Duluth Upcycler Offers Free Mending Clinic

Carli Vergamini partners with Resource Renew and Duluth Public Library to host a drop-in mending event.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Carli Vergamini, a Rice Lake resident who runs a line of repurposed purses and clothing, is hosting a free mending pop-up clinic on February 9th in partnership with Resource Renew and the Duluth Public Library. Vergamini has been offering a monthly mending clinic at the Ren Market, but this special event will allow community members to bring in their damaged clothing, stuffed animals, and other items for free repairs.

Why it matters

The mending clinic promotes sustainability and reduces waste by helping people extend the life of their clothing and other textiles, rather than discarding them. Vergamini's work highlights the growing 'upcycling' movement that turns old materials into new products, as well as the importance of basic mending skills to keep items out of landfills.

The details

At the free mending clinic, Vergamini will fix rips, tears, broken straps, missing buttons, and other minor damage, though she won't be able to do alterations or zipper replacements due to time constraints. The clinic will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and all items must be picked up by the end of the event. Vergamini often sees patterns in the types of repairs people request, such as holes in the crotches of jeans or tears in the elbows of shirts.

  • The free mending clinic will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Vergamini also hosts a monthly mending clinic at the Ren Market on the last Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Carli Vergamini

A Rice Lake resident who runs a line of repurposed purses and clothing made from upcycled materials, and offers mending and repair services to the community.

Resource Renew

A local organization partnering with Vergamini and the Duluth Public Library to host the free mending clinic.

Duluth Public Library

Hosting the free mending clinic in partnership with Vergamini and Resource Renew.

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What they’re saying

“This idea of repurposing and using what we already have kind of opened this other door of, 'Well, I could also start repairing,' And the thought of opening that door to the community is what started the idea of a mending or repair clinic.”

— Carli Vergamini (Duluth News Tribune)

“It's often their favorite pair of jeans that got a hole in the thighs, or it's their favorite shirt, were it not for the missing button. There's just something really special about being trusted to repair these special items and being able to keep on using them. You've worn them several places; you have a lot of memories in that jacket.”

— Carli Vergamini (Duluth News Tribune)

What’s next

Vergamini plans to continue hosting her monthly mending clinics at the Ren Market, in addition to the special free clinic at the Duluth Public Library.

The takeaway

Vergamini's mending clinics demonstrate the growing demand for sustainable solutions that extend the life of clothing and other textiles, rather than discarding them. By teaching basic mending skills, she is empowering the community to reduce waste and keep their favorite items in use for longer.