I have been thinking “Green” lately…And since one of my recent posts was about Re-Inventing and Re-Purposing goods, I will continue with that Recycle/Green theme…
I thought of Indygo Junction’s inspiring new book “Denim Redesign” which teaches us new ways to Re-Vitalize your old blue jeans.
The book, by Amy Barickman, owner of Indygo Junction, was recently featured in Country Living magazine it features 20 projects for deconstructing, reconstructing and embellishing jeans, overalls, and jackets. (I love a good re-do!)
I asked Amy to guest write and tell us more about the book and also about her honor of being named one of 2007’s Women Entrepreneurs…make sure and read to the end because there are some interesting facts about cotton denim—
Plus, of course a book give-a-way! Oh, yeah, and it seems lately QuiltersBuzz is all about the give-a-ways.. Amy agreed to give three books away...Make a comment for a chance to win a book!
Here’s Amy:
We were thrilled that Denim Redesign was recently showcased in Country Living magazine.
Country Living is a magazine many of us know and love. I was fortunate enough to receive the honor of being one of their 2007 Women Entrepreneurs as owner of Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop.
This was a fabulous weekend of fellowship and learning. The annual gathering is held in
This event allowed me to network with Country Living's Nancy Soriano and her charming team of editors. I try to keep Country Living up on our latest pattern and book projects. I hope to attend the event next year and see some of you there!!!
About the Book
Denim Redesign was also featured on a two segment series with Sewing with
We also explained how to add godets to a denim skirt, plus how to embellish denim with inserts, yo-yos, fabric pockets, and felted yarns.
This book introduces many different techniques for deconstructing and repurposing your denim wardrobe. We show you how to take ordinary well worn denim jeans and overalls and make them into extraordinary one of a kind skirts, purses, aprons, and quilts.
Plain denim jackets are embellished with your favorite fabrics, heirloom embroidered linens, fibers and vintage images to create a new look to your old stand bys. By using simple techniques easy enough for any level seamstress you can redesign traditional denim pieces that you can enjoy in your everyday lifestyle. 
This lap quilt was created using my son’s and daughter’s childhood clothing. Some of Emma’s had fabulous embroidery!
Techniques described in this book include how to take a collage of assorted yarns and apply them to water-soluble stabilizer to construct fiber fabrics used to embellish collars and cuffs of denim jackets.
Vintage images are printed on to printable fabrics using your computer and an inkjet printer and then used to customize your denim wearables. The images mentioned in this book can be purchased and downloaded from The Vintage Workshop.
Using vintage aprons and buttons, lush fabric remnants, recycled denim scraps, fibers, vintage images and decorative stitching you can transform any ordinary denim garment in to an amazing piece of wearable art!
Interesting FACTS AND TRIVIA OF COTTON DENIM
-Nearly 25% of all cotton produced makes its way into the denim market
-At least 225 pair of denim jeans can be made from one bale of cotton.
-The orange thread traditionally used to sew Levi’s blue jeans was intentionally selected to match the copper rivets.
-Most Americans wear denim at least four days a week.
-We also have an average of eight pairs of denim jeans in our closets.
Denim is an American icon. Blue denim is truly miraculous – hard-wearing, relatively cheap, comfortable, warm in winter, cool in summer and oddly neutral in color – almost anything seems to match it – it keeps its shape and hides the dirt until you throw it into the wash. Functional yet stylish, the more you wear it, the more stylish it becomes. Visit Indygo Junction for more ideas for recycling your denim.
I hope you are inspired to dig through your closets in search for cast-away denim and start creating today!
Enter To Win A Signed Copy of “Denim Redesign”
Tell us how many jeans are in your closet!
Do you have plans to recycle them?
Make a comment by October 15 at
comments
I have 15 pair of levis in my closet 3 that fit, and I do plan to recycle them. I would love some new ideas!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 6, 2008 10:30 PM
I LOVE denim.... Everybody hides their jeans from me or I WILL recycle them into something different:)
Posted by: lori forney | October 7, 2008 4:29 AM
I cleaned my closet and saved a large stack of old jeans after watching the recycled denim show on Sewing with Nancy. I hope to make bags and maybe a quilt top with them.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 7, 2008 4:59 AM
I have 5 paris of jeans, two of which are unwearable but destined for recycling. There are also all sizes and shapes of denim scraps from other projects in my scrap box.
