The woman who built up Edinburgh’s army of street stitchers

The grandmother-of-two believes that once people have the basic skills they will be able to repair three quarters of their wardrobe.

She says passers-by are directed to individual street stitchers depending on what they need fixed. They are also encouraged to return with clothing they want to be fixed.

“Because there are so many of us now we all have different strengths,” says Mary.

“For example, one of the group, Helena, is very good with darning, needle felting and knitwear-type repairs so we would direct them to her if they have something like that.

“My thing is I’m keen on hand sewing, denim repairs and Sashiko, external.

“People are very interested in what we are doing. A lot of people say they can’t sew but they very much want to be able to, so they are often very grateful to be pointed in the right direction to learn.

“And what often surprises people is just how easy it is to talk them through a small repair.”