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Is it that they all desperately need ironing? Yes they do….but that isn’t the answer (I try not to iron, see how I do the laundry here)
Perhaps this will help…
Oh yes, they’ve all gone into holes.
Am I embarrassed?
No. Not even with a hole this size.
I can’t blame the manufacturers for shoddy workmanship. Basically I’ve worn my clothes out, like I used to as a child.
The reason I wear them out is I have so few they are washed and worn. Then washed and worn again. They don’t have time to go out of fashion, it’s very efficient.
The only problem I currently have is deciding what to do with the holey items.
As a recovering hoarder decision-making of this type can be difficult.
“People who hoard seem to have a different perspective on their possessions compared to most people. Perhaps it is a more finely tuned sense of creativity or an ability to see the potential in objects that most people can’t see. Or perhaps they feel a strong sense of responsibility for not being wasteful” taken from Buried In Treasures – Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding.
As an item of perfect clothing I have no attachment to it. But once damaged goods something genetic kicks questioning whether I can salvage it and make something of value from a redundant item. This serves me well when it comes to food and not wasting food, but with clothing (where my skills do not lie) it could present a potential hoarding problem. Particularly as I’m planning on buying a mini sewing machine for First-born and I.
So what’s the plan? (because now there always is a plan otherwise it ends up as a pile of clutter):
1. The two pairs of PJ bottoms will be kept as they are cotton and will make great practise material. That’s not hoarding. It makes frugal sense.
2. The 2 jersey tops will be bagged up and donated to charity. When donating unsaleable clothing to charity shops I bag it up only with other ‘rags’ and clearly label it as that. Rag merchants pay by the ton for donated ‘rags’, but if the shop staff (the majority of which are volunteers) have to sort through items to check whether they are suitable to sell then it’s counterproductive. Time is money in the retail world.
3. The pair of jeans is a toughie. I loved these jeans. They fit the best any pair ever has but the style is no longer available. In fact they were the third replacement (the previous 2 went into holes also) of a pair I loved, and I found them many miles south in Windsor last May. How happy was I that day? I’ve decided to try to patch them. If it doesn’t work I’ll rag them no question.
4. Finally the pants (I apologise for photographing my underwear…really there’s no need is there? but it’s a bare all post). I’m going to rag them also. I’d challenge even the most creative mind to think of a use for well-worn holey pants. No suggestions required thank you.
Do you wear your clothes out? What do you do when they’ve given up the ghost? Have I missed some great ideas on what to do with my holey items?
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I’m make a rubbish seamstress but the iron on patching can do wonders for smallish holes!! (you can even get denim looking stuff!)
Obviously that should have been I not I’m!!
Claire – Thanks so much I have just ordered 2 denim patches at a total cost of £1.74. Wish I’d have known about this before I disposed of the other 2 pairs of jeans… Thanks again!
Glad to have been of use!! lol
I’m make a rubbish seamstress but the iron on patching can do wonders for smallish holes!! (you can even get denim looking stuff!)
Obviously that should have been I not I’m!!
Claire – Thanks so much I have just ordered 2 denim patches at a total cost of £1.74. Wish I’d have known about this before I disposed of the other 2 pairs of jeans… Thanks again!
Glad to have been of use!! lol
Dusters. I do this i cut out the crotch (sorry to be so vulgur 🙁 ) then split them into two so they are less identifiable. Mind, yours are a lor smaller than mine 🙂
As an ex consumer and a clothesaholic, i never have worn out my clothes i usually get fed up with them. And with losing weight the clothes i am wearing now are unlikley to get worn out either, but that’s a good thing rite!?
Sharron x
It sure is a good thing…hope it’s going well? Hmm pants as dusters, why not? Hadn’t thought of that!
Very well thank you!! 5lb gone. I have really upped the gym sessions too so i actually feel like i’ve lost more than that. Bit worried i will end up looking like Jodie Marsh though with all the weights i’ve been doing 🙂
Sharron x
Good job! Nowt wrong with a bit of weight training! Great for the bones and figure, delay the onslaught of osteoporosis (and on that cheery note I’m off to bed!)…Keep it up – you’re doing fab! 🙂
Dusters. I do this i cut out the crotch (sorry to be so vulgur 🙁 ) then split them into two so they are less identifiable. Mind, yours are a lor smaller than mine 🙂
As an ex consumer and a clothesaholic, i never have worn out my clothes i usually get fed up with them. And with losing weight the clothes i am wearing now are unlikley to get worn out either, but that’s a good thing rite!?
Sharron x
It sure is a good thing…hope it’s going well? Hmm pants as dusters, why not? Hadn’t thought of that!
Very well thank you!! 5lb gone. I have really upped the gym sessions too so i actually feel like i’ve lost more than that. Bit worried i will end up looking like Jodie Marsh though with all the weights i’ve been doing 🙂
Sharron x
Good job! Nowt wrong with a bit of weight training! Great for the bones and figure, delay the onslaught of osteoporosis (and on that cheery note I’m off to bed!)…Keep it up – you’re doing fab! 🙂
You could turn the shorts into bootie shorts… rotfl! 😉 totally kidding!!
I think it’s great that you actually wear you clothes out…I have so many clothes they’ll never get worn out… :/ Wanna come shop in my closet for jeans?! lol!
I embarrass my Kids enough without turning up to collect them from school in booties shorts! 😉 I couldn’t get away with it at my age, actually I don’t think I’ve worn bootie shorts since I was studying for my A Levels (20-years ago). Then they were coupled with thick black tights and Dr Martens!
You could turn the shorts into bootie shorts… rotfl! 😉 totally kidding!!
I think it’s great that you actually wear you clothes out…I have so many clothes they’ll never get worn out… :/ Wanna come shop in my closet for jeans?! lol!
I embarrass my Kids enough without turning up to collect them from school in booties shorts! 😉 I couldn’t get away with it at my age, actually I don’t think I’ve worn bootie shorts since I was studying for my A Levels (20-years ago). Then they were coupled with thick black tights and Dr Martens!
That should be, “turn the jeans into bootie shorts!” 😉
That should be, “turn the jeans into bootie shorts!” 😉
I’m the same as you–only have a few clothing items, but wear them out fast! I do a lot of what you do–repair, donate, or rags. Sometimes I do the horrible thing and just toss the item. I have a pair of cozy pants I need to do that with right now. Or maybe I’ll cut them up to be used as craft pieces. Who knows! Good luck on your quest 🙂
Cheers Megyn… looks like I’m going to have a go at some repairs and some crafting…
I’m the same as you–only have a few clothing items, but wear them out fast! I do a lot of what you do–repair, donate, or rags. Sometimes I do the horrible thing and just toss the item. I have a pair of cozy pants I need to do that with right now. Or maybe I’ll cut them up to be used as craft pieces. Who knows! Good luck on your quest 🙂
Cheers Megyn… looks like I’m going to have a go at some repairs and some crafting…
I keep two sets of old clothes – one for gardening and lawn mowing, and the other for painting. If worn out for those purposes, they get tossed!
You’ve reminded me I have some decorating on the horizon, I reckon one of the jersey tops will be a good cover-up! Thanks for the suggestion! Much appreciated!
I keep two sets of old clothes – one for gardening and lawn mowing, and the other for painting. If worn out for those purposes, they get tossed!
You’ve reminded me I have some decorating on the horizon, I reckon one of the jersey tops will be a good cover-up! Thanks for the suggestion! Much appreciated!
Like Sharron, we use old undies as cleaning/dusting cloths, we don’t even bother to cut them up or disguise them which can get confusing after they’ve been washed and they occasionally end up back in my underwear drawer.
I have a funny story about unsuspecting pants ending up in my Hubby’s drawer but I’ll save that for another day! Dusters it is then… reckon I will have to try and identify them some how as my underwear is very Henry Ford influenced… you can get a pair as long as they are in black… Without a doubt I’d end up wearing them by accident, with or without holes! Cheers Bec!
Like Sharron, we use old undies as cleaning/dusting cloths, we don’t even bother to cut them up or disguise them which can get confusing after they’ve been washed and they occasionally end up back in my underwear drawer.
