a professional tailor. Workshop participants will have access to 15% off all Porchlight Press products during their time in the studio.