Modern Mending

10/16/2026

Fit of the day: transforming a dress into a top

I found this lovely dress from Ecuador at the Nook last month and although it looked far too traditional to wear as is, I knew that if I turned it into a top, it would be so much more versatile.

Since it’s 100% wool, I’m wearing it over top my favorite merino long sleeve shell and my black Upcycled denim/poplin skirt. I love that this piece adds a pop of colour to the head to toe black base.

Do you have a special piece that just doesn’t fit right? Drop in to my studio tomorrow between 10 and 4 pm and let’s see how we can transform it into your new favorite.

Also, go vote!

09/12/2026

Fit of the day: MM Biker Knee Patched Skinny Jeans

Yes, the skinny jeans can totally become a timeless classic if styled the way that flatters you. Here I’m sporting my original Hudson Jeans with the Biker Knee Patch, paired with knee high boots, an oversized men’s shirt thrifted from the Nook and a dark gray camisole. I like to button the shirt from the waist down as the layering creates a more flattering silhouette.

Love the idea of patching your skinny jeans? Go to the link in bio and shop my patterns on Etsy. Patterns are available in ALL sizes.

09/05/2026

Fit of the Day: Re/designed gingham blouse

Thrifted dress re/designed into a beautiful top which I paired with light wool pants and a wide brown leather belt.

Studio will be closed tomorrow but back next week. Drop ins on Saturdays will be welcome for hemming and mending. Please add your name to the waitlist if you have a special piece needing tailoring or redesign.

Enjoy the long weekend!

08/14/2026

Time to pause and reset. See you in September!

08/01/2026

Fit of the day & last call for summer hemming

Here’s a lovely upcycled lace top made from vintage fabric, paired with my upcycled denim skirt. I love this look and especially love that this design can fit so many body types.

Also, come by today between 10 and 4 to drop off simple hemming if you need it by August 13th as we will be closing for the last two weeks of the month.

Happy long weekend!

07/24/2026

Studio Tour July 2026 edition

07/03/2026

Fit of the day: Leaning into sentimental value

I love when clothes remind us of a memory of someone we cared about or shared a special moment with. If you lived on Bowen in the last 20 years or longer, you probably had the chance to meet Angie who held court at the Nook. I should probably write a blog post to go into a little bit more detail about the story and what it means to me, but in short, she gifted me an old crochet hook that belonged to her grandmother. Honoured by the gesture, I taught myself how to make doilies and recently used them to embellish this T-shirt.

I’m wearing it over a long sleeve t-shirt, my CH Upcycled denim skirt and a pair of second hand Fluevog ballerina flats.

Do you have a piece that carries a special memory? Share your story in the comments, I would love to know about it.

06/29/2026

Children welcome!

I had my youngest visitor yet last Friday and realized that I had a fun activity to occupy preschoolers when a parent is doing a fitting - the classic shoe lace and punched wood to learn the actions of stitching (available at Phoenix Books) but nothing for toddlers and babies. Believe me, a 10 month old in a new place when mom is in the changing room requires diversions, which, having raised 3 of my own, I was more than happy to oblige with 💕.

That said, my rendition of twinkle twinkle little star only goes so far so I found a few perfect treasures yesterday for extra props - large beads and a string with wood tip to get those fine motor skills going which are essential for handwork and writing, as well as the ultimate must have for any baby, a mini-car, because, wheels (both from Books, art & toys for curious minds).

06/25/2026

And the award for best Ted talk goes to…

Our family has been keen fans of Mark Rober for years now. I’m delighted to see that he’s expanding his content into free science curriculum for teachers. I’m a huge fan of hiding the vegetables which might be one of the reasons I love my work so much. As a clothing designer and master tailor, math - more specifically geometry and its elements like the golden rule - are the architectural framework to my creativity. Could reshaping a pair of old jeans be the gateway drug to applied science 🤔 ?!Rockridge (West Vancouver Schools) please bring back the textiles program 🙏

Mark Rober () spent years trying to land a rover on Mars....

06/05/2026

Upcycled top: 1st fitting & your input please!

When enlarging a dress or top, I usually do at least one fitting to make sure that it falls nicely. Especially in the case of a top that has boning like this one where it’s important to fit it to the body.

At this stage, I didn’t like how the bottom of the bodice fell so I opened the side seams and decided it’s best to redo that bottom panel to double the original size.

Now for the final touches, what do you think? Should I reattach the beaded ribbon or leave it as is? Comment below or go to my stories and vote for your favorite option.