I have a funny story about unsuspecting pants ending up in my Hubby’s drawer but I’ll save that for another day! Dusters it is then… reckon I will have to try and identify them some how as my underwear is very Henry Ford influenced… you can get a pair as long as they are in black… Without a doubt I’d end up wearing them by accident, with or without holes! Cheers Bec!
I would definitely try repairing the jeans…they look O.K. elsewhere, right? Then, if the repair doesn’t work, then I’d cut all the seams out and save them for excellent gifts/crafts for when you get your new sewing machine! You can make potholders, aprons, coin purses, duffle bags, back packs, and my favorite: scented hot pads! Tons of stuff you can do with jean material! Great post! Think I’ll have a look in my drawers and see what I can refurbish! 🙂 Cheeryshirley
Great suggestions! Denim is a fab material – where would we be without it eh? I had thought about trying to make a bag, but reckon I need to walk before I run. The sewing machine will arrive once all my other projects are out of the way. I’ve finally learnt my lesson and now start and finish pretty much one new thing at a time. What are scented hot pads?
Scented hot pads: Sew wrong sides together of jeans material and some pretty calico. Turn right side out and sew in thirds down the center from top to bottom. Fill these 3 sections with a mixture of rice, ground cinnamon sticks and cloves. Sew across the top to finish. At your dinner, you can set a hot dish on this filled pad and the warmth will scent your table with lovely smells! It also acts as a table protector for your table! I’ve given quite a few of these interesting hotpads for gifts and they are well-received! I got the idea from The Tightwad Gazette! She gives full instructions with pictures. 🙂 Cheeryshirley
I like this…Tightwad Gazette here I come!
I would definitely try repairing the jeans…they look O.K. elsewhere, right? Then, if the repair doesn’t work, then I’d cut all the seams out and save them for excellent gifts/crafts for when you get your new sewing machine! You can make potholders, aprons, coin purses, duffle bags, back packs, and my favorite: scented hot pads! Tons of stuff you can do with jean material! Great post! Think I’ll have a look in my drawers and see what I can refurbish! 🙂 Cheeryshirley
Great suggestions! Denim is a fab material – where would we be without it eh? I had thought about trying to make a bag, but reckon I need to walk before I run. The sewing machine will arrive once all my other projects are out of the way. I’ve finally learnt my lesson and now start and finish pretty much one new thing at a time. What are scented hot pads?
Scented hot pads: Sew wrong sides together of jeans material and some pretty calico. Turn right side out and sew in thirds down the center from top to bottom. Fill these 3 sections with a mixture of rice, ground cinnamon sticks and cloves. Sew across the top to finish. At your dinner, you can set a hot dish on this filled pad and the warmth will scent your table with lovely smells! It also acts as a table protector for your table! I’ve given quite a few of these interesting hotpads for gifts and they are well-received! I got the idea from The Tightwad Gazette! She gives full instructions with pictures. 🙂 Cheeryshirley
I like this…Tightwad Gazette here I come!
This is a great post. There’s a lot of appeal in wearing out what you already have. It’s a good way to flex your creative genes (or jeans!), and if you’re good at mixing and matching, you’re considered to have lots of style (I’m finally learning this lesson, after growing up looking to magazines, ads, and catalogues for how to put things together).
I try to wear my clothes out and to mend what I can (it gives me a nice feeling to darn holes and close seams), but if the mend would be obvious or the colors are faded or the edges worn, I usually pass those items on or else save them for around the house or on the weekends.
All in all, I do prefer a smaller wardrobe, but I admit to being picky as far as liking everything really crisp. I think it goes with my weirdo perfectionist thing…
Oh Rayna you’d hate my crinkled look then 😉 – actually I tend to buy clothes that don’t need ironing. Skinny jeans, stretchy jersey long sleeved scoop neck tops. A cardigan in the winter, and I’ve just had a Joules Gilet off Santa for Christmas. Now that definitely doesn’t need ironing! The smaller wardrobe thing definitely works, and you offer some fab advice on your blog. Loved the scarf post!
