Con Ago e Filo

There is something deeply transformative in the simple act of mending.

It’s not just about repairing a piece of clothing, but about caring, intentionally and lovingly, for the things that accompany us through everyday life. Con ago e filo. Un manuale per rammendare abiti, abitudini e cuori is much more than a sewing guide, it’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose a new, or perhaps ancient, way of looking at the world.

Written by Sonya and Nina Montenegro, the two artist-activist sisters behind the creative project @TheFarWoods, this book gracefully weaves together technique and heart.

Their words, paired with clear and poetic illustrations, gently guide the reader through a learning journey that is also an inner path. Each patch, each colorful thread, becomes a chance to repair not only a garment, but also our habits, our pace of life, and, why not, a part of ourselves.

Today, mending is a revolutionary act. It’s a way of saying no to frenzy and throwaway culture, and yes to care, sustainability, and the beauty of imperfection.

It’s a rediscovery of the stories woven into every object, and of how extending their life is an act of love and respect.

This book teaches the basics of sewing and mending, from the simplicity of hand-stitched patches to the elegance of Japanese Sashiko embroidery, including how to fix socks, reinforce sweaters, and reattach buttons. But above all, it teaches a new mindset, one of patience, attention, and creative expression.

Italian translator Paola Pellino highlights how visible mending is not just a technique, but also an aesthetic and narrative gesture: the flaw is not hidden, but celebrated, transformed into a signature, into something unique and unrepeatable. Each tear becomes a story, each stitch a declaration of identity.

Con ago e filo is for everyone: curious beginners and skilled hands, young and old, women, men, and anyone who wants to give it a try.

All you need are a few simple tools, a bit of time, and the desire to learn. From there begins a practice that is relaxing, stimulating, and deeply fulfilling.

You’ll discover how beautiful it can be to express your personality through mending, maybe even uncover a hidden talent.

And most of all, you’ll feel the quiet, contagious joy that arises when we truly take care — of our things and of ourselves.