Approved Textiles - Visible Mending Transfers | Our People Were Always Free

Ben Jealous published Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing in 2023. 

Across the memoirs twenty plus chapters, Jealous gives shares his experiences on the interconnected nature of coalition building, systemic change, and our collective liberation from systems of oppression and discrimination.

He concludes the book with the following observation:

“We can be that 'perfect example of the unity and dignity of the human family' that Frederick Douglass envisioned a century and a half ago. We’ve already achieved it in music in so many ways. And not just in bluegrass but in rock ‘n’ roll, soul, R&B, country, and jazz. The music that defines our nation, all of it, is gospel, which is the harmony of all of us—of all of our traditions. A piano here, a banjo there, a West African rhythm here, a European melody there, all blended together. Hints of Asia and other places woven through. Native American drums. Jewish klezmer. It’s al right there. But first we have to start by listening to one another.”

Inspired by visible mending traditions across cultures, this pack honors the idea that our greatest creations emerge not from separation, but from collaboration.

Each transfer cut-out is 4.25" by 5.5".

How to Use Your Visible Mending Transfers

Prep Your Fabric: Make sure your fabric is clean and dry before starting.

Choose Your Design: Pick one of the four designs from the set.

Apply the Transfer: Place the transfer design with the printed side facing the fabric. Gently press to activate the adhesive.

Stitch: Use a needle and thread to stitch along the design, following the printed lines. Feel free to add your own flair or skip areas you don't like.

Rinse and Reveal: Once your stitching is complete, rinse the fabric to remove the stabilizer. Your design will stay in place, and the stabilizer will wash away!