one of my favorite examples of patches done right is this guy. scott schulman (the sartorialist) writes in his first book of a gallery show which included a photo of this man. people commented that it was interesting for schuman to include a picture of a homeless man in a fashion exhibit. others knew him as the head of the vintage department for ralph lauren!
maybe it's because i was a teenager at a time when ripped jeans were in style, but i've always been attracted to a slightly disheveled look. patches are badges of honor for those pieces of clothing deemed worthy of a of love and devotion almost beyond what they can endure.
i'm on a mission to extend my devotion to the items already in my closet, and patching just makes my heart grow fonder. here are a few of my favorite patches.
maybe it's because i was a teenager at a time when ripped jeans were in style, but i've always been attracted to a slightly disheveled look. patches are badges of honor for those pieces of clothing deemed worthy of a of love and devotion almost beyond what they can endure.
i'm on a mission to extend my devotion to the items already in my closet, and patching just makes my heart grow fonder. here are a few of my favorite patches.
the favorite: i have to admit that i bought these jeans pre-beat-up. slightly shameful (oh, fashion.), but nevertheless...a little patch was needed and appreciated on one overly worked spot. :) this is my favorite patch method...hand sewing over the edges with embroidery floss. at first, i was afraid of the durability of such a fix, but it has stood the test of time elsewhere...so i knew it was up to this task.
the strongest: these are the jeans i mentioned thinking beyond repair, since they had such a thin and holey area between the legs (ok, embarrassing). these large cuts of denim with their zigzag-ed edges were simply sewn over and over, back and forth over the thinning area...and now these jeans feel secure and ready to face a few more years of wear.
the quickest: these are my favorite vintage find jeans. one of the belt loops had ripped off and left a hole in the jeans. i added a contrast piece of fabric, edges pinned under, and sewed around the edges on the machine. quick, cute, durable.
one further tip: i like to pick patch fabric that is not too thick. when i use denim, it is quite lightweight denim...so as to avoid adding too much extra bulk or stiffness.
patches are functional in saving fabric from further ripping. they strengthen weakened spots, and they add a layer of story to a well-loved piece of our stories. love 'em.
love,
jane
one further tip: i like to pick patch fabric that is not too thick. when i use denim, it is quite lightweight denim...so as to avoid adding too much extra bulk or stiffness.
patches are functional in saving fabric from further ripping. they strengthen weakened spots, and they add a layer of story to a well-loved piece of our stories. love 'em.
love,
jane