Check out this gallery of denim quilts
Posted by: gwensmom | October 7, 2008 6:50 AM
I have about 10 pairs of denim jean. My husband has many more. In my many years of quilt making, I have made many quilts out of jeans!! Never throw them out!!! I am always looking for new ways to use them, even changing them to look new!!
Posted by: Sandy Fischer | October 7, 2008 7:19 AM
I teach a fashions/sewing class at the high school level, and have been encouraging students to recycle their jeans into skirts, purses and quilts. I love all the new ideas and will be using this book as a reference!
Thank You!
Posted by: Sylvia | October 7, 2008 8:35 AM
I recently lost 118 lbs and so have several very large pairs of jeans just waiting to be remade into something! I also have a size 32 denim jacket (brand new) that really should be recycled. Just bought my first-ever pair of Levi's-love them!!
Posted by: Cornelia | October 7, 2008 9:40 AM
I have about 4 pair of denim jeans, but then also have 2 denim shorts and a couple of skirts.... it's hot where I live, so for most of the year, denim pants are too much. but I love them!
Posted by: Karen | October 7, 2008 9:57 AM
I probably have 10 boxes of denim jeans dating back to the mid 1970's when the legs were really wide. My great aunt made square patch "quilts" from recycled jeans for the guys in my family to use as a groundcloth when the worked on their rigs (vehicles).
Posted by: peggyann | October 7, 2008 12:26 PM
You have no idea how timely this post is! I just received a trash bag full of old blue jeans from my dad, and I was looking to make him something out of them. There's easily 30 old pairs in the bag. I can't wait to see what I can make out of them!
Posted by: Cheryl | October 7, 2008 1:02 PM
What a cool book! I love recycling old jeans. I actually have been recycling my families old and worn jeans for over 5 years now. I have made my nephews some denim patchwork quilts and large denim floor pillows out of all our recycled jeans and still have more jeans and cache pants to use. I would love to win this book to see what I else I can use all these pants for!
Posted by: Angela | October 7, 2008 1:29 PM
I love denim! I cannot make myself get rid of one single pair! with 6 people in my house all of whom wear denim that's a lot of jeans. I would love to turn them into something lasting and lovely. The book looks just wonderful.
Posted by: Alisa | October 7, 2008 1:57 PM
We aren't allowed to wear denim at work! So that makes my blue jean week-ends even more precious. Have fond memories of embroidering and patching my 70s jeans. LOVE denim.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 7, 2008 4:09 PM
My closet is filled with about ten pairs of jeans in my closet - I think about four of them fit. The rest are in varying sizes, some too big, some too small. I do recycle them - loved the Indygo Junction needle felting book and I needle felted a denim jacket already - now I just need to do the jeans to match!
Posted by: Jan in AZ | October 7, 2008 6:14 PM
I have 5 pairs of jeans, some for work and one for dressier occasions. I haven't recycled any--I usually wear them in the garden til they can't be worn any more--but I would love to start.
Posted by: Joan | October 7, 2008 6:18 PM
I actually have been hoarding my husband's ripped and holey jeans. I have at least 5 pair sitting in my craft room waiting for something to be done with them.
Posted by: Virginia Hendricks | October 7, 2008 6:41 PM
I would love to win this book, I do alot of recyling of jeans-I have over 100 pairs of jeans that I rescued from being burnt by neighbor. right now I have about 5 pairs and I will recycle all of them
I have made alot of raggy denim quilts and also a market bag too
Posted by: kathyinozarks | October 7, 2008 6:45 PM
What fun! I have 4 or so that I wear and that are now loose (yay!) and a large tall plastic tote full of old jeans that I have been saving for a project one day. The purse on the cover is now calling my name!
