You might think this shirt is just a run-of-the-mill {that pun is oh-so-intended} plaid wool shirt. But it isn’t. It’s a vintage shirt that my husband, Brian, bought from a thrift store when he was in college in the 80s. It’s a Pendleton, a real Pendleton Woolen Mills shirt, which has always been considered a fabulous find in the thrifting world. This vintage Pendleton is his favorite shirt EVER. Here is the label on the inside:
What’s cool to me is that this shirt had a life before Brian owned it. The cleaning label has a date of 1960. This shirt was around for at least 25 years before Brian bought it! And he has owned it for at least 25 years. That’s a pretty high quality product, if you ask me. A shirt that can withstand 50 years of use. Wow. I wish everything in the world was crafted this way!
You can imagine Brian’s dismay when, after over 50 years of use, his prized Pendleton developed a hole in the elbow. It was just worn thin.
He knew he didn’t want to give up on the shirt that had seen him through his entire adult life, so he found some suede elbow patches online. I sewed them on for him. It took a lot longer than I thought it would. Even with the stitching holes pre-drilled, I had to pay attention. There was no watching Downton Abbey while sewing. {So of course I waited until after Downton Abbey to sew!} I used an embroidery hoop and pinned the patch in two spots to hold it in place. I had already removed the pins when I took the embroidery hoop photo.
Here is the Pendleton now:
It has a more professorial look with the elbow patches, doesn’t it? Brian loves it and will be able to continue wearing this shirt for many more years.
This upcycle was incredibly rewarding. It was an honor to save an item that was made so well that it had withstood decades of use before needing a relatively minor repair. If everything in our lives could be created with this level of mindfulness toward high quality, we would need a lot less stuff.
Linking up to some of these fabulous parties:
Oh my gosh! I love it! That turned out great!
Thanks, Susan. Brian is happy to have the shirt back in tip-top shape.
Great job! The shirt and Brian are troopers…both holding up well.
Thanks, Carol. Yes, Brian and the Pendleton go way back. He’s owned several others over the years, too, but this one is by far his favorite. He’d probably buy 10 more just like it if he could, just to be sure that he’ll always have one. The combination of timeless styling and great craftsmanship can’t be beat.
Very good save Betsy! That was a great find and a great repair. Did you also reinforce the tear on the inside? If not I suggest that you add a sturdy comfortable patch to the inside as well to stop anymore fraying of the hole. This could be hand sewn from the inside (but not catching your pretty patches) or even just ironed on inside as well. Good luck and happy Brian!
Thanks, Aunt Judy! Good idea!
love the elbow patches on this shirt!
Thanks, Teenah! It’s exactly what he wanted.
BETSY – Congratulations on getting your idea posted to the Pendleton site thru Facebook!! Proud of you!!
Thank you
I’m doing the exact same thing right now on my ’60s Pendleton! Darn elbow holes!
Glad to hear it, Tommy! They are certainly worth saving.
Good for you! My son-in-law has made a business of restoring vintage American made clothing. You might enjoy seeing Greenwich Vintage…he is doing upscaling of great looking men’s shoes right now…fun! I have always been “mad for plaid”!
I just looked up his site, Mary. You are right – I love his work! What fun to save and restyle vintage clothes. The photography on his site is very nice, too. Here’s the link in case anyone else want to check out Greenwich Vintage Co: http://greenwichvintage.us
I have always saved wool blankets, but never thought of looking for the shirts! Great save.
Thanks, Donna. I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for some blankets, too. Do you use the blankets for anything besides keeping warm?
Great idea and I love the shirt! My husband has a sweater he loves to wear and the elbow patches are a great idea to save it. I had thought of them but haven’t sewn for so long, didn’t feel confident to make them from scratch. Thanks for the post and idea!
You’re welcome, Nancy! The pre-drilled holes in the patches make it a bit less intimidating. Best of luck to you.
I love this idea. My husband loves elbow pads. I could definitely do this do some of his shirts.
Thanks, Emily! I would definitely do this again. Thanks for visiting.
Wow, what a clever idea. I love it!
Already your follower hopping by, blogging @ http://www.thequietmom.com/blog/
Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for linking up your awesome and inspiring project. Come visit us and link up another project next week in our Saturday Showcase!
Have a good week,
Susie@Bowdabra
http://bowdabrablog.com
Thanks, Susie.
I absolutely agree, there is no sewing during Downton Abbey time!! I love that show
This is great, I love that that shirt has lasted 50 years, and will last several more now! Thanks so much for sharing this on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday.
Also, if you haven’t already seen it, I’m giving away a copy of a new gluten free Paleo cookbook giveaway so please swing by and enter to win a copy or Primal Cuisine
Thanks, Danielle! We have to keep our priorities straight when it comes to Downton Abbey! It’s currently the only new show we watch on tv – everything else is reruns or movies.