My name is Celia, and I’m a denim addict.
Which is hilarious, because until a month ago, I hadn’t worn a pair of jeans in close to a decade.
You see, to look good, jeans need to be snug and at 53, I no longer do snug. Plus new jeans cost a small fortune, and they’re massively taxing on the environment.
But then I discovered that I could buy secondhand jeans for next to nothing and adjust them to fit. Anything beyond my sewing skills goes to our local tailor, who will run in and hem a thick pair of jeans for just $20. An almost too loose waistband is just as good as an elastic one, and as my mother and sister will attest, style is always optional when it comes to my dress sense.
But I digress..I was going to tell you about my rescued denim.
A couple of weeks ago, lovely Greg, the owner of Vintage @ 313 in Newtown, traded me a large bag of denim offcuts for a couple of loaves of sourdough. All the pieces were legs cut off old jeans, which had been upcycled into those frayed shorts and mini skirts that are so popular at the moment. Greg had pulled them out of the manufacturer’s dumpster (he can’t bear waste any more than we can) and I was keen to find a way to give them a third incarnation.
The denim was pretty stinky when we brought it home, but a 60°C hot wash in Napisan fixed that pretty quickly. The fabric itself was as sturdy as iron…
I started by opening each piece at the side seams, and then trimming them 16″ (roughly 41cm) wide by as long as the offcut would allow…
Then it was a simple case of overlocking (serging), topstitching and hemming to create this very tactile denim patchwork…
My second project was a denim bucket bag…
Followed by a patchwork version…
Here’s the other side – the strap is the inseam of a huge pair of donated Levi’s…
I added a zippered pocket and lined the bag with 20 year old cotton from my stash (last used to make toddler’s pants)…
Dotti asked me to make her a denim headband, and the mania really started to set in…
Small scraps and leftover pockets became juggling balls…
My friend Maude, who is clearly even more of a Womble than I am, took all the trimmings home to turn into bag handles…
I’ve explored the art of slow mending, Japanese boro style. I started with a large $2 pair of distressed jeans (a fashion trend which annoys me no end) from our local Salvos Store. After patching all the holes, I took the waistband in by two inches, and the hems up by three. I’m seriously chuffed with how they turned out!
It makes me ridiculously happy to have sumos on my butt…
You’re probably wondering how I can afford this extravagant new hobby!
Well, it was actually very simple – I’ve given up my daily coffee routine. On our morning walks, Big Boy and I had fallen into the habit of buying a hot drink (decaf piccolo for me, chai latte for him) as a “reward” for climbing out of bed and getting some exercise. But once I started rescuing denim, it dawned on me that every $4 coffee I had (piccolos are tiny, and I wasn’t even getting a caffeine hit) could buy me two pairs of old jeans from the Salvos. Five little coffees a week? Or ten pairs of old jeans while supporting a charity? The maths wasn’t hard to do.
Of course, I didn’t need to give up the coffees, nor do I need ten pairs of jeans every week (I can hear Pete groaning as I type this). I could easily find the money, but a little perspective always helps to keep life real. And as an added bonus, I find myself appreciating the coffees I still have even more…
Finally, a photo to make you laugh!
Some background first – I was watching these fabulous videos by Junky Styling in the UK, who used to refashion old clothing into funky new pieces. Here’s an example…
I was inspired! So I cut the crotch seam out of an old pair of jeans and slipped them over my head to see if I could turn them into a tabard or poncho. Remember my motto…style is always optional.
I sent a photo to friends, who were mostly kind in their reviews. But thankfully, Pete pointed out that I looked like a nutter, and my darling friend Dale agreed, declaring that someone had to act as wardrobe consultant on the emperor’s new clothes. I laughed until I cried…
I’ve been having heaps of fun! If you have any suggestions on other uses for my rescued denim, I’d love to hear them! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Oh Celia, you are just so handy and hilarious! You have got me giggling madly at work!!
Celia, I loved be this post. You are very clever!
I thought the denim throw was great but then I was impressed by the clever little juggling balls, hand bags and the cute headband. The “fancy Nancy” jeans were my favourite by far. Well done. You did a great job. I particularly liked the stitching you added to your patches. I look forward to seeing more.
New predistressed denim makes me sick. I saw a documentary once that showed factory workers destroying lovely new jeans with rocks and sandpaper. It seemed shameful that people pay so much for them. Thank you Diesel for inventing Pre-Knackered jeans.
It’s much more fun to buy an old pair that have already been on an adventure but still have more life in them.
Just to keep the ball rolling I’ll put in a suggestion of a table runner.
Had me giggling too!
Celia, another inspirational post, makes me want to buy a sewing machine: I can feel the day coming. There are so many good bits of second hand fabric around. Sometimes I just have to grab it and add it to the stash.Love the Japanese treatment on the jeans- I guess I could manage this by hand. The bags are gorgeous and as for that video with the reworking of daggy cardigan into lovely shrug- I want to do that too.