This is a great post. There’s a lot of appeal in wearing out what you already have. It’s a good way to flex your creative genes (or jeans!), and if you’re good at mixing and matching, you’re considered to have lots of style (I’m finally learning this lesson, after growing up looking to magazines, ads, and catalogues for how to put things together).
I try to wear my clothes out and to mend what I can (it gives me a nice feeling to darn holes and close seams), but if the mend would be obvious or the colors are faded or the edges worn, I usually pass those items on or else save them for around the house or on the weekends.
All in all, I do prefer a smaller wardrobe, but I admit to being picky as far as liking everything really crisp. I think it goes with my weirdo perfectionist thing…
Oh Rayna you’d hate my crinkled look then 😉 – actually I tend to buy clothes that don’t need ironing. Skinny jeans, stretchy jersey long sleeved scoop neck tops. A cardigan in the winter, and I’ve just had a Joules Gilet off Santa for Christmas. Now that definitely doesn’t need ironing! The smaller wardrobe thing definitely works, and you offer some fab advice on your blog. Loved the scarf post!
I have just sent 2 big bags of clothes off to the sallies this afternoon! All in perfect working order, simply bad purchases…I don’t hoard clothes, but I have always had a problem with buying things cos they are cheap and they never never never work out! It has taken me many years to work this out, so I am hoping to have some clothes to wear out in the future (though not too near future!) now I am making more sensible purchases 🙂 The kids wear stuff out though, and we rag as much as possible. 🙂
Kids definitely get through clothes! It’s the knees on a lot of things that go first here. But it’s satisfying, like when they come in from playing outside all grubby and all you can do is chuck them in the bath. A day well spent 🙂
I know what you mean about the ‘cheap’ purchases. I don’t shop now, once in a blue moon if I need something (never recreationally), and I know what I am looking for. The only problem with that is when I can’t find it. For a while now if I see someone wearing something I may buy in the future I ask them where they had it from (even strangers), that way when the time comes I can narrow down where may stock it. I don’t like to browse shops as there is always temptation (and I’m not a shopper – it still can get me!). The price thing is linked to justifying the purchase on unnecessary items. It vilifies it. Then you end up chucking it, I know I’ve done it in the past myself.
I have just sent 2 big bags of clothes off to the sallies this afternoon! All in perfect working order, simply bad purchases…I don’t hoard clothes, but I have always had a problem with buying things cos they are cheap and they never never never work out! It has taken me many years to work this out, so I am hoping to have some clothes to wear out in the future (though not too near future!) now I am making more sensible purchases 🙂 The kids wear stuff out though, and we rag as much as possible. 🙂
Kids definitely get through clothes! It’s the knees on a lot of things that go first here. But it’s satisfying, like when they come in from playing outside all grubby and all you can do is chuck them in the bath. A day well spent 🙂
I know what you mean about the ‘cheap’ purchases. I don’t shop now, once in a blue moon if I need something (never recreationally), and I know what I am looking for. The only problem with that is when I can’t find it. For a while now if I see someone wearing something I may buy in the future I ask them where they had it from (even strangers), that way when the time comes I can narrow down where may stock it. I don’t like to browse shops as there is always temptation (and I’m not a shopper – it still can get me!). The price thing is linked to justifying the purchase on unnecessary items. It vilifies it. Then you end up chucking it, I know I’ve done it in the past myself.
I had to look up “joules gilet;” we call them a down vest 🙂
I had to look up “joules gilet;” we call them a down vest 🙂
I only found out yesterday via ‘Jen Spends’ that a Yorkshire Pud is a Popover in the US… live and learn 🙂
Glad you’ve commented again the last link only took me to your Gravatar – I’ve now found your blog hurrah! Popping out now but will have a good look through later!
I only found out yesterday via ‘Jen Spends’ that a Yorkshire Pud is a Popover in the US… live and learn 🙂
Glad you’ve commented again the last link only took me to your Gravatar – I’ve now found your blog hurrah! Popping out now but will have a good look through later!
