Originally Posted by raptureready
Originally Posted by MadQuilter
Originally Posted by Rhonda
We had a neighbor who could mend and you would not be able to tell it was mended.
I think the idea of patchwork is counter-intuitive to mending. In patchwork you want to show the pieces and the colors. It's an art form. In mending, you want to hide the pieces and blend the stitches. I'm not fond of it either.
I don't think that one is that far away from the other. In quilting or mending you just want to do the best job you can. I do both, I'm a quilter but first I was a seamtress. Yes, the technique is a little different but there's a finely honed skill to doing either one well. Which to I prefer? Quilting of course or sometimes making clothing, I would rather not mend or alter but I can.
I don't totally agree that they are in the same realm. Quilting is more than sewing. It is creating and designing and putting together a "picture". Mending is whip stitching over and over again which is a mindless sort of sewing that I can't stand.
Yes they both use needle and thread but that is the extent of any connection in my mind. One is fun and rewarding and the other is tedious and boring and meant to be hidden. I'd rather buy new socks and forget mending old ones unless you have no choice. The only time I really did appreciate mending was when my son had a brand new coat and the neighbor I spoke of earlier mended the large tear so you could hardly tell it was there. I suppose there is some satisfaction in doing a good job of it but it still is too boring and dull for me!! I can do it if I have to but I will never do it willingly!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: