A Second Chance in Raleigh

After a Master’s in Textile Science from NC State and over a decade in the corporate fashion industry, Madeleine Lyon set out in 2024 with a new mission:

To extend the useful life of common textiles, offer affordable education and repair, and promote a community of sustainability here in Raleigh.

All of this done right inside the downtown Raleigh doors of Mend Mother.

Mend Mother may have been started by Maddy but the space is open to anyone (and any garment).

When we spoke onsite, Maddy said that they “encourage unique mending projects” and are open to different materials and a variety of creative textile uses.

While I was there, they had recently finished a project of turning a Scottish-made wool cape into a jacket and skirt combo — see that full project here. There were also hats, altered flare jeans, and even an upcycled set of curtains sitting on the project bench.

Founder Bill Thelen ran the Lump Gallery from 1996 until its recent closure on August 31st, 2026. Bill still assists with the property but has handed over the space for a new but similar concept: Plum.

An anagram of Lump, Plum is opening its doors officially TODAY: Sunday, September 13th (learn about the kickoff party below).

The space is being handed over rent-free, as a working space for the first year. Maddy told us that “there are no dumb ideas here” and that the goal is to bring these “weird projects” and crazy ideas proposed to life.

Furthermore, there is an in-progress workspace for a resident artist and anything that can’t find a home in Raleigh, should be able to find one here. Their website says it best:

Maddy is one of three team members bringing this new space to life, alongside Marty Rogers and Mary Beth Eisenstadt. Half the building is this new flexible event space for shows, screenings, residencies, and craft nights. The other half is Mend Mother!

Entry into either will introduce you to both spaces, so find what speaks to you! Invite a friend and stop by for any of the events, classes, or — upcoming plum exhibitions.

A great way to get started in the textiles side of the space is through one of their many upcoming workshops. They recently had a Darning & Embroidery class, there is an upcoming Alteration Boot Camp, and a class focused on Textile Repairs.

The official opening of this new shared space is TODAY, September 13th! All proceeds from this show will go to directly funding plum, which in turn benefits artists, musicians, and local makers and creators of all forms.

Their website states that contributions will go towards sound equipment, furniture, and paying their artists. Plum operators do not take wages, tips, or salaries here.

The day party starts with vendors including pizza, ice cream, coffee, and more! Stop by and see the space free of charge.

Doors open at 4:30PM, but the night kicks off here as well. Get in with what you’re comfortable with paying on a sliding scale starting at $15 and enjoy a wide variety of music acts to keep this benefit show going.

I’d love to close out with the founding message that we kicked this piece off with.

Mend Mother was started in part to help address the growing concerns with textile disposal and to educate the community on ways we can all extend and revitalize our wardrobes.

In 2018, over 66% of textiles ended up in landfills.

That waste represents clothing that could be repaired or donated to those in need. It represents billions of dollars in textile garbage, resources spent to dump them in landfills, and a loss of materials that could be saved for reuse.

If you want to learn how to mend your own clothes, you have the resources to pay their team to mend it for you, or you’re just looking to get involved in a great upcoming community space, consider giving them call or visit.

Like Mend Mother and Plum, you might just find a brand new fit in an old one.

The story above is not sponsored — when they are, we’ll always tell you.

If you’re interested in getting your business, service, or event in front of 16,000+ Triangle locals — get in touch with us.

P.S. Looking to contact me directly? Try clicking on the image above, reaching out via our contact form, or giving me a quick ring.