Jean Jeanie

I'm still repurposing!  I have a pile of used, beat-up blue jeans given to me from my wonderful family and friends.  I've made several blue jean quilts over the years, most I've given away.  They have been a favorite because of the way they drape and hug you with warmth.  I still have a couple on hand so I'm looking for alternative projects for these jeans.

I thought it would be fun to see how much I could use from a single pair of jeans.  I know it really depends on the size as to how much fabric there is to work with.  I have a couple pair that are 38 waist and 32 length. that should give me a good amount of fabric.

First I made two pair of extra long oven mitts.  It was fun to use the waistbands as the top binding.  I did have to cut into a second pair of jeans waistband for one of the mitt's binding.  Including the from pocket, some belt loops and the front button and buttonhole made some fun embellishments.  They are lined with batting, Insul-Bright thermal batting and cotton fabric.  Don't you love the worn denim look?

My next project is a I-pod bag. I needed an I-pod bag, so what better fabric then denim?  I measured my I-pod and added an 1 1/2 to the length and width.  To add some flare I cut the front using one of the outside seams of the leg.  The bag is lined and has batting.  The closure is a piece of leather cording that loops over a button. Unfortunately I was unable to use the jean button because it was grommeted onto the jean, so a large blue button was used.   I did use that grommeted button from the waistband on the top binding.  I was given some leather upholstery samples that I cut one into a flower shape to sew behind the button.  I added a loop handle cut from the side seam.  The handle started to ravel so I used some anti-fray glue on the cut sides.  This is a perfect little bag to protect my I-pad and carry it around.

There still are some scraps of fabric left that I've cut out pieces to make a denim bowl that I'll work on in a few days.  Also, I have a zipper and two back pockets left, but not committed to what I want to do with them yet.  Christmas is a few days away and I'm not sure how much time I'll have to sew.  It's time to focus on the holidays.