Upcycling with Denim projects

I have got to give up my old jeans; but, I think it is great I did lose the weight but comfort.  I still want to make a denim quilt.

Denim Flower Corsage

Materials:  Old Denim jeans, scissors, beads, matching denim thread, and sewing needle

Directions:

Cut 5 squares  2- 3 1/2", 1- 3", 1- 2 3/4", 1- 2 1/2".  Cut out flower shapes. It is easier to cut by using the corners as a guide.

Sew along the edges of the flowers to prevent fraying. (It will fray a little, but not as much, it also gives body to each of the petals.)

Stack them together, large flower to small. Make sure that petals don't overlap each other from the top layer down to the bottom layer.

Sew a large bead in the middle, then, sew 7-8 pearls around it. I sew at least a couple times for each bead to make sure they are secure. For the color of the beads, use beads that stand out.

Sew the pin to a 1 1/2" felt circle. Using the slip stitch, sew that onto the back of the flower.

You do not want your flower to lay flat, so squeeze it and made the shape. It is totally a personal choice.

Denim Gadget Case

Materials:  Old jeans, scissors, Sewing machine, matching denim thread, and needle, ruler, two pop buttons, and pen

Directions:

Now you have the jeans you need to cut the material to make the case.

You will need a ruler, pen and some hefty scissors for this step.

Remember you need some space on either side to sew on and some space at one end for pop-buttons.

Your fabric needs to be about 10 inches long and 3 inches wide.

Now remove any unnecessary labels.  Best way to do it is to use a stitch remover, otherwise do it with a knife carefully.

At this time turn over ends.  We don't want our case to fray and fall apart so fold a little bit of the end back and sew it in place.

You can use a sewing machine or do it by hand. 

Now we can sew one side of the case together.  To make it look nice, turn the material inside out, sew it and then flip it around. That way it looks great.  Sew as close as you can to the edge, you don't want to waste any fabric.  Now you can sew the other side of the case, this is the top of the jeans so it’s thicker and will probably be harder.

You don't want the iPod to fall out the end so we need to secure it in.  So use pop buttons, you just sew either side on. Using two pop buttons so it is secure.

Denim Organizer

Materials:  Jeans Legs: 3 pairs of legs, Denim fabric: 1 yard (91.4cm), Cord for hanging: 1 yard (91.4cm), Dowel: 24 inches (61.0cm), Coats Dual Duty Plus® Extra Strong Jeans Thread (N574) or Coats Dual Duty Plus® All-purpose Thread (Art 200): color 5 Copenhagen or to match denim, Coats Rayon Thread-30 wt. (Art D93): color 182 Spark Gold and Coats Rayon Thread-40 wt. (Art. D63): Color 51 Chona Brown was used in this project, and Stabilizer for embroidery.

Directions:

Organizer fabric: Cut 2 pieces of fabric 22 inches x 25 inches (55.9cm x 63.5cm).

Pockets: Cut the pant leg sections apart at the outer seam, trimming away the seam. 1st row: Trim 3 leg pieces 5 inches (12.7cm) high by 10 inches (25.4cm) wide. 2nd row: trim 3 leg pieces 9 1/2 inches (24.1cm) high by 10 inches wide. (25.4cm).

Embellish pockets as desired with decorative stitching, appliqué, machine or hand embroidery, or trims.

To form each pocket row, sew the three same-size leg sections together.

Attaching top row: Mark a line on organizer fabric 11 1/2 inches (29.2cm) from top edge. Place pocket row on fabric, right sides together, with the lower raw edge of pockets against the line (Illustration 2). Stitch, 1/2 inch (1.3cm) from edge. Press seam allowance toward pocket. Fold pocket section right-side-up; press. Baste side seams. Using Jeans thread or all-purpose thread, stitch in the ditch along seams in pocket row to form individual pockets.

Bottom row: Fold pleats as above and baste. Place pocket section on organizer fabric, right side facing you, aligning raw edges. Baste sides and bottom edge of pocket. Stitch in the ditch along seams in pocket row to form individual pockets.

Place backing fabric on top of organizer, right sides together. Stitch together, using 1/2-inch (1.3cm) seams allowance. At the top corners, leave a 1-inch (2.5cm) opening in the side seams for inserting a dowel or curtain rod. At the lower edge, leave a 6-inch (15.2cm) opening for turning.

Trim corners diagonally and grade lower edge to reduce bulk. Press the seams open before turning. Pay particular attention to places that are thick due to jeans seams. Turn to right side. Then Press. Hand sew opening in lower edge closed.

Mark the pockets.  At the two ends, fold solid line to dotted line. At seams, fold solid lines to seam line; do not overlap. Baste pleats in place at lower edge.  Insert dowel, and attach a cord for hanging. For better stability, use a curtain rod and brackets for hanging.

Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either here or e-mail me at
stipple@verizon.net.  I look forward to hearing from you!