Interview with Bronwen Jones
www.bronwenjones.info
What makes something worth repairing?
I think most things are worth repairing. A few generations ago, it was normal to repair everything. I see it as a sign of respect for the materials and the people who have made the object, to make it last as long as possible. Of course, repairing clothes takes time or costs money, so realistically not everything can be repaired. But if we start consuming more thoughtfully and responsibly, we might be more eager to repair what we have.
We see that you tend to make your mending visible, why?
I like to show the mending because it celebrates the garment and shows how much we care for it. I find it beautiful to highlight the ageing of the material and its imperfec- tions. I also like to visualise how a body moves through the gar- ment and where the damage occurs, as it can be different for everyone.
What is your favorite stitch or repair technique? Can you give us a tip?
My favourite technique is darning, which involves interweaving yarn to repair holes, particularly in knit- wear. I recommend repairing even before a hole appears. If the fab- ric is thinning, it is easier to repair it before the hole gets big- ger. Also, embrace your imperfect stitches and be patient — it takes time to learn a skill.
What is the value in sharing stories about clothes?
I believe if we recognise the emotional value of our clothing we can develop a deeper relationship with those pieces — and encourage others to do the same.
How does your practice make people care for their clothes for longer? Can you give an example or anecdote.
I have a silk dressing gown that was my grandmother's until she passed away five years ago. I’ve been wearing it since and repairing it regularly over that time, I don’t feel like I could ever throw it away and it becomes increasingly special because of all the time I’ve spent on it. I regularly teach workshops and many similar stories come up, I love seeing the excitement in people when they realise how easy it is to repair and the agency, they get from being able to extend the life of their clothes.