I don't patch anymore unless its my 2nd flat on the road. When I get home I change that tube to a fresh new one and toss the patched one. I buy tubes when they go on sale and stock up. I probably have 15 700c tubes and 10 26" tubes in one of my workbench drawers.

Every time I'm at the bike shop, I pick up a couple thinking my stock must be getting low. That's also probably how I ended up with about 100 rolls of toilet paper stored in the garage too.