Cult of the Well-Worn Hoodie

This weekend’s LA Times has a great pair of articles from staff writer Melissa Magsaysay about the hoodie’s transition from Rocky-style gymwear through urban statement to designer runways, a perfect companion to the close of the most recent fashion week.

In the companion article, Slouchy Hoodie Gets a Makeover, Magsaysay interviews Mike Gonzales of Mike & Chris, who have made a name for themselves in fashion circles for their leather hoodie and other hooded outerwear designs. The video demonstrates Gonzales’ impromptu design skills as he stitches together a stylish hooded tunic using only some elastic, thread and pins, and an off-the-rack $12.99 XXL workout hoodie.

The Mike & Chris Fall ‘07 collection is up on their site now, and has some cool stylish hooded designs that would be fit for both formal and casual occasions.

Wow, two threads referencing the Beastie Boys in one week!

Ever held the perfect hoodie design in your minds’ eye, spending weeks scoping out storefronts and hitting up Google, trying to find it but coming up empty-handed? Maybe it’s time to get stichin’!

Designing your own hoodie is probably easier than you think, courtesy of some great tutorials online.

First up, ThreadBanger, the network for DIY fashion, has a video tutorial on how to turn an old band t-shirt into a custom vintage hoodie. Curbly as the text run-down, in case you’re having trouble watching the video or want to print out some instructions for post-viewing sewing.

If you prefer hook and yarn to thread and needle, Knitty has a hooded cardigan pattern that is perfect for the cooler weather. The design is by Jodi Green.

If you have any success with these patterns, or know of any more worth sharing, post them in the comments.

Keep your laptop cozy while traveling with this Instructable, where user TabLeft shows you how to create a laptop sleeve from an old hoodie, requiring only basic sewing skills.

With Neoprene laptop sleeves running around $20, if you’ve got an old hoodie you can’t bear to part with, this is a great way to keep it in service and protect your TiBook from any devastating dings in the process.

If you put one together, post in the comments with photos or tips!