Comments on: Paean to iron-on patches from the 1970s http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 21 May 2013 10:19:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: noldrin http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435986 noldrin Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435986 I thought the idea of patches on my jeans was cool till my mom put them on the inside of my jeans, what the heck? In other news, jeans were a lot more durable when they were made out of hemp. I thought the idea of patches on my jeans was cool till my mom put them on the inside of my jeans, what the heck?

In other news, jeans were a lot more durable when they were made out of hemp.

]]> By: Chainring http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435229 Chainring Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435229 My mom ironed patches onto the insides of new jeans when I was a kid. No problem until you wore and washed the jeans a few times and the outline of the patch became evident as a faded ring. Consider also that she folded all my jeans so that there was a crease down the middle of each leg (like you would fold dress pants), reveled in finding "deals" on irregular t-shirts, and bought dress shirts more suitable to a retiree than an adolescent, and you begin to get some idea of why I never quite fit in at my very upper-middle class schools. ... not all my mother's fault. I was a nerd to begin with, but the clothes didn't help. My mom ironed patches onto the insides of new jeans when I was a kid. No problem until you wore and washed the jeans a few times and the outline of the patch became evident as a faded ring. Consider also that she folded all my jeans so that there was a crease down the middle of each leg (like you would fold dress pants), reveled in finding “deals” on irregular t-shirts, and bought dress shirts more suitable to a retiree than an adolescent, and you begin to get some idea of why I never quite fit in at my very upper-middle class schools.

… not all my mother’s fault. I was a nerd to begin with, but the clothes didn’t help.

]]> By: stratosfyr http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435485 stratosfyr Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435485 I wish someone had patched my jeans when I was a kid. I just went around with big ol' holes in my knees like a sucker. I wish someone had patched my jeans when I was a kid. I just went around with big ol’ holes in my knees like a sucker.

]]> By: jimh http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435251 jimh Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435251 @chainring: This was my story too. Which was a little misguided of mom, since I was much more likely to come home with paper cuts from the library than with a hole ripped in the knee of my jeans. @chainring: This was my story too. Which was a little misguided of mom, since I was much more likely to come home with paper cuts from the library than with a hole ripped in the knee of my jeans.

]]> By: LB http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435010 LB Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435010 My family probably kept these people in business through the 80's. My family probably kept these people in business through the 80′s.

]]> By: Falcon_Seven http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435269 Falcon_Seven Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435269 @18 - My mom would iron the patches on the outside of everything with legs longer than shorts for myself and my two brothers. Always very fashionable. @18 – My mom would iron the patches on the outside of everything with legs longer than shorts for myself and my two brothers. Always very fashionable.

]]> By: saint_al http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435782 saint_al Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435782 Iron-on patches didn't breathe like fabric- they made me sweat directly behind the patch area. Those rubbery, glittery iron-on T-Shirt transfers like the ones Roach sold had the same effect. Yick. "Whatever happened to white dog poo?" This topic merits BoingBoing attention! Iron-on patches didn’t breathe like fabric- they made me sweat directly behind the patch area.
Those rubbery, glittery iron-on T-Shirt transfers like the ones Roach sold had the same effect. Yick.

“Whatever happened to white dog poo?”
This topic merits BoingBoing attention!

]]> By: aeon http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435539 aeon Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435539 Ah, nostalgia for a 1970's childhood. Garish nylon clothes, non-breathable raincoats, patched jeans and the freedom to roam. When are we going to start the "Whatever happened to white dog poo?" discussion? Ah, nostalgia for a 1970′s childhood. Garish nylon clothes, non-breathable raincoats, patched jeans and the freedom to roam. When are we going to start the “Whatever happened to white dog poo?” discussion?

]]> By: Takuan http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435285 Takuan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435285 remember iron-on tattoos and nicotine patches? remember iron-on tattoos and nicotine patches?

]]> By: Jack http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435032 Jack Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435032 I actually liked these patches. They also lasted longer than sewn patches. I actually liked these patches. They also lasted longer than sewn patches.

