Once you have simplified your lifestyle, de-cluttered your space, and invested in solid and long-lasting household objects, the next step is keeping those things in good shape. Sometimes a little TLC is all that’s needed like the wood butter I wrote about in a prior post. Other times, it’s just a few weaves of thread, like when your washer decides to unravel the seams of your favorite t-shirt. And when the repair necessary is just a little over your head, aka cobbler skills, you find that certain local someone who can fix all of your winter boot woes.
A little know how and some ingenuity is all that is required to repair most anything at home. Instead of flippantly tossing said object in a trash bin, first give the fixer upper a go. If the skills necessary to bring it back into mint condition are too tedious to learn or you lack the required time, there is bound to be someone in the community that can help. Another idea to consider is mailing the item back to the company that manufactured it if they are willing to repair it. Fixing one small part is much less wasteful than replacing the entire product.
For clothing, I have a small sewing kit that I use to mend ripped seams, sew up holes in pockets, and hem pant bottoms. I am by no means a sewing wizard and honestly have only used my sewing machine a few times. It’s a life goal of mine to learn how to sew like my mother who can whip up whole outfits by hand. In the mean time, I’ll satisfy my sewing dreams with a cross stitch here or there.
As much as I love my favorite clothing pieces, I also have a death grip on the few pair of shoes I have left. After three years of heavy use, my favorite winter boots started to pull apart from the soles and became quite scuffed. After only two days at the local cobbler, my boots were like brand new and ready to tackle the next winter. I also own a pair of Chacos which I can mail back to the company if I ever need any repair or replacement parts.
So when able, try to mend the old and avoid the new. Repair rather than replace, and spread a little love to the oldies but goodies!