Mend, Don’t End

Mend, Don’t End: How a Broken Amigurumi Became My Favorite Christmas Story

It started with a small sound—a soft snap—as I was unpacking my Christmas decorations. There it was: Tall Christmas Monster by Rebecca Danger I made two years ago, the one that used to sit cheerfully by the window, missing a stitch and looking a little too floppy.

For a second, I considered tossing it out. It’s just yarn, after all. But then I remembered something I had read in “Mending Matters” by Katrina Rodabaugh: that every repair is an act of care, a way to honor what we’ve already made instead of chasing something new.

And so, I decided to mend it.

That small choice turned into one of the most heartwarming creative sessions I’ve had this season—and reminded me how our craft tools, books, and yarns are more than just supplies. They’re companions in the art of slowing down, fixing what’s broken, and rediscovering joy in making.

The Joy of Repair: Inspired by “Mending Matters”

Katrina Rodabaugh’s Mending Matters is not just a craft book—it’s a creative philosophy. It teaches that every mend carries a story, whether you’re repairing jeans, patching fabric, or re-stitching an old amigurumi ornament.

Mending invites mindfulness. It asks you to slow down, to appreciate the imperfection that gives your handmade piece its soul. Instead of replacing your craft, you’re reviving it—preserving a bit of memory woven into each thread.

So before you throw away that slightly lopsided Christmas ornament or that fraying crochet angel, consider giving it a second life.

Slow Knitting, Slow Living

As I sat down to fix my Tall Christmas Monster, I pulled out another favorite book, Slow Knitting by Hannah Thiessen. It’s a beautiful reminder that crafting isn’t about speed or perfection—it’s about connection. Each stitch, whether knitted or crocheted, is a moment of peace.

Both Mending Matters and Slow Knitting belong to my list of best craft books for makers who want to bring intention and creativity back into their craft. They’re also great DIY craft books and perfect gifts for anyone seeking mindful creativity during the busy holiday season.

Tools of Patience: Crafting Essentials for the Repair

When you’re repairing delicate handmade pieces like amigurumi, having the right tools makes a big difference. I turned my desk into a cozy repair station—with good light, the right needles, and my favorite yarns.

Here’s what I used:

OttLite Creative Curves LED Desk Lamp with Adjustable Neck — Proper lighting is key. This lamp provides natural daylight and helps reduce eye strain, perfect for spotting tiny stitches or matching yarn colors.
Brightech LightView Pro Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand — My secret weapon for tiny details. The magnifying glass helped me re-stitch small sections without straining my eyes, especially around the snowman’s embroidered face.
Exquiss Knitting Needles Set — A must-have in any craft tools kit.
Inscraft Embroidery Kit — For the little details, like adding a hands and teeth. A great DIY craft tool for beginners who want to add extra flair to projects.

Each tool reminded me that investing in essential crafting tools isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your creativity alive and stress-free.

Choosing the Right Yarn for the Repair

Matching yarn can be tricky, but here’s what worked perfectly for me:

Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton — Strong, smooth, and easy to handle, this yarn was great for tightening the structure of the ornament. It’s durable and gives that crisp, clean finish every crafter loves.
Caron Cakes Yarn — For adding decorative accents. Its soft acrylic blend and subtle color transitions gave my snowman a cheerful, textured scarf.

Both yarns are excellent choices for beginners or seasoned makers, ranking high among affordable yarn brands and ideal for anyone researching best yarn for crochet or best yarn for knitting.

Pro tip: When repairing, compare cotton vs. acrylic yarn. Cotton adds strength and structure, while acrylic adds softness and color versatility—a simple yarn comparison that helps you decide based on your project’s needs.

A Small Repair, A Big Reminder

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the holidays—new gifts, new décor, new everything. But sometimes, the most meaningful decorations are the ones that have been with us for years, carrying the marks of time and care.

When you mend your crafts, you’re not just fixing yarn—you’re preserving memories. Each repair becomes part of the story, part of the tradition.

That tall Christmas monster now sits proudly on my shelf again. It’s not perfect, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Your Turn: Create, Mend, and Celebrate

This Christmas, let your creativity reflect both new beginnings and cherished memories.

If you’re inspired to repair, learn, or simply craft with care, here are some beautiful essentials to explore:

📘 Creative Books for Crafters:

🧶 Crafting Tools You’ll Love:

🧵 Yarns for Every Project:

Because handmade things—just like memories—are worth keeping, repairing, and cherishing.

So before you throw away that “broken” craft, pick up your tools, take a deep breath, and remember: sometimes, a little mending can bring the magic back to Christmas.