Visible Mending Workshop: Denim Upcycling

Recent reviews of Visible Mending Workshop: Denim Upcycling

• 5/5 from La , attended Sep 2026: What a wonderful evening of learning and creating with Robin. She is an exceptionally gifted artisan who brings decades of experience across an extraordinary range of textile arts, from sashiko embroidery, stumpwork, and natural fabric dyeing to blackwork, which she studied during her time in London. Her years in the New York fashion industry are evident not only in the depth of her knowledge, but in the generosity and ease with which she shares it. Robin welcomed us into her home studio and created such a warm, patient environment for learning. The time flew by. She was thorough without making the process feel rigid, and the kit included a generous variety of supplies that were useful during the workshop and allowed us to continue our projects afterward. I spent much of my time learning and practicing sashiko stitching, and one of the things I appreciated most was the freedom of visible mending itself. There is less emphasis on perfection and more appreciation for the rugged, lived-in, vintage character of something repaired, renewed, and made beautiful again. I always feel like that’s a reflection of my own life… An unexpected highlight was seeing Robin’s blackwork and hearing her describe the similarities she has observed between historic European blackwork patterns and Japanese needlework. As a Christian, I found myself thinking about God as Creator and the creativity He has placed within those He created. Long before the internet made it possible for us to see one another’s work instantly, people across cultures were creating patterns, order, beauty, and meaning with their hands. There was something deeply moving to me about seeing echoes of that creativity across traditions. Robin’s artistry is exquisite, but so is her willingness to share what she has learned over a lifetime. I left with new skills, an unfinished piece I’m excited to keep working on, and an even greater appreciation for the gift of creating with our hands. I would absolutely take another class with her.
• 5/5 from Hitoe Matsuda, attended Sep 2026: We selected the Visible Mending Workshop for our company summer event and invited the instructor to our office. It was a relaxing and enjoyable three hours. We had a great time chatting while also concentrating on our designs and mending projects. The instructor prepared a wide variety of materials, shared her knowledge and techniques, and was very supportive throughout the workshop. Everyone really had fun, and our summer event was a great success! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
• 5/5 from Kit Mention, attended Jul 2026: Had a great time and learned a lot! I'd recommend to anyone looking to learn the basics or level up.
• 5/5 from Irene Mazer, attended Apr 2026: This visible mending workshop was a bday present from my daughter. I could not have been given a better gift. Robin is a talented teacher and a warm and generous host. I'll definitely take other classes with her.
• 5/5 from Bithika Kheterpal, attended Apr 2026: If you love textiles and sewing, you’ll love this!
• 5/5 from Laura Burns, attended Mar 2026: Such a warm, welcoming, and inspirational evening!
• 5/5 from Petra Thurst, attended Feb 2026: I was lucky to be the only student on that particular day, and Robin didn't cancel it for which I'm very grateful. So I got a private workshop and was able to ask all the questions I had and get a few 'bonus' skills. I had a great time and learned A LOT!
• 5/5 from Ceylan Swenson, attended Feb 2026: Robin was a fabulous teacher who was generous with her time, materials, and knowledge. In her class you won't just learn about one sewing technique, but she will be able to share about a number of related techniques that will increase your interest in the subject at hand and embroidery and upcycling in general. She is the best!
• 5/5 from Ariane Lemay, attended Nov 2025: Loved this class! You have to try it. All the great ideas for clothing repairs. Robin was so informative and encouraging. I'm looking forward to taking her plant dying class.
• 5/5 from Karl Blanchard, attended Oct 2025: Enjoyed the class with Robin. Very interesting techniques explained and how to incorporate into old or damaged clothing.
• 5/5 from Julie Katz, attended Sep 2025: I learned more than I expected. Robin is a fantastic instructor and wildly talented artist. She patiently demonstrated techniques and guided me as I learned multiple stitches. Beyond the instruction, stitching with Robin was the most enjoyable three hours I have spent in a long time. Highly recommend.
• 5/5 from Reb Robertson, attended Jul 2025: Such a fun class! Teacher skillfully navigated various levels of experience and guided learners through their projects. The time flew by. I can't believe I finished what seemed like a daunting project, so quickly. I left with many ideas for future projects and creative ideas for how to accomplish them, thanks to the information and expertise shared by the teacher. Doing this class in a group was also rewarding. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with other learners.
• 5/5 from Olivia Meadows, attended Jul 2025: Robin was great! We each got to complete a project and she was such a good teacher. We were two almost complete beginners and now we feel like we have the basic skills to continue. Really fun chatting with everyone as well! Highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Mara J Nerenberg, attended Jan 2025: Robin is wonderful! She's an excellent teacher, host, and fascinating person! I especially appreciated the take - home kit I received. I loved her relaxed, hands-on approach and hearing about her transition from the fashion industry. 100% plan to take another of her classes.
• 5/5 from Shari Manko, attended Dec 2024: Robin was absolutely amazing! She was fun, the absolute sweetest and so helpful. We learned so much and we will definitely be back for another class! We didn’t want to leave!!!
• 5/5 from Karen Dixon, attended Dec 2024: We had so much fun! It was great! We can’t wait to continue our projects at home! Robin was very instructive and made it fun for my sister and I in our 20s!! Loved it!!
• 5/5 from Bina Faber, attended Nov 2024: Robin is an excellent teacher and super friendly person. We were a group of 3. Each one did something very different and we all enjoyed. One took old sweaters and stitched and sewed onto them. One gave her denim a facelift and the other stitched the kit bag. We all loved that we could be as creative as we wanted and Robin helped each of us create what we wanted.
• 5/5 from Epifania Alvarado, attended Nov 2024: I brought my aunt to this class for her 71st birthday as she likes arts and crafts — Robin was so lovely, informative, patient and generous. My aunt & I both really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning for future classes. 10/10, would recommend!
• 5/5 from Drew Daigle, attended Sep 2024: I really loved this experience! Robin made us feel at home and had some true expertise in not just sashiko, but hand stitching broadly. I cant wait to schedule another session in the future ^^
• 5/5 from Sandra Saathoff, attended Sep 2024: I visited NYC and booked the Denim Upcycling course. Robin is a fantastic host and the atmosphere was very welcoming. It helps if you bring your own project and let the creativity spark. A lot of different techniques, history and inspiration was discussed before we started the actual work. The kit, the we booked with the course, helps me to finish the rest of my work at home. Thank you Robin, it was a wonderful experience and I will definitely book another course with you when I am back in town.
• 5/5 from Lynn, attended Jul 2024: My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the visible mending workshop. Robin has a wealth of fiber knowledge and was a very patient teacher.
• 5/5 from Dana Micheli, attended Jul 2024: Robin was AMAZING! She explained several ways I could give my jeans new life, then helped me with design choices and walked me through the steps. I love the way they look and I know this is the first of many mending projects to come. Plus, she was so much fun to talk to. Many thanks!
• 5/5 from Teresa Chan, attended Jun 2024: Robin is amazing!!!!! She was so patient as I am a beginner. Learned so much!! I am definitely taking another class with her after seeing her creations!