Free Monthly Sewing Repairs at Bellview Grange by Local Volunteers

In a world that’s flooded with disposable stuff, a small group of volunteers in Ashland, Oregon, is quietly making a difference by offering free sewing repairs. They’re known as RepairSO, and you’ll find them at Bellview Grange every fourth Monday, patching up clothing and textiles for anyone who needs it.

They’re not just fixing fabric—they’re building a sense of community and nudging folks toward more sustainable habits. Since kicking things off in 2017, RepairSO has helped plenty of people, offering both practical fixes and a little emotional lift through the simple act of sewing.

The Origins and Mission of RepairSO

Heidi Gottlieb and Paulette Pratschner started RepairSO back in 2017. They held their first sessions at Ashland’s Senior Center, taking inspiration from Portland’s Repair PDX and the Repair Café movement that began in Amsterdam in 2009.

Their main goal? Cut down on waste by fixing things that would otherwise get tossed. By urging people to repair instead of replace, they’re hoping to push everyone a bit closer to a more sustainable way of living.

Community and Camaraderie

Honestly, one of the best things about RepairSO is how it brings people together. Volunteers show up with their own sewing machines—sometimes even a 1936 Singer—and work side by side at the Grange to fix up to two items for each person.

People can drop off their stuff and swing back later to pick it up, which makes things run pretty smoothly. The volunteers always make it clear: they do repairs, not alterations. That way, they can focus on getting things back to how they were meant to be.

There’s a certain joy in how they tackle each repair, whether it’s choosing a quirky button or finding an eye-catching patch to hide a tear. It’s not just about sewing; it’s about creativity and a bit of fun, too.

Impact on the Community

RepairSO has left its mark on Ashland. Some of the stories are honestly touching. There was a man with just one shirt—he handed it over, right off his back, for a seam fix.

Another person brought in a quilt made by his late wife, hoping to keep her memory alive by preserving the quilt. Stuff like that really sticks with you.

Volunteers Needed

Even with all their success, they could really use more volunteers. Right now, it’s a small but mighty team, and extra hands would let them help more people or maybe even grow a bit.

If you’re interested in pitching in, you can reach out to Heidi Gottlieb at 541-482-9331. Honestly, they’d love to have you.

Supporting RepairSO

Repairs are free, but donations sure help cover sewing supplies and the small fee for using the Grange. Those contributions keep the whole thing running and let RepairSO keep serving the community.

If you want to chip in, you can donate directly to RepairSO. Every little bit helps keep the thread moving.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, RepairSO wants to branch out. They’re planning to tackle repairs for small appliances, bicycles, and even knife sharpening, kind of like what Portland’s Repair PDX does.

By widening their reach, the folks at RepairSO hope to cut down on waste and boost sustainability right here in Ashland. It’s ambitious, but honestly, it’s the kind of thing this community could use.

For more information about this inspiring initiative, visit Ashland News.