The Sunday Magazine

Discovering an inspiring way to use time in this age of physical distancing

Aparita Bhandari was wary of picking up a sewing needle after too many failed attempts to repair ripped clothes. Amidst a global pandemic and in isolation, Bhandari discovered visible mending and was inspired to pick up a sewing needle once more. Here’s her documentary, A World To Mend.

In isolation during a pandemic, Aparita Bhandari finds a new, celebratory way to mend torn clothes

"I love mending. It makes me feel like I have a superpower," says Aparita Bhandari. (Submitted by Aparita Bhandari)

It does feel — in panicky moments — that the world is coming apart at the seams.

Terrifying rates of infection, mounting numbers of dead, caused by a raging virus that has the globe in its grip. And, of course, everyone is contending with isolation … with how to use time in this age of physical distancing.

We are all looking for ways to calm anxieties, to concentrate on a task, even finish one. Consider, for a moment, the idea of mending your clothes. Those ripped knees of your jeans, worn-out elbows of a sweater or holes in a shirt sleeve. You can fix them.

Aparita Bhandari wearing her mended jeans. (Submitted by Aparita Bhandari)

Until recently, Aparita Bhandari was wary of picking up a sewing needle. Too many failed attempts to repair ripped clothes — a sari, skirt or pair of jeans — haunted her. But then she discovered visible mending. It's inspiring people to reconsider torn garments and to find new, even celebratory, ways to mend them.

Here's her story: A World To Mend.

Click 'listen' above to hear the full documentary.

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