One of the things I found out working at the thrift store, was that many things that were donated, were simply donated because they either had a small hole, or were missing a button. I thought that was crazy - and what was even worse is that most thrift stores can't sell items like that - many times they are sent for scrap or passed along for donation to third world countries. (Of course, it depends on each individual store) And smaller thrift stores may just end up sending them to a landfill because they don't have the capability to pass them along.
What can we do to help? Well, for starters, we can take better care of our clothes. You can see the difference when clothes are laundered and stored properly. Buttons are easily re-sewn on. (Seriously, it takes less than two minutes. I know threading a needle can be a pain sometimes, but it's easy peasy, and you'll feel accomplished afterwards)
Now holes... holes are a little harder to deal with. Depending on where it is, you may be able to mend it, but most of the time, it means the life span of the garment can be over - especially on jeans. I don't wear jeans very often myself, mostly just to the dog park and for yard work, so I've only bought them used over the last 10 years. (Why spend more than a couple of dollars on a garment that rarely get worn?) I really hate trying on clothes though, and it is hard for me to find jeans I like - sorry, I can't do the extra low rise and mom jeans scare me. lol Let's say I could look at 500 pairs in my size range, and I might end up with a pair I like if I am lucky. Can you say nightmare? So I kind of sobbed a little when the jeans I scored last Spring at the thrift snagged and split along the front seam, of all the places. Can you say obvious? It's not that I wear short tops - far from it - but there's nothing like a toddler hand yanking at the wrong time! lol
Two days after it happened and I was in mourning, the folks over at Johnny Patch contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing their patches. (I'm thinking my helper above had a big hand in this one) um, YES!
Johnny Patch is an iron-on denim patch in a range of washes that are designed to fix up any tear, rip or blemish on well-worn jeans. They are also after my DIY heart, because they are a green product. All patches are made from recycled denim! Here's what the 4"x4" patch looked like:
And here's my tear:
It was very easy to use, I just ironed for 60 seconds on the front side, and then another 30 on the back to be sure it would stay:
(and yes, I had to buy a new iron at the thrift store since mine is MIA. LOL)
The patch I received doesn't blend perfectly of course, but it's not overly noticeable, and my shirt covers it 99% of the time anyways. Now depending on where the hole is that you'd want to use them for, you could probably even place this patch at an angle, or cut out a shape to make it more fun. If your kids wear a hard to find size, and always end up with holes in the knees, this would be perfect too! You'll end up saving money AND keeping clothes out of the landfill. Johnny Patch has different washes and textures, as well as seam and pocket patches too!
The cost is a little higher that I expected - $9 - but they do have free shipping, and depending on the original cost of the jeans you want to patch up (or if you hate jeans shopping like me), this may be a steal. Years ago, I tried a denim patch that I picked up at a crafting store, and it didn't even last one wash and wear for me - so I made sure to put this one to test. I've washed and worn the jeans three times already, and while one small corner looks like it's peeling a bit (it's actually meant to fray as it's worn), it's still secured well to the jeans.
I received the product mentioned above to test out and share my thoughts of it. All opinions are my own.
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