Repair is an act of love
One of the simplest ways to live more consciously is also one of the most overlooked: taking care of what you already have.
At SUSAN BIJL, this has always been at the heart of how we make things. Our bags are built to last, not to be replaced. That's why we've long offered a Care & Repair service, because ultimately, a small rip or tear shouldn't be the end of the story. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi, the art of repairing broken objects and making them more beautiful in the process, we believe that signs of use and repair don't diminish a product. They give it character.
Our repair service is currently on pause. This is a practical decision, not a change of heart. The costs of running it well have grown beyond what we can sustain right now, but we're actively working on bringing it back in a way that lasts. In the meantime, we still offer in-store minor repairs for The New Shopping Bag, The New Pouch, and other 70D products. And for those who want to take matters into their own hands, we offer a repair kit, containing five nylon sticker sheets in different colours, ready to cut to size.
But repair doesn't stop at bags.
We're really excited to introduce a book that speaks to everything we believe in: Naaierij kledingreparatie. Written (in Dutch) from years of hands-on experience at the De Naaierij atelier, it's a complete guide to caring for your clothes with attention, creativity and a little joy. From minor fixes to visible mending, from maintenance to a whole new way of looking at your wardrobe. This book is for beginners and seasoned sewers alike.
Because every hole, tear, and worn patch is an opportunity to give something a new story. And taking care of what you have, it turns out, is a form of love.
