If you are doing a lot of mending, you might want to google "darning" as well--it's a repair technique for knits (usually socks or hose). Makes 'em last longer, and can be decorative if you have to/choose to darn the toe area on both socks in a pair.
Ack! I had to darn socks and mend the whole time I was growing up. Hate it, hate it, hate it. We used an old light bulb in the sock when we darned.
I grew up learning how to sew clothes, made tons of those for me, our daughter until she was in her teens, even made my wedding dress. Now I wear jeans and t-shirts.
Loved hand quilting, though. I'll mend now if I absolutely have to, but I will not take up jeans for the adult kids. They can pay $5 and have someone else do it.
On the flip side, I will make curtains and window treatments like Roman shades for this house with 30 windows before I pay for poorly constructed premade.