If you really, really love that fit … take them to a _good_ tailor and ask if s/he could recreate them. It’ll be less expensive if you provide the fabric and have him/her keep the pattern for next time.
I would never have thought of that…and yet if they could make them I’d have my own unique pair of jeans – which very much appeals to me! Thanks for the idea…I’ll mull it over. Loved the dry sherry solution over at FG, incredibly innovative!
If you really, really love that fit … take them to a _good_ tailor and ask if s/he could recreate them. It’ll be less expensive if you provide the fabric and have him/her keep the pattern for next time.
I would never have thought of that…and yet if they could make them I’d have my own unique pair of jeans – which very much appeals to me! Thanks for the idea…I’ll mull it over. Loved the dry sherry solution over at FG, incredibly innovative!
Hi! Found your blog through The Frugal Girl and I love it! *smile* Thoughts on your wardrobe issues that others have not already suggested: 1) The plaid skirt(?) looks like the hole is at the seams, that could be stitched up by hand in approx 5 minutes. Or when your sewing machine arrives, it would be a good first repair. Since plaid is a pattern, it will hide not so straight stitching. 2) After you have your jeans copied, cut off the legs. Opened at one side, and sewn together, jean legs (mix n match colors from other jeans) make great skirts for you or the littles. Also a decent apron. I like to print or paint on mod looking designs found through google images to keep them from looking too little house on the prairie – ish. Each time my daughter wears one, I get loads of compliments. 3) Undies can be cut into the shape of a feminine pad and several pairs cut and stitched together make a good (breathable) liner, and they are washable!
I don;t have an easy project to suggest for your knit items but rest assured once you get the sewing bug you will love to recycle them (I do!)
Sarah you should start a blog – these are all fantastic ideas! The plaid is actually PJ bottoms, but you can’t see that from the photo. I think you’re right I could hand stitch them, however what I think I’m going to do is make some reusable gift bags (like Kristen’s) – I’ve always fancied trying them and this is a good material for that. Love all the denim ideas – seriously good! My patches arrived today so I’ll patch them up, and may look at getting a pair made. The apron suggestion is right on the ticket! As is painting the fabric, fantastic! The liner, again, what a great idea. Will update you how I get on! Thanks again – chuffed you found me!
Hi! Found your blog through The Frugal Girl and I love it! *smile* Thoughts on your wardrobe issues that others have not already suggested: 1) The plaid skirt(?) looks like the hole is at the seams, that could be stitched up by hand in approx 5 minutes. Or when your sewing machine arrives, it would be a good first repair. Since plaid is a pattern, it will hide not so straight stitching. 2) After you have your jeans copied, cut off the legs. Opened at one side, and sewn together, jean legs (mix n match colors from other jeans) make great skirts for you or the littles. Also a decent apron. I like to print or paint on mod looking designs found through google images to keep them from looking too little house on the prairie – ish. Each time my daughter wears one, I get loads of compliments. 3) Undies can be cut into the shape of a feminine pad and several pairs cut and stitched together make a good (breathable) liner, and they are washable!
I don;t have an easy project to suggest for your knit items but rest assured once you get the sewing bug you will love to recycle them (I do!)
Sarah you should start a blog – these are all fantastic ideas! The plaid is actually PJ bottoms, but you can’t see that from the photo. I think you’re right I could hand stitch them, however what I think I’m going to do is make some reusable gift bags (like Kristen’s) – I’ve always fancied trying them and this is a good material for that. Love all the denim ideas – seriously good! My patches arrived today so I’ll patch them up, and may look at getting a pair made. The apron suggestion is right on the ticket! As is painting the fabric, fantastic! The liner, again, what a great idea. Will update you how I get on! Thanks again – chuffed you found me!
I wear out my clothes. Having a wardrobe of about thirteen items I completely understand the wash-wear-and-wear-out cycle. The tricky part of having a small wardrobe is always keeping in mind new combinations. I’ve found I can make mine work pretty hard and people often will see me in an outfit and comment how they’ve never seen it before even though I know I’ve worn those exact items in different combinations before. It’s actually a good feeling when a piece of clothing wears out. To me it feels like my investment has come to fruition.
