Research
Right to Repair: What’s happening in the EU?
Recently the European parliament announced plans to make the durability, sustainability, and reparability of products a bigger priority as part of the drive towards a more circular economy. Whilst the planned legislation seems to be taking longer than planned, its arrival would mean the biggest step yet towards tackling these issues and a huge win for the right to repair movement. But what will it look like in reality, and what are the issues at play?
The linen care guide, by Untied.
Linen is a wonderful natural material that comes from the stalks of the flax plant. Unlike cotton, which tends to retain moisture, linen is absorbent and dries quickly. Linen fibre is very strong, but garments and products made from it still need proper care. This is a general guide for how to care for linen garments and interior textiles, helping you make sure they last longer.
In conversation with Untied: mending clothes and mindset.
If you’ve been with us a long time, you’ll know that our passion is how long-lasting, quality and durable products can have a positive impact on the environment. But, it’s not always about purchasing something already designed to last, it’s about caring for and fixing our existing items to ensure they stay with us for life too...
How do you make a buy-for-life toaster?
We look into British engineering legends Dualit, who are bucking the trend of throwaway appliances.
How to make your socks last longer
Socks are one of those things we tend not to think about until something goes wrong. Holes in toes are irritating for an entire day, and losing a favoured sock can be a tragedy. Because socks are pretty cheap, we don’t tend to give their longevity a lot of thought. But how long are socks supposed to last? And is it ever possible to have a pair of socks for life?
How to season your new cast iron skillet
Follow this guide for straightforward advice on how to season, wash and use your cast iron pan. You’ll be passing down the knowledge - and the pan! - to future generations.
How to maintain a razor-sharp knife
In this guide we cover different kinds of sharpening tools, as well as top tips for keeping your knives in great condition for longer - so that your blades can last for life.
Sewing Basics: How to Hem Jeans
Knowing how to alter jeans also means you can tailor them to your body and not the other way around. Found the perfect pair that make your bum look incredible but they’re pooling around your ankles? No problem, just follow the instructions below and have your perfect pair of jeans in a jiffy.
Sewing Basics: How to Fix a Zipper
Taking the time to learn how to fix a zipper properly is a no brainer. Not only will it save you time, money and frustration in the long run, as well as keeping your clothes from unnecessarily heading to the landfill, it will make you feel like a superhuman in the process.
Sewing Basics: How to Sew a Button
A 2017 survey done by the British Heart Foundation revealed that six in ten Brits are unable to sew confidently or at all. Out of those, 23% didn’t know how to properly sew on a button. Learning to sew a popped or loose button back onto your clothing is another simple task that will prove useful throughout life. Here are five easy steps to help you repair any loose buttons in a jiffy.
The Inspirationals: Antonia Edwards, Founder of Upcyclist
Imagine if all the furniture in your home sparked joy every time you look at it, didn't cost you a small fortune to own, and helped save the planet. This is the vision Antonia Edwards saw when she launched Upcyclist in 2011. We spoke with Antonia about the environmental benefits of upcycling and her best tips for sourcing genuine upcycled goods and how to get started as a beginner!
Care 101: Easy Tips For Keeping your Jewellery Heirloom
Whilst fine jewellery can be a wonderful investment to pass down to your grandchildren, it will only make it that far if you take basic steps to care and maintain it in the meantime. Below is a roundup of some basic ways to care for fine jewellery, from cleaning and storing to avoiding loss (because nobody wants to have to break it to grandma that you lost her mother’s necklace.)