Posted by: SarahB | October 7, 2008 8:20 PM
I have quite a few pairs of jeans in my closet. I do have some in a box that are for making projects out of. Linda Gerig
Posted by: Linda Gerig | October 7, 2008 9:25 PM
I have 3 pairs of jeans in my closet but I have collected about 20 pairs of jeans that my children have grown out of. I plan to make a quilt top from them and love the detail on the quilt in your article, I have already made a purse/tote for my daughter out of one of her favorite jeans. I really enjoy your blog!
Posted by: Susan | October 8, 2008 3:48 AM
I have a couple of pairs of jeans that need to be recycled and quite a few that my son has grown out of. I'd love to make something new out of them.Thanks for the contest.
Posted by: Anya | October 8, 2008 5:29 AM
I have about 6 pairs of jeans and I hope to wear them until they can't be worn any longer. I didn't have plans to recycle them, but I may if I win the book.;)
Posted by: Lori | October 8, 2008 6:22 AM
I have a few jeans in my closet and drawers, I was planning to donate it to charity being that the jeans don't fit me anymore. You guys are giving me ideas on how to repurpose my old jeans, but don't know where to start.
Posted by: Nancy | October 8, 2008 6:58 AM
I have about five pairs. I used to save them to recycle but they just sit around so now I usually give them to Goodwill, unless I'm extremely attached to them.
Posted by: Marianne | October 8, 2008 7:17 AM
I have a lot of jeans in my closet--some of them I could redesign BUT what if I lost those 5-10 pounds and could fit into them again?? I saw the episodes on PBS and loved them all--so creative!
Posted by: Karen in Breezy | October 8, 2008 8:55 AM
I big-blue puffy heart my jeans! But alas, I only have 4 pairs, at least one of which is too short and would therefor be a great candidate for repurposing!!!
Posted by: Zegi | October 8, 2008 9:01 AM
I am shocked by how MANY jeans are in my closet, 7 pairs of demin capris and 16 pairs of jeans for a total of 23 that I wear! I have skinny jeans and maturnity jeans in storage too.
Yes I recycle them. I just finished making a Queen Rag Quilt for a customer and started a second one for myself. I also have cut up some old jeans for a quilt for my dog and I keep a jean quilt in my truck for just incase.
Thanks
Dianah
Posted by: Dianah | October 8, 2008 10:07 AM
There are no jeans in my closet, but I have three drawers full of assorted sizes that I keep thinking will fit 'someday'.
I've made a scrappy quilt from my jeans that my youngest took to college. I've also made bean bags for a toss game. I love denim and hope I'm never to old to wear it.
Posted by: Jeanne | October 8, 2008 1:24 PM
I love denim!!! I have over 10 pairs of jeans of all colors in my wardrobe. My recent move to Jersey from California has them coming out of the closet more often with the cooler weather. I would love some creative ideas for the older style jeans that I just "hang on to". I've made several jean quilts, the boys in my family love them. Work great to carry along in their cars for the beach, mountains, you name it. Great for picnics when you leave some pockets in. I have worn and loved the blouse pattern with the ruffle fabric bottom and trim on the front panels. I would love the book as i'm a big fan of Indygo Junction!!!!
Posted by: Jersey Joni | October 8, 2008 2:12 PM
Children grow out of their jeans so fast. Recycle would extend their life.
Posted by: Jo | October 9, 2008 8:42 AM
Neat ideas. I'd love to try it on my old jeans jackets!!!!
Posted by: Lisa | October 10, 2008 5:21 AM
I am not even going to guess how many pair of jeans are in my house! But I would love to find ways to use them. They are either to large (happy) or too small (sad), or just don't care for them. I would love to see how to make them into skirts, bags, vests, or anything useful.
Posted by: Maureen Flax | October 10, 2008 7:19 AM
I have 5 pairs of jeans. I've been saving my daughter's outgrown jeans since she was a toddler in overalls, with intention of making her a throw to take to college (still 4 years away, so I have some time!). The book looks like it is chock full of ideas.