Well done Rachel – that sounds perfect to me! It’s surprising how creative you can be when there’s little to play with – I’m like that with food. I should count my items really, just so I know. Day in day out I wear the same combination, skinny jeans, jersey top and maybe a cardigan if it’s cold. I have a night out next weekend, and I may invest in a blazer, but it will go with a usual top and skinny jeans that I wear day in day out…no more keeping ‘special’ items for those once in a blue moon occasions!
I wear out my clothes. Having a wardrobe of about thirteen items I completely understand the wash-wear-and-wear-out cycle. The tricky part of having a small wardrobe is always keeping in mind new combinations. I’ve found I can make mine work pretty hard and people often will see me in an outfit and comment how they’ve never seen it before even though I know I’ve worn those exact items in different combinations before. It’s actually a good feeling when a piece of clothing wears out. To me it feels like my investment has come to fruition.
Well done Rachel – that sounds perfect to me! It’s surprising how creative you can be when there’s little to play with – I’m like that with food. I should count my items really, just so I know. Day in day out I wear the same combination, skinny jeans, jersey top and maybe a cardigan if it’s cold. I have a night out next weekend, and I may invest in a blazer, but it will go with a usual top and skinny jeans that I wear day in day out…no more keeping ‘special’ items for those once in a blue moon occasions!
I got to point I had to throw out half of my underwear. All trousers I wear to holes. But about shirts, sweat shirts, I wear them until color begins to bleach.
I am still on beginning of my way to minimalism but I believe that most people wear only small subset of all possible clothes they have. These are worn out faster than others.
I think you are spot on. I’ve heard the 80/20 rule applies to most wardrobes. Only a fifth gets worn the majority of the time. I tend to borrow clothes now for special occasions rather than buy… Good luck on your ongoing journey! Thanks for commenting, it’s great to hear how others are doing it also!
I got to point I had to throw out half of my underwear. All trousers I wear to holes. But about shirts, sweat shirts, I wear them until color begins to bleach.
I am still on beginning of my way to minimalism but I believe that most people wear only small subset of all possible clothes they have. These are worn out faster than others.
I think you are spot on. I’ve heard the 80/20 rule applies to most wardrobes. Only a fifth gets worn the majority of the time. I tend to borrow clothes now for special occasions rather than buy… Good luck on your ongoing journey! Thanks for commenting, it’s great to hear how others are doing it also!
i have to admit that i am kind of a clothes hoarder mainly because i don’t know what to do with old clothes (thankfully i have a huge basement—BUT i really need to clear these boxes of clothes out). there’s the stuff that is in good enough condition to donate or to sell to a secondhand clothes shop (like buffalo exchange) so i do that, but what about the stuff that isn’t? i’m talking about stained tee shirts or stuff that you’ve just worn to bits. or underwear. do you just throw them out in the trash? every once in awhile i will throw some items out in the trash (and i do throw out underwear) but this just somehow feels wrong. maybe it’s a fabric thing because i feel the same about old bed linens. i somehow just can’t get myself to justify throwing out these huge sheets of fabric—even tho some of them may be torn or threadbare. somehow fabric just does not equate to “trash” for me. should i readjust my thinking about this? do i just need to throw all this stuff out in the trash?
i have to admit that i am kind of a clothes hoarder mainly because i don’t know what to do with old clothes (thankfully i have a huge basement—BUT i really need to clear these boxes of clothes out). there’s the stuff that is in good enough condition to donate or to sell to a secondhand clothes shop (like buffalo exchange) so i do that, but what about the stuff that isn’t? i’m talking about stained tee shirts or stuff that you’ve just worn to bits. or underwear. do you just throw them out in the trash? every once in awhile i will throw some items out in the trash (and i do throw out underwear) but this just somehow feels wrong. maybe it’s a fabric thing because i feel the same about old bed linens. i somehow just can’t get myself to justify throwing out these huge sheets of fabric—even tho some of them may be torn or threadbare. somehow fabric just does not equate to “trash” for me. should i readjust my thinking about this? do i just need to throw all this stuff out in the trash?