Memory Brush Pen in Aquabee 6×9 sketchbook
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Ink in my AM/PM sketchbook
These are ritual goodbye drawings of my ratty, old, gray hooded sweatshirt. I’ve been wearing it as a sort of housecoat/bathrobe for years. I put it on over my pajamas in the morning and wear it year-round to stay comfy in my house day and night, where it’s usually a degree or two cooler than I’d like.
My cat Busby chewed up the zipper months ago, so zipping it requires lining up the teeth in three different places where they’re missing. A few weeks ago the tab on the zipper fell off, making it even harder to close. It’s full of holes and threadbare spots, paint stains, bleach stains, and a grease stain from when I slipped carrying the barbeque and the grease never washed out.
Last week while my car had an oil change I visited the Target next door and bought two new grey “hoodies” on sale. They’re soft and clean and warm with perfect zippers and no stains. But I’ve been ignoring them, choosing to wear my old one. To help me part with what’s become a bit of a security blanket, I did these drawings to honor the ratty old thing before I toss it in the trash.
By the way, when did sweatshirts become known as hoodies? I somehow missed that moment in time. For years they were sweatshirts and then all of a sudden they were hoodies. It seems like such a cutesy name for such a homely item of apparel.
Jana Bouc, Artist 
15 replies on “Goodbye Old Hoodie”
Love the old hoodies, Jana! Sorry, I can’t enlighten you about when they started being called that!
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It’s amazing how easily one can become attached to a comfy piece of clothing…like an old friend. I have a tendancy towards that too, although, when it gets really worn out – my husband will eventually (and quite sneakily) throw it out without me knowing bout it. hehe!
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Nice drawing of your old sweatshirt. I think it’s great how you did a drawing before throwing it away. I think the term “hoodie” came with that younger generation who actually wear the hoods at all times like it’s a comfort blanket that they can hide in. So the term hoodie is more childlike than sweatshirt – plus they don’t really sweat in them or use them as work out clothing.
I can’t bring myself to say “hoodie” in a sentence though.
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It is a perfect goodbye to an old friend. And so darn creative too!
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I think hoodie here is a fairly recent term applied to the youths that wear these garments with the hood up – some shops say hoods must be removed upon entry – like motor bike helmets – so the security cameras can see. Perhaps I will start a little memorial sketcchbook for ‘old friends’ like these – it would be nicer than having them scattered all over
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After having such a dedicated loving piece of wardrobe such as this, I know from experience, it will be so hard to find a replacement that will give you the same comfort.
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Wonderful drawings! Back in architecture school we had to draw a jacket on a chair, in ink, freehand, and it tramatized me for life. Never did try it again.
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Oh my Jana I am sitting here in my old stain, torn, you name it sweatshirt over my PJ’s. I cannot help but grin reading your post. I keep thinking I need to throw this one out but I keep hanging on to it. Perhaps soon I will.
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JANA! THIS IS PRICELESS!!!! I LOVE IT–the sketch AND your words!! I have the exact same problem with a fuzzy old robe that has paint splatter, coffee, kiddie foods and the like all over it — making it look like a rag and a brand new, beautiful one hanging in my closet — so which is the one I grab to wear??? Maybe I’ll need to follow your wonderful example so I can ‘pass my robe’ to other places! What a delightful entry, Jana!
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LOVE the drawing of the hoodie! I dig this new name too. And i like the fact you are attached to it enough to draw it. There’s love in this sketch.
I really like your work in black and white, Jana.
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Jana, I have the same problem!! I have a cotton flannel shirt that has holes, missing buttons but I just lOVE it!! I hope your new hoodie will be broken in soon! Lovely memorial!
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It’s hard moving on.
My wife has a hoodie that she wears in the fashion that you describe. She bought in in 1997!!!
I think it has to be some kind of record.
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I had to laugh reading this – I TOTALLY understand!! I can easily beat Tom’s record, I have a teeshirt from about 1987 that springs to mind (bit embarrassing as I’m wearing in one of the photos on the wall!) and I probably have even older stuff if I looked. Some things you just can’t bear to part with – and I wouldn’t if they didn’t fall apart!
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fun idea….isnt it funny how we get attached to things…could not throw out my favorite blue hooded jacket that looked like it was in a fight with a cat…hmm maybe i need to sketch it…where is it???
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