Quick-Sew Denim

Thanks to this publication, I now know the abbreviated history behind denim and jeans. And why not? Many of us wear them all the time. They are a staple of my wardrobe. Because of the uniqueness of denim jeans, this has been an answer to my prayers. What to give a teenager for a gift -- it's here. How to dissect a pair of jeans to use its parts, resulting in a wonderful purse, pillow, or even a Christmas Tree skirt is all here in Ms. Chauncey's book. We're told how to select denim and techniques for denim crafting with projects that qualify as things around the house, handbags and totes, school stuff, denim Christmas, and gifts. Can't thank the author enough for sharing her creativity and ideas. This one is a keeper. If you love denim fabric like I do, you will love this book and the projects. My grandchildren love their gifts and so will your friends and loved ones.

This book has a great assortment of ideas for using old jeans, from pillows and other household items to personal and gift items. All the projects are illustrated showing different steps in making the item.

This book contains many ideas for reusing denim jeans as raw material for sewing projects. Chauncey provides an interesting short history of denim and jeans in the introduction to the book. Then she describes how to select denim for craft projects and some basic techniques for using denim. The main part of the book is divided into chapters containing directions for craft projects. These chapters include: around the house (pillows, bulletin boards, and organizers), handbags and totes, school stuff (scrap books, pencil case), denim Christmas (gift bags, Christmas tree skirt, ornaments), and gifts and things (picture frames, shaving tote, covered tin, basket). Each project starts with lists of required materials and supplies. The instructions for the projects are illustrated with high-quality color photographs. For most of the projects, Chauncey provides instructions for either sewing or gluing, so even non-sewers can try their hand. In order to undertake the projects in this book, a glue gun is practically indispensable, and a sewing machine highly recommended. Many of the projects seem geared to young teenagers, and the sewing skills required are minimal. As a beginning sewer myself, I found the projects were well within my capabilities (yes, I still sit with the sewing machine manual on my lap when I sew so that I can quickly look up how to thread the machine). One of the strongest features of the book is the ideas that Chauncey provides for using every scrap of jeans. She shows how seams can be made into handles for bags or baskets, and how belt loops can have innumerable uses. I've only followed one of the projects in the book exactly (the shaving tote), but I have borrowed many of the ideas and techniques from the other projects in my own creations. This book is ideal for crafters who are just getting started in reusing denim.

This book is full of truly creative uses for old jeans - even those that are ready for the trash have "parts" that can be scavenged to embellish denim projects. The book has great photos, including step-by-step photos of the projects. The materials and supply lists and instructions are clear and consise. Projects range from decorative (and useful) pillows and wall hangings to practical purses and tote bags. There are also picture frames, Christmas ornaments, gift bags and a wonderful tree skirt, as well as baskets and pouches, book covers and locker organizers. The no-sew options for many projects make this a book that can be used by crafty people of various skill levels - and some of the projects will be fun to do with kids. If you are a jeans-lover, you will love this book! I can't wait to get started on the pocket pouch for on my desk.