Creative hand-sewn mending and embellishments by Emily Jalinsky

Coming July 1, 2026!
Morning Lark Mending, along with CAL Customs, will be in the alterations & mending studio at the newly-opened ProFresh dry cleaning + laundry!
- - In-store consultation hours: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm
- - 462 1st Ave., Coralville, IA 52241

Do you have a stack of clothing, stuffies, or keepsakes that need a bit of mending or zhuzhing? I would love to help you complete these projects with a creative lens and years of sewing experience. 

My grandmother started teaching me embroidery when I was five years old. It was a family practice she passed down to all her grandkids, rooted in her Native American and Scottish heritage. Embroidery stuck with me as a nurturing, meditative process throughout my personal and professional art career. When I was a young teen, my mother taught me how to sew clothing, and it became a lifelong personal hobby. When I settled into motherhood, I started mending more pieces of clothing and beloved stuffed animals. Especially a knitted fox named Lady. Tending to her over the years helped me foster a deep love for visible mending. 

I have long wanted to use my artistic expertise to provide a tangible service alongside my fine art offerings. Thus, Morning Lark Mending was born. Thoughtfully and creatively repairing and embellishing your stack of projects with patches, embroidery, and darning!

Mending

Patch + Embroidery
Patches are made by adding a separate piece of fabric and adhering with a bonding interface and/or stitching. They can either be placed inside or outside the area needing patching. The stitching can be done just around the outside, throughout, or a combination of both.

Embroidery
This technique uses fun stitches with thick embroidery floss to repair tears and holes. The options can vary from stand-alone motifs like flowers or solid shapes to lines of repeated patterns, such as leaves on a vine or geometric stitches.

Darning
A technique to repair holes or worn spots in fabric or knitted materials. This can be done with either embroidery floss or yarn, depending on what is being repaired. Perfect for socks, sweaters, and stuffed animals.

Invisible Mending
Using thinner threads and an invisible stitch or only slightly noticeable stitches to repair areas that can be gathered seamlessly. Also helpful for reinforcing areas such as back pocket corners.

Embellishment

Relief Printed Patches
Perfect for jean jackets, backpacks, pant knees, etc. Choose from my pre-printed patches or have a custom stamp designed! 

Embroidery Designs and Accents
Names or monograms, my pre-sketched designs, a custom design, hem borders, etc.

- - This offering is especially great for gifts or special occasions! - -

Project Types

Clothing Items
Jersey shirts to jean jackets and pants, cotton dresses, knitted socks, to wool coats, etc.

Stuffed Animals
Any material, shape, or size. Along with any other textile-based toys and accessories.

Quilts
Along with any handmade keepsakes.

Household Items
Such as curtains, sheets, and pillows.

- - Something I missed? Just ask! - -

How It Works

Fill Out The Form
Start by filling out the form below or coming into the alterations & mending studio at ProFresh during my in-store consultation hours, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm.

Defining The Project
I will follow up with clarifications and ideas for your project(s). We’ll discuss (over email, Zoom, or in person) the techniques, style, and complexity needed.

Receive a Quote
The quote you receive upfront will not change, and taxes will be added at checkout. Payment is due upon completion. To get an upfront idea of cost, I have an hourly rate of $40/hr, but I charge in 15-minute increments, so the whole hour will not be charged if it is not needed.

Examples Of Project Pricing

  • 2-inch patch with three rings of running stitch embroidery: $40

  • 3 x 4 inch patch with all-over patterned stitching (Sashiko technique): $80

  • An entire vintage shirt with rips and holes mended with different techniques: $200

  • Darning a 1.5-inch hole in a sock: $40

  • An embroidered name like “Margo” on a pillow sham: $50

  • A decorative embroidered neckline, depending on the complexity of the patterned stitch: $40-$60

  • Two buttons stitched back on two different garments: $10

Turnaround Time
When my books are open, I have a two- to three-week turnaround time. If you need a rush order, there will be an additional $40 charge. 

- - Please reach out if you have any questions! I want this process to feel as thoughtful as the sewing itself. - -

Get In Touch

If you're interested in these services, complete the form with a few details about your project(s). I'll review your message and get back to you within a few business days.

Take care,
Emily