Suggestions for distressed denim: cushion covers with lovely Japanese additions, denim tie- dying alla shibori dots ( tie softer denim with rubber bands and dunk in bleach, aprons for bread makers with pockets ( or have you done these last post?), short gardening aprons with three pockets across face of front, teepees using some bamboo for rods for little kids, ….. mind is racing. xx
Recycled denim makes a very sturdy garden tote, with sectioned pockets for hand tools.
Oh Celia how you bring a smile to my face!
I absolutely adore those bags – surely you could make a little money back by selling a few…
I like taking the legs of jeans and sewing in a square base. These make great gift bags for wine, cookies, pot plats and the list goes on. Love the throw and the bucket bag.
Priceless, Celia! I have started using denim as a go-to sturdy fabric for various projects, including envelope fold backing for cushions, as well as bags, but I am strictly sticking to recycled family jeans!
I love how thrifty you are and how much fun you have with all your wonderful projects.
Have a super weekend.
:-) Mandy xo
Great post Celia – I love the headband and the embroidery around the patched jeans. You are very talented. (I also love your haircut).
I love your commitment, not necessarily your style, but I sure do love the commitment! Want me to be your agent? You wouldn’t have to think about any of it!
Style is always optional 😜
How wonderfully creative you are, Celia. The Japanese embroidery (sashiko) is particularly impressive. I really love your saddle bags and wonder if you thought of shopping bags (but they might bee too heavy). Your denim patchwork cover reminds me of reupholstered chairs in recycled denim that I’ve seen and have always wanted to try. Perhaps sometime soon….
Love it 😍 Glad I gave you a laugh… because I can’t machine sew for sh!t 🤓
Ha! You’re joining in with the Slamseys Creative Challenge without realising as this week’s theme is A Different Perspective. Love the boro style mending – yours looks very neat. I’ve watched you go through several crazes since I’ve been reading your blog and you never fail to surprise :) Really think you should wear that tabard somewhere.
Pete calls them “enthusiasms”. As coined by Badger in reference to Toad (Wind in the Willows). 🤣
You need to sell some of those items at a local market or craft sale. People would love it!
Hi Celia, I don’t know what Dale’s on about, I think your, um, garment is unique, stylish and ecologically responsible! Here’s another idea for things to do with jeans that may be a bit beyond wearing:
https://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/2017/02/18/chunky-denim
It made a brilliant mat, hard wearing, soft underfoot once the edges had been squished a bit, and best of all, it gets better with each washing. The Husband is a truck driver, and I’ve also recycled his work jeans and shirts into a quilt for his truck and a couple of hardwearing denim patchwork cushions for when he has to take a sleep break.
such an inspiration you are!! I made a picnic quilt out of old denimhttps://inmydreamisee.blogspot.com/ years ago and it still to this day serves us,, no sticks or rocks poke through because denim is so thick and strong!! You have the absolute best imagination and creative mind,, I can’t wait to see what comes next from your salvaged denim!!!
Oh So Creative!
well girl that was a super fun read… been there done that… keep going tiger!
I loved this post. Just wish my sewing skills did not max out with resewing a button on a shirt. You are clever and comedic.
I loved the video, will watch a few more of them. You are truly inspiring, will hit my thrift shop this weekend!
I’ve made pillow cases from cable knit wool sweaters, from double-sidded placemats and tea-towels but never old jeans, love the idea!
Celia, you are adorable and you made me laugh out loud! Had never heard of Napasan. It’s on Amazon but dang, it is expensive! Keep up the good work with the upcycling. It is inspiring.
I still think the jeans/tabard looks great but then again, I’m halfway across the world today in stylish France, wearing an op shop skirt! xxx
Sumos on your butt!!! Love it. That was a fun but instructive…….as usual!!
I love the denim patchwork! Are you planning to back or quilt it? I could imagine it as a big picnic blanket!
You are a wonder, that’s what are! This post made me laugh, but it also left me in awe of your creativity. Those denim bags are fabulous!
What great ways to reuse that denim, clever you!! Love your denim patchwork and your boro. I love the little repetitive stitches of boro mending and have used the technique to extend the life of my favourite (and only) pair of denim shorts.There really is so much we can do to extend the life of materials, just need some time and creative thought. Meg:)
Celia you continue being an inspiration, thank you. Thinking about the savings on coffee = $1,040.00 a year and $10,400 00 for ten years! It makes one realise if one put that money in a jar, one would not miss it but create, after a few years, a nice nest egg xx
Or 5,200 pairs of jeans, Merle! 😆
You continue to amaze me! I am really impressed with your thriftiness, too, Celia. Your denim mania is so much fun! :-)
I love what you’ve been doing, great fun too! How do you take in the waist on jeans (although I confess Im6usually looking to let them out!)?
