fixing clothes. fixing mindsets.

Visible mending with care. Mentorship with purpose. Workshops that change how we see clothes - and ourselves.

Hey, I’m Gay — I run Lived-in Repairs from my home studio in Nottingham.

I’ve been sewing, selling vintage, and fixing well-worn clothes for over 20 years.
This is work rooted in care - for clothes, for people, and for doing things differently.

Here’s what I do ↓

Learn more

Got a tear? Butt blowout? broken zip?

Get your clothes to me. I offer expert visible mending - sashiko, patching, binding, and so many other repairs that wear their stories with pride.

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I could be your mentor

Creative work is personal. So is business. I support makers, menders, and creatives building something that fits them - not some idea of what “success” should look like.
It’s part coaching, part mindset support, part gentle kick up the arse when needed.
No hustle culture - just something that feels good to run.

explore
let's educate together

I do talks, workshops, group mentoring, and guest lecturing - all rooted in real, lived experience from 20+ years working in slow fashion and repair.
If you want your event or course to go beyond surface-level sustainability talk, I’m in.

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Awarded & Renowned

People’s Choice runner-up for Best Independent on the High Street 2022, along with features in top publications
20+ Years in the Clothing Industry

From indie label and vintage shops to studio ownership and global brand partnerships.
Community Advocate

I believe creatives are better together. Regular facilitator of workshops - bringing people together through stitching.