Embroider, Mend and Sew

This book seems different, a combination of a story book, a picture book and a ‘how to’ book. A mix that draws you in and gets your creative mind going immediately.

The author Aitor Saraiba takes the reader on his sewing journey which has been such a big part of his life. He explains different styles of stitching and beautiful ways to mend and use items that mean something to you as a stitcher. He breaks the book into sections of Textile Projects, Natural Dyes, Sewing Materials, Favourite Stitches, Epilogue and Templates and each of these headings are an overarching description of pages full of beautiful photographs, imaginative projects and words that really make you understand the life works of the Author.

Aitor makes it very clear in his introduction that this book is not about recreating his work or him providing strict instructions on the materials required. It is indeed his aim to inspire the reader to see the beauty of items that you may see around you both in the home and on your travels both near and far.

The list of the textile projects is very varied with a number of techniques that I recognise such as appliqué, block printing and boro and other headings that made me feel excited to see the ideas and projects covered such as textile books, snippet rolls and mini throws.

Admittedly I don’t always think of mending clothes or household items in this consumable world but reading through this book has really made me think just a little bit differently about how I could use and reuse my textiles and belongings to make a picture or an item that captures some of my Grandma’s buttons, my Mum’s embroidery and some of the things I have collected on my travels.. perhaps it will even turn into an heirloom loved by my family in years to come.

This is a beautiful inspirational book, not for those who want projects that give exact requirements and instructions but definitely for anyone who loves textiles, wants to have a reason to collect items that mean something in their life and to create beautiful items to display as pieces of art through stitches and fabric.

The title of this book can only be read in the context of the author. See to find out more. The book explores traditional crafts, including natural dyeing methods. Just glancing through the many photos show how scraps of fabric and old clothing can be given a new lease of life or transformed into something else. Methods of mending or patching old clothing in decorative ways, making wall hangings, cushions etc. illustrated by photographs and hand drawings. This book would be great to use for use in activity groups of any age, to make things by hand, using scraps of fabric at very little cost. Children will love to sew the small forest dweller animals or a textile book. Older groups will like the heart pincushion or to try some appliqué.

Aside from inspiring you to try the techniques, the book has a fascinating insight into traditional crafts used in current times. Even if you don’t sew it’s worth a look, and it might just inspire you to try in a low cost manner.

It’s a beautifully presented book that brings together different textile techniques, encouraging you to experiment, be creative and make something individual. What I particularly like is that it isn’t just about embroidery. It explores sewing, appliqué, visible mending, patchwork and decorative stitching, opening up lots of possibilities for using these techniques in everyday sewing projects.

I like the idea of giving fabrics a new lease of life rather than throwing them away, and the visible mending and Boro-inspired techniques. There is something quite special about turning an old or well-loved piece of fabric into something beautiful through a little imagination and stitching.

There are so many lovely photographs and visual ideas throughout the book, which make it enjoyable to browse and provide plenty of creative inspiration. However, I do feel that there could have been more practical information and detailed guidance on actually mending sewing items. With a title that includes the word ‘Mend’, I was hoping for a little more explanation of different repair techniques, how to approach common fabric problems and step-by-step instructions for carrying out repairs.

Overall, a lovely-looking book with plenty of visual inspiration and interesting textile ideas. I just wish there had been a little more practical guidance on the mending side, as this is something I would have particularly liked to learn more about.

Aitor Saraiba lives and works in a stone cabin in the valleys of Cantabria, northern Spain. He has been working in drawing, textile art, and ceramics for two decades. His work has been exhibited all over the world, from Los Angeles to Tokyo, including Portugal, Italy, the United Kingdom, Africa, and several cities in Spain.

Aitor Saraiba’s textile work explores different traditional techniques, bringing them into his own unique world. He has revived traditional wool-working processes with his flock of sheep in the mountains where he lives, uses natural dyes with silver, and employs all manner of darning and mending techniques to create stunning, unique artworks.

In 2022, the newspaper El Pais awarded him the ICON Artisan of the Year prize for his work in textiles and ceramics. He has also collaborated with numerous museums across Europe and beyond.

In Embroider, Mend and Sew, Aitor explores his textile process, wherein personal history and creativity intertwine.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.