Ooh, I’ve used two methods. The first was to unpick the waistband and run the side seams in, and then to cut a section off the band, rejoin it, and the reattach it. That works really well but it’s quite a palaver.
The other method is very easy but very cheaty – ok if you wear something over the top though! It involves cutting two slits in the waistband at the back and inserting a piece of elastic. I’ll find the video on it and tag you! xx
Thank you! Both brilliant ideas and thanks for the video 😀
what a great new hobby – looks like you are having heaps of fun – I think you should wear your denim ponch out on your walk to remind you of what you get instead of the coffee :-) those are some fancy patches too – love the sumos on the bottom – this is a video I really love with patching – https://www.facebook.com/brightside/videos/jean-hacks/1396314110511170/
Wonderful! Try making a wall hanging for a playroom using as many pockets as possible…they can hold decks of alphabet cards, dice, hot wheels cars, girl’s ponytail holders or barrettes, or whole games in zip lock baggies to eliminate boxes (which will be recycled, of course!).
I love the denim bags. I have several bag patterns and you’ve made me think they’d look great in denim.
Oh I’m with you on the denim jeans – I remember LOVING wide legged jeans! They were so comfy and practical. With lovely deep pockets. I keep waiting for the skinny leg jean to go out of fashion but alas it prevailes-ugh!
I’m totally in love with your patched jeans, they are seriously lovely, and your headband! I might even head in and look at the jeans rack for the first time in years thats how much I like them!
Xx
I’ve also made a pair of super flares by merging two pairs of second hand jeans together. Worked a treat, I think. Mind you, style is always optional! 🤣 There’s oodles of unfashionable wide legged jeans at the thrift stores! 😆
Expanding on your bag idea, recycled denim jeans would make great sturdy shopping totes – see https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=93651
Thank you! I’ve actually tried making these before, but they’re really heavy as shopping bags. I think the jeans might make a nice duffle bag though… :)
Fab, I love the juggling balls, you could make little love heart bean bags! all your makes look great!
Great site. I’ve been collecting denim (NEVER THROW DENIM AWAY!) to add to my indigo dyed fabrics. My goal is to make a few art collage vests. Love the creative darning you’ve stitched.
PS: Just finished processing my fig jam and Spiced & Pickled figs for the summer. The birds can have the rest…
I know I’m late to the party but all your upcycled denim “enthusiasms” are fantastic! I’m still in awe of your sock recycling – this has almost blown my mind lol!! I know you’re in the inner west like me and I have a gazillion beads (from the I love you bead shop no less!) that I am never going to use. I would love to give them to you if you would like them. I seem to get the urge to be creative then run out of steam/talent! Let me know if you’d like them and I will figure out a way to get them to you
Melissa, you’re very kind, thank you but I also have a squillion beads leftover from my old jewellery making days! I’m not allowed to have any more according to Pete! If you get desperate to clear them out, I’m pretty sure reverse garbage will take them (or you could sell them on eBay). Thanks for thinking of me though! x
No worries! I understand re Pete not wanting you to have any more lol! I have a Pete too – he despairs of my “enthusiasms” as well!
That seems super fun n is extremely brilliant. I love the denim bucket bag n ur funky hairband…
I am battling my own denim addiction and found your post by wandering off from the Romertopf Roast Duck one – I finally made my first roast duck tonight and it was mind blowingly amazing! It will not be the last! But back to the denim – did you use a pattern for your bucket bag? I love the simplicity of it and was reminded that I too have a similar check material in my stash from probably 20 years ago as well when my boys were little.
Kelly, I didn’t use a pattern, sorry, but some loose instructions:
1. Start with two squares of denim (whole or pieced) and two matching pieces of lining fabric. Overlock each piece of denim to a piece of lining, wrong sides together, all around the outside.
2. Sew in zip, then topstitch.
3. With right sides together and zip at the top, stitch the remaining three sides together, leaving a small gap in the side seams to slip the strap into. Insert strap and stitch into place.
4. Box the corners at the bottom of the bag to give the bucket shape – I wrote some instructions on boxing here:
https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2015/07/03/how-to-make-a-polarfleece-sack/
Instead of cutting out a square, I simple folded the seam and stitched across the resulting triangle.
Sorry, it’s hard to explain without pictures, but if you’re a sewer, I’m sure you’ll figure it out! :)
Thanks so much for your explanation! I do sew and I think I can figure it out. I wasn’t sure from the photos if you had boxed the base or sewn a separate piece for it, boxing is so much easier. I have been thinking of picking up an overlocker, even just a second-hand one, for ages now – maybe my tax cheque will surprise me with one! Thanks again, I’ve been visiting your blog occasionally for a few years now and always find a treasure! I think I will have to stop by more often :)