By fixing rips and tears, sewing clinic strengthens the fabric of community

Libraries are sacred, public spaces that are typically quiet. But, every other Tuesday at Milwaukee’s Washington Park Library, you’ll hear the hum of a sewing machine and conversations about seams. It’s a recurring event they call “Mind Your Mending” — a place where anyone can get simple clothing fixes done for free.Washington Park resident Carol Lee Hopkins helped launch the clinic in January, volunteering her time for small things like patching holes, stitching and repairing the occasional zipper.“I make a lot of things for myself and my family,” Hopkins said. “But I like helping people, and I think it’s really important right now with this crazy, difficult world we’re living in where there’s a lot of meanness. I can do something kind.”To find the next “Mind Your Mending” clothes repair clinic, visit the Milwaukee Public Library’s event page.#####Host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members.