]]> By: eclectro http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435293 eclectro Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435293 Let's not forget that corduroy patches were used on similar corduroy jackets of the era, whether they had holes in the elbow joint or not. As having the patches on the jacket was considered pretty fashionable. I think they still sell the jacketw with the patches on them pre-installed. #7 @ Roast Beef - no adhesive patch I am aware of will withstand the couple of heavy wear areas a jean has. Rather than going the patch route, you might pick up a heavy duty canvas sewing awl at harbor freight tools and the matching heavy thread at a fabric store and make a longer lasting repair that way. We certainly live in the days where it pays to be thrifty! Let’s not forget that corduroy patches were used on similar corduroy jackets of the era, whether they had holes in the elbow joint or not. As having the patches on the jacket was considered pretty fashionable. I think they still sell the jacketw with the patches on them pre-installed.

#7 @ Roast Beef – no adhesive patch I am aware of will withstand the couple of heavy wear areas a jean has. Rather than going the patch route, you might pick up a heavy duty canvas sewing awl at harbor freight tools and the matching heavy thread at a fabric store and make a longer lasting repair that way. We certainly live in the days where it pays to be thrifty!

]]> By: Halloween Jack http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435807 Halloween Jack Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435807 Good grief, I remember these things. About as good-looking and long-lasting as using a piece of duct tape. Good grief, I remember these things. About as good-looking and long-lasting as using a piece of duct tape.

]]> By: radio_commercials http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435049 radio_commercials Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435049 nothing like making it look like your clothes need fixing, when they dont. Soon we will really need them. Stock up now! nothing like making it look like your clothes need fixing, when they dont. Soon we will really need them. Stock up now!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435311 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435311 If you want to put rips and frays in your jeans (warning, if you remember doing this the first time around in the late 1980's, you are too old for it), you can iron a patch on underneath to prevent putting your foot through the ripped and frayed spot. I'm too old for it. If you want to put rips and frays in your jeans (warning, if you remember doing this the first time around in the late 1980′s, you are too old for it), you can iron a patch on underneath to prevent putting your foot through the ripped and frayed spot.

I’m too old for it.

]]> By: Gilbert Wham http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-436337 Gilbert Wham Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-436337 You do realise that the fact we remember the 1970's means we're officially old? You do realise that the fact we remember the 1970′s means we’re officially old?

]]> By: meehawl http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435314 meehawl Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435314 Why is that little girl riding the Sybian? Obviously, the 1970s were more risqué than I'd been led to believe. Why is that little girl riding the Sybian? Obviously, the 1970s were more risqué than I’d been led to believe.

]]> By: JoshP http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435069 JoshP Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435069 Thinking of those retro-fads coming back to all their perky, pedulant, popularity make me want to shoot myself in the head... But not just with any gun... No.. One of those big, manly guns that Clint would have used in those movies he filmed in San Fran... yeah... Do me Harry... ;\ Thinking of those retro-fads coming back to all their perky, pedulant, popularity make me want to shoot myself in the head… But not just with any gun… No.. One of those big, manly guns that Clint would have used in those movies he filmed in San Fran… yeah… Do me Harry… ;\

]]> By: Ernunnos http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435847 Ernunnos Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435847 It's not a bad idea to put them on before you get holes in the knees. Once you patch a hole, your knee ends up rubbing against the stiff, scratchy patch. Ah, the things you learn growing up in the '70s. It’s not a bad idea to put them on before you get holes in the knees. Once you patch a hole, your knee ends up rubbing against the stiff, scratchy patch.

Ah, the things you learn growing up in the ’70s.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435345 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435345 Those damned things always fell off on my jeans.... Those damned things always fell off on my jeans….

]]> By: zuzu http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435354 zuzu Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435354 OMG, I totally had those patches on my jeans when I was maybe 8 years old. (Thanks mom!) I'd completely forgotten that detail of my childhood until now. OMG, I totally had those patches on my jeans when I was maybe 8 years old. (Thanks mom!) I’d completely forgotten that detail of my childhood until now.

]]> By: RevelryByNight http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435109 RevelryByNight Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435109 Streesboro, eh? You don't say. . . I grew up in the next town. Back then the 'Boro was a stretch of swamp land with a few factories on the horizon. It's nice to know there were some touches of color on that gray horizon, after all. (now, of course, it's just a bunch of walmart, home depot hideousness, but the swamp's still there) Streesboro, eh? You don’t say. . .

