I'm a Quilter, not a Miracle Worker

Shorts2

I'm sure that any of you who are known for your experience in the use of a sewing machine has had family and friends request that you do hems, alterations, make them a quilt (like you can just whip one out). I have received plenty of those requests, and  most of them I've fulfilled. However, this most recent request stretches the bounds of my abilities in the fabric arts.

Jesse brought me this pair of shorts last night (and I call them a pair of shorts strictly in the figurative sense; its more like a rag) and asked if I could patch them. PATCH! PATCH THEM! Can you dig it? The holes are bigger than the pieces of fabric that are left intact. And I, because I was tired and hurting and in no mood to explain the arts and sciences of sewing, agreed to try.

Shorts1
Now what am I going to do?

It would be far easier to just make a new par of shorts--or better still buy a new pair. But just one problem. Jesse announced that this is his favorite pair of shorts--and has been for many years, it looks like. Now Jesse isn't one to give on a garment just because it has a little age on it (as was said about Lippy and his hat in the wonderful novel Lonesome Dove), so his heart will break, I'm sure if I'm not able to repair these. Anybody have any suggestions?

Shorts3
And the rear is almost as bad.

This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 12/07/2017, Mary S said ...

Hey Susan, put a neutral patch behind the area, then sew back and forth the entire area in a darning fashion. I have mended many a favorite pair of jeans this way. Use a thread color that will fade into the camo

On 12/07/2017, Linda Enneking said ...

I would do as Mary suggested, bearing in mind that the fabric is most likely pretty well worn out. Jesse will realize that as more damage occurs. But he will be happy with you if you are able to extent the life of his favorites for a little while.

On 12/07/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Me three! That, and wave your magic wand over it all!! Wink, wink!

I finished the HST quilt today!! Did you hear the "yippeee"?

Hugs!

On 12/07/2017, Karen said ...

Mary's method works & I've used it many times. I would have Jesse pick up an item made of similar weight camo fabric at a thrift shop and use it for the patches.

On 12/07/2017, Lisa Allen said ...

We all have to say goodbye at some point. Have a brief ceremony celebrating the joy and comfort he received for so many years of wearing them. Time to pull up the big boy pants (shorts) and get a new pair!

On 12/07/2017, Nancy Morey said ...

The Leed's thrift store had some cameo pants. Used is best to fix used fabric----or maybe one of them will fit---or can be cut off for shorts.

On 12/08/2017, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

Buy him a pair of spandex shorts to wear under them and he's good to go. I wouldn't even attempt to fix those. Bless you for attempting it.

On 12/08/2017, Dondi Murdock said ...

Um, the thread you could use to patch these worn out shorts will certainly be stronger than the fabric in the material. Jesse needs a new pair of shorts soon, regardless if you can find patches to mend these dead shorts or not. He need a mantra, "My shorts are dying. I will survive," to be repeated until he is strong enough to face a clothing store. I agree with patching them from behind. I used to patch my sons' favorite clothes and my husband's things with this method. This is only a short term fix, however. Short term, Jesse. The truth must be faced, even if it is painful. The new shorts will become dear in time. Good luck and best wishes!

On 12/10/2017, terry said ...

I agree with Mary S. except that I use iron-on mending patches (available at Joanns and Wal-Mart) and zig-zag back and forth.

Terry

On 12/13/2017, Sandy Gail said ...

Been there, done that with my husband's old thread bare pants. As soon as I would get one spot patched another place would tear because the fabric was just too old and weak. I reminded him of the Bible verse about how "one does not put new wine in old wine skins or new fabric in old least the rent be made greater". I also told him that my sewing machine is not a mending machine, it just sews quilts!!!
-----

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