Oh Boris ...

[blamebrampton]

I have long had a very disturbing thing for Boris Johnson. I rationalise it away by saying that he's a cyclist, so aside from his questionable use of his penis and occasionally nutty policies, he must be a decent chap underneath. [Poll #1480605]

Comments

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

I couldn't really find an answer that fit me. I think that repairing is something great if a) you love the item and b) if you're good at said repairing and c) if it's worth it. Sometimes it's better for the bank balance to buy a new pair of shoes on sale rather than repairing an old pair that pinches your heels or something. Then again, I have shoes and coats that I love and I'd definitely go and get repaired because I'll never be able to find the same pair again. I've been planning to get one of my shoes re-soled and re-heeled because they're the most comfortable pair of heels I've ever owned.

So yeah, I think my opinions on repairing depend on whether I like the item or not! I tend to buy a lot of clothes and shoes. I keep the ones I like and give to charity the ones I don't end up liking. :) Which reminds me, I ought to do a clean out of my closet.

[potteresque_ire]

Repair work can be fun!!!!! :) Not sure about my answer for the last question though ... Mmm. I keep my shoes forever but they're not really good shoes either; and usually the sole has a 30 degree incline on them due to my poor balance! :D

[inamac.livejournal.com]

I get my shoes re-heeled regularly, but I usually go through the toes long before the question of re-soleing comes up (yes, my feet are weird).

But mostly I put broken things aside with the intention of repairing them - but never get around to it.

[ladyjaneva.livejournal.com]

I'm 26 years old, so I'm not from the older generation as my grandparents who survived the war and really had to repair everything.

However I've always had shoes repaired when something was broken that could be mended. All my precious Doc Martens: They're expensive and the only thing that broke was the zipper, and resoling is so cheap! I cannot understand how people do NOT repair shoes! If I would not take them to the cobbler I'd have to buy new Docs every two years! Also: yes, think of the resources one would waste otherwise! Just because it is possible to always buy new and throw away doesn't mean it's the smart or good thing to do.

This year I've also started darning my socks (the good ones). So far I'm still the only one I know, but given time I know a couple of friends I can convince. There's a really good video on youtube about how to darn socks, that's how I learned.

And I guess I don't have to mention that when my Jeans tear at the ass (I ride my bike daily) I also take them to the alteration shore and have them patched up again.
And yes, I also repair my wool sweaters (from Iceland and Norway) and my wool hats and scarves....

I guess I'm either older than my birth certificate says or a complete Öko-nut ;-D.

It's just...aside from the environmental angle I also want to have good quality things, you know? And good quality means that little things can be repaired easily and are worth the repair. I don't want to own stuff that is not worth repairing!

And I am very thankful to you to know that I am not the only one out there who repairs and resoles :-)

[alienor77310.livejournal.com]

I even darn tea towels...

[treacle-tartlet.livejournal.com]

Eek! I'm only clicking boxes as I wait for dinner to cook!
Do I get bonus points for repairing the small girl's clothing before I pass it down to other families?

[shocolate.livejournal.com]

I have always had a soft spot for Boris. He... he probably doesn't lie to us, which makes him a rare beast.

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

The choices presented are false. Repair one buy another have two. Simple.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

I get old things repaired (or repair them) if I love them, because they'll invariably be much cooler than the current fashions. AND buy new stuff to replace them, that way I'm sure to have things on-hand! ;) I can't for the life of me seem to find anyone willing to replace the steel thing that's broken in the soles of my pair of very comfy patent leather boots, though. I weep salty tears of loss!

[rosathome.livejournal.com]

I like Boris too. I thought the nicest thing about that story was that he hadn't bothered to tell anyone about it.

[aldehyde.livejournal.com]

i am all for repairing comfy/fave shoes, accessories and clothes! in fact, i will be taking my fave pair of fringed suede boots to the repair shop quite soon. i've posted quite a few photos of myself in those boots so you might even know which pair i mean - they're extremely comfy but also fashionable, and i always get complimented on them.

my mum sews a lot. she used to sew all her siblings' outfits while growing up, made most of my clothes when i was young and special outfits as i grew older, and still makes extremely fashionable blouses when i wear sarees. here is an example! i am COMPLETELY HELPLESS/HAPLESS when it comes to sewing, and i wish my mum had taught me basic repairwork so i could do those things myself.

in fact, since she'll be visiting soon and will be spending 3 mths with me, maybe i should get her to teach me some valuable sewing skills..

but yea, i definitely think investing in repairs is warranted if the outfit/accessory/footwear is comfortable and cherished, and something that i want to continue wearing :D

[kareina.livejournal.com]

There is fashion after the 12th Century? Nah, couldn't be. Make things you love, repair them if something goes wrong. Be comfortable. Don't buy store-bought stuff if it can be avoided. If it can't be avoided, you will probably have to alter it, anyway.

[ant-queen.livejournal.com]

I grew up with parents who strongly believed in buying good quality things that will last and can be repaired, be it clothes, shoes, appliances, or cars.

I buy good quality shoes and get them re-heeled regularly. I kick myself when I've been too busy and the heel has worn down beyond the little bit on the end. I recently got a pair of boots repaired that needed a 1/2" added to the heel (had worn down too far) and the steel shank inside replaced. Cost $80. Boots originally cost $450 and they're now 6 years old, so it was worth it.

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

I'm a big believer in repairing good things - but then, my baby saddle is over 100 years old.

Having said that, shoes are the bane of my life, as I have little money to spend on them, and very difficult feet to fit - so even expensive shoes do not survive the heels of d00m, and it's very hard to justify spending money on shoes when the inside of the heels will be in pieces within a couple of months of use.

I have had zippers replaced on suitcases, and I do make home repairs to items of clothing that are worth it. My darning is awful, but then I buy cheap socks too (see above).

If, some time in my future, I did actually find shoes that fit me, and were comfortable, and in good enough style to be 'timeless' (and if I trusted my judgement of fashion one little bit) I would be prepared to spend money on them, and have them repaired ad infinitum.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Have you thought about asking the people at Preston Zly if they could mock something up for you? They do a lot of bespoke cordwaining and have some lovely styles. That shop we couldn't get to in time in Fitzroy stocks their stuff. Otherwise, pick a design you like and go shoemaker shopping!

[mousicles.livejournal.com]

As you know I'm a compulsive sock darner. I've never had shoes resoled, but then again, I'm not a shoe person. I buy sneakers about once a year and other shoes about maybe once in six years. Perhaps I'll see if the blunstones can be fixed.

I love second hand stuff with plenty of life in them, be it clothes or furnature or kid's toys. The downside is that by the time I'm prepared to part with something there's no life left in it and no one wants it.

I probably would hoard so much junk if I though someone would take it and use it.

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

If I'm ever actually employed again, and have more than the housekeeping money to get by on, I will definitely look into it. Until then, I will remain barefoot and barren in the kitchen. :D

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

You were the reason I learned to darn! And yeah, trainers are crap at being resoled. I nearly bought some cute English shoes the other day, which are made of 95% recycled materials, save that they can't be resoled: where's the logic?!

Second-hand things are often so much better than new things, build quality was just better for the most part. I wish as much care went into clothing, kids' stuff, furnishings and accessories now as it did even 50 years ago :-(

But NO HOARDING! ;-)

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

YOU WILL BE! I have also thought that I must learn how to make shoes one day, so if I ever get my act together, I will experiment on you!

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Yes, I learned that lesson as a child, too, what with hippies, the farm, the post-war ethos and the 'Oh, your great-grandmother's frock would fit you, I think it's in X room ...' thing my family does.

That boot equation is the exact reason I believe in repairs, that and once you have the perfect pair perfectly broken in, it's a tragedy to lose them. Although you have such beautiful feet, it must be easier to fit them than my stumpy paddles!

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

I would like to say something profound and witty at the same time. I've got nuthin'.

*headdesk*

[ant-queen.livejournal.com]

My feet are lovely, but also quite narrow, so I have the opposite problem to you. Shoes are often too wide and my foot moves from side to side in them. I cannot wear birkenstocks in any model. Kumfs are my saviours.

[melusinahp.livejournal.com]

Re: Boris -- It's the floppy blond hair. Gets me every time.

[rosathome.livejournal.com]

Well, that's what it said in the first article I read .

[treacle-tartlet.livejournal.com]

Excuse me, did you say 'no hoarding'? Brammers, I have seen inside your sewing room...