I grew up in the next town. Back then the ‘Boro was a stretch of swamp land with a few factories on the horizon.

It’s nice to know there were some touches of color on that gray horizon, after all.

(now, of course, it’s just a bunch of walmart, home depot hideousness, but the swamp’s still there)

]]> By: caitifty http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435125 caitifty Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435125 Never mind the patches, check out the device for sliding down stair rails depicted on the patch kit on the right! Can you *imagine* some company selling something that much fun, with that much potential for liability lawsuits these days? Never mind the patches, check out the device for sliding down stair rails depicted on the patch kit on the right! Can you *imagine* some company selling something that much fun, with that much potential for liability lawsuits these days?

]]> By: reginald http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435641 reginald Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435641 there are people who can repair anything in my town. but i love the practicality and independence of the original patch/post. there are people who can repair anything in my town.
but i love the practicality and independence of the original patch/post.

]]> By: Roast Beef http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435132 Roast Beef Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435132 I am here to tell you that the adhesive on these patches does not last through twenty-seven years stored in a cookie tin. Unfortunately, for I am in need of some serious patchage. I wish my denim was stronger. I always bust through the knees and up in the crotchal area. I used to think it was my habit of buying $20 jeans at Target. Then, I bit and bought some $70 jeans from a denim company whose name rhymes with Schmevi. One year later, these jeans are rapidly returning to their component parts, starting at the "areas of instability" (to quote a favorite line from my iron-on path package). Next time, I'll go for the $20 jeans, if this is all the wear I can expect out of the pricier kind. I am here to tell you that the adhesive on these patches does not last through twenty-seven years stored in a cookie tin. Unfortunately, for I am in need of some serious patchage.

I wish my denim was stronger. I always bust through the knees and up in the crotchal area. I used to think it was my habit of buying $20 jeans at Target. Then, I bit and bought some $70 jeans from a denim company whose name rhymes with Schmevi. One year later, these jeans are rapidly returning to their component parts, starting at the “areas of instability” (to quote a favorite line from my iron-on path package). Next time, I’ll go for the $20 jeans, if this is all the wear I can expect out of the pricier kind.

]]> By: kaosmonkey http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435135 kaosmonkey Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435135 And don't forget to apply a couple to the elbows of your corduroy jacket! And don’t forget to apply a couple to the elbows of your corduroy jacket!

]]> By: BJN http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435137 BJN Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435137 The word is "preventive" until we start preventating stuff. The word is “preventive” until we start preventating stuff.

]]> By: mdh http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435138 mdh Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435138 Roast Beef - three words - Duluth Trading Company. They will keep up with you, and they're crochitals are very well designed to minimize binding. Roast Beef – three words – Duluth Trading Company.

They will keep up with you, and they’re crochitals are very well designed to minimize binding.

]]> By: dbarak http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435140 dbarak Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435140 70s? Oh... I still use these on my Armani pants... 70s? Oh…

I still use these on my Armani pants…

]]> By: Roast Beef http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-435144 Roast Beef Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-435144 MDH--thanks for the tip! Am checking out their denim styles right now. MDH–thanks for the tip! Am checking out their denim styles right now.

]]> By: JoshP http://boingboing.net/2009/03/10/paean-to-ironon-patc.html#comment-436428 JoshP Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-436428 @MDH Nods on Duluth Trading Cmp, also for hard usage, get ahold of cotton ripstop fatigue pants. This for newbohemes who haven't had the exquisite pleasure of owning a pair of cut-off ripstops. Stay away from the 'twill' weave. Look for cross-hatching. I've owned aexercise shorts for a decade made from this stuff. Mega bonus if you can find them in tiger stripe or an eastern europe camouflage pattern. @MDH
Nods on Duluth Trading Cmp, also for hard usage, get ahold of cotton ripstop fatigue pants. This for newbohemes who haven’t had the exquisite pleasure of owning a pair of cut-off ripstops. Stay away from the ’twill’ weave. Look for cross-hatching. I’ve owned aexercise shorts for a decade made from this stuff. Mega bonus if you can find them in tiger stripe or an eastern europe camouflage pattern.

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