The Mend
The Mend
Care and repair for Kathy Kyle wearable art
A Kathy Kyle piece is painted by hand and printed on 100% mulberry silk, finished in Lyon or in Surrey with care. The Studio's care for it doesn't end when it leaves our hands. Made in the studios in Surrey and France, and trusted by the British Museum within its first year, each piece is designed to be worn, loved and handed on.
Repairs
In the unlikely event that your item will require repair, you can be rest assured that every Kathy Kyle piece is welcome to come home to the Studio. Within reason, the Studio covers the labour, and you cover the postage to reach it. Each piece is looked at individually, so the Studio reserves the right to decide what can be done, and how, on a case-by-case basis. Terms are always agreed with you before any work begins.
Some repairs are all but invisible. Others, particularly larger restorations, may leave a subtle trace, because a piece with a history is worth honouring.
Alterations and customisations
Want your piece reshaped, re-hemmed or reimagined? The Studio offers alterations and customisations for a fee, quoted for each piece and agreed before work starts.
How it works
- Tell the Studio about your piece and send photos.
- Receive a personal reply within a couple of days.
- Agree the plan and terms together.
- Post your silk to the Studio.
- Receive it back wrapped in tissue, with a note on what was done.
The Mend is currently available for Kathy Kyle pieces in mainland UK only.
Caring for your silk
Wash gently and rarely. Kathy has tested Yarn Food Sensitive Wash on her own silks and recommends it: a fragrance-free, aloe-enriched formula made in the UK, kind to natural fibres. It's available in the Studio's shop at Sandrock House, Dorking.
Fill a basin with cool to tepid water, add the wash following the bottle's guidance, and soak for 20 minutes. Press the water out without wringing, roll the piece in a clean towel, and dry flat, away from direct heat and sun.