Posted by: Cathy | October 10, 2008 8:28 AM
I have about 6 pairs of denim jeans. Denim is my all time favorite. I have made a quilt out of recycled denim. It's very heavy. Great for picnics. I love the look of the vest in the picture. Would love to win one of the books.
Posted by: Becky | October 11, 2008 9:10 AM
I have 8 pairs of jeans in my closet. Several of those I hope to get back into one of these days. :-) However, I have about 15 pair that are in the drawer in my sewing room just for the purpose of recycling into probably a quilt. I am interested in great new ideas for them. Thank you for offering this give-away. Take care and God bless, Cory
Posted by: Cory | October 11, 2008 10:06 AM
Wow! I would love to win this book and learn to recycle the 4 boxes of jeans I have in the laundry room. They are my childrens outgrown jeans. As far as my closet I have skinny jeans, fat jean and jeans that fit me right now for a total of about 12 pairs.I would love to learn how to make then into purses and aprons, but I have no idea where to start. I recently had an ankle transplant and can't walk so I sit at the sewing machine wondering what I will make next. This book sure would be a great resource for me to get started. It would help me not to dwell on my medical bills of over $30,000 right now! Thanks!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 11, 2008 4:19 PM
I'm going thrift shopping for jeans. What a great quilt.
Posted by: kathi pinkston | October 11, 2008 4:57 PM
I love the idea of reusing things that are always around the house. Right now I have three pair of jeans - two that are too large and one pair that are getting too tight! I'm curious how jeans with stretch fabric in them work into the redesign idea?
Posted by: Cathy | October 12, 2008 4:42 PM
Um. Too many! LOL. You know, your favorites that you just can't part with because you will fit into them someday. uh hum. Looks like a fabulous book!
Posted by: Jodi | October 12, 2008 7:12 PM
I think there are about a dozen pairs of jeans in my closet. Some are too big and some are too small. Two pairs fit just right! I need to recycle the big ones, so I don't grow back into them.
Posted by: wendylynne | October 13, 2008 7:38 AM
What fun! My dh and kids go thru jeans like they are water - I could make lots of things if I had that book.
Posted by: CJ | October 13, 2008 4:10 PM
IT'S FUNNY YOOU SHOULD ASK HOW MANY IN MY CLOSET? I WOULD BET BEWEEN MY HUSBAND AND I WE HAVE OVER 50 PAIR. WE BOTH KEEP THINKING WE WILL LOSE WEIGHT SO WE DON'T WANT TO GET RID OF ANY OF THEM. FUNNY PART IS I NEVER EVEN OWNED A PAIR OF DENIM PANTS UNTIL ABOUT 5 YEARS AFTER I WAS MARRIED. THEY WERE WAY TO CASUAL FOR ME. LOL
Posted by: nevathediva | October 13, 2008 4:21 PM
I have about 40 pairs of jeans ..... not all mine though. I have been saving them knowing full well that I can make more than just floor rugs and heavy quilts with them. I am so excited to find this site!
Posted by: laura | October 13, 2008 5:02 PM
I've never tried to repurpose the many, many pairs of jeans I have owned as I have lost and gained and lost and gained (etc.) weight. What a great idea!
Posted by: Eileen Kicken | October 14, 2008 6:10 PM
I have kept jeans of all sizes, vests, jackets and shirts to make over. All are in excellent condition but I haven't known what to do with them. This book sounds wonderful especially the fabric making with solvy and the bags and aprons. Well done.
Shirley
Posted by: Shirley Dunlop El-Rez | October 15, 2008 5:46 AM
Wouldn't it be great if we could wear jeans everywhere and always to work? Not only do I have blue jeans but I have denim jackets and shirts -- several of each.
Posted by: Denise B. | October 15, 2008 9:52 PM
I see I left a comment already??? This is not possible. Why do you list me with a link to my site???? I did not get my ideas from you or Sewing With Nancy. Please delete this. It is listed Oct 7 4:29 am.
Posted by: lori forney | December 28, 2008 8:02 AM