Free Virtual Mending Workshop

Virtual mending workshop

By Mathilda Savocchia

Praxis Fiber Workshop is hosting a free virtual mending workshop on Sunday, February 21 from 1 – 3 PM. This workshop will be held free of charge, as it will be used to collect data for a research study at Kent State University. Please read the following for more information on the workshop and the accompanying research study.

Who is conducting this study?

The research is being conducted by me! My name is Mathilda Savocchia, and I am a graduate student in the Master of Fashion Industry Studies (MFIS) program at Kent State University and a Research Intern at Praxis Fiber Workshop. I am in the process of collecting data for my graduate thesis, which focuses on the place of mending in the current global fashion industry. I am utilizing a mixed method approach to gather a diverse set of data to inform my research, including observing a virtual mending workshop.

How and why is this data being collected?

The ultimate goal of observing the workshop is to answer the research question: What are the effects of mending activities in an educational setting on attendee’s perceived aptitudes, confidence, and mood?

​Additionally, this workshop will act as a pilot workshop to help Praxis determine interest in future mending/sustainability-themed workshops and the viability of virtual settings.

​Before the workshop begins, participants will be asked to complete a short mood self-assessment and questionnaire (pre-test). The workshop itself will include instruction by Jessica Pinsky (Executive Director at Praxis) on different types of apparel mending. After participating in the mending workshop, participants will again be asked to complete a mood-assessment and questionnaire (post-test). These tests will later be compared by the researcher (me!). In addition to the pre- and post-tests, observations made by the researcher during the workshop (possible observations may include participant interactions, comments, questions, successes, and difficulties) may also be observed and analyzed.

Who can participate in the workshop?

Any adult (18 years old or older) is welcome to participate in the workshop! However, only adults 18 years and older may participate in the research study. Registration is required as the number of participants is limited to 15.

Do I need supplies?

Many of the necessary supplies for the mending workshop are common items that participants may already have at home! You will need clothing that needs mending, sharp or embroidery needle, darning or tapestry needle, embroidery floss, and a cotton or wool yarn for mending. I provided links to supplies from a local fabric store Bolt and Spool.

Are there any risks associated with this research project?

Because this workshop will be delivered in a virtual setting, the risk to participants is very low. In other words, there are no risks outside of those expected in everyday life. Additionally, the workshop will not be screen recorded, and no identifying information will be collected. Participants will be given an informed consent form before the workshop and will be allowed to opt out of the study any time.

​In fact, this study could benefit participants by teaching them a new skill and providing social contact in an isolating time!

Have more questions?

Please feel free to reach out if you have further concerns or questions about the workshop (contact Anna at [email protected]) or research (contact Mathilda Savocchia at [email protected]).

Interest in registering?

To register for the virtual mending workshop, click here!

Additional Research Survey

This survey explores sustainable fashion, mending as a sustainable practice, and the related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be used in conjunction with other data collection methods to explore the place of mending in today’s fashion industry.  If you have a few minutes, please consider taking the survey and feel free to share with others!
Link to survey: https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CTtHC2UyN9ZhM9