Back in the spring I made a couple of denim dresses. You can see them here, here and here. It's been so hot here lately that they've been shoved into the closet to await cooler weather in the fall.
During the making of these dresses, I realized that I can make anything from denim. So all of those dress and skirt patterns that I've been gloaming on thinking that I'd never be able to sew them now, have gained new life in my creative mind. Serious mike drop moment here!
Then I'd been hearing about the Refashioners Denim Challenge on IG and a couple of sewists blogs. The premise totally intrigued me so I tracked down the origins of the posts using #refashioners2016 on Instagram. That led me to Portia's blog, Makery...random acts of creativity, where all of the information on this year's refashioning challenge using denim jeans is contained. There are some amazing outfits being made from discarded/unused and unwanted jeans.
I've collected a few items on my Pinterest board using recycled jeans to make maxi dresses but these new refashions are so imaginative and creatively stimulating adding more fuel to my creative fire. Not being a jeans girl myself, I only have two pairs of jeans that can be recycled. One is a pair that is a little too tight. I probably could wear them in another couple of months but I have an idea to "boho" them up a little so I'm going with that.
My other pair is a brand new pair that are 3 sizes too large for me...they were accidentally shipped to me in an online order. These will definitely be cut up. I have no plans to enter the Refashioners competition, but I do want to do a little refashioning and reusing.
I have an idea for a new dress using parts of both of these jeans and the leftover scraps from my previous denim makes. Refashion and reuse, right?! Anyway, this isn't next on my cutting table. There are a new pair of pants cut out with coordinating pieces and I want to try McCalls 6886 in a couple of ITYs. It's still really hot here and probably will be into September. So while fall is on my radar, it's just on the perimeter.
There will be a lot of denim showing up here this fall and winter in a lot of different patterns both new and tried-n-true. I'm pretty psyched about that!
...as always more later!
I've been thinking a lot about denim too. Anxious to see your denim refashion. Karen
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! I'm pretty excited about this new journey. It's not to say I won't sew other fabrics but the possibilities have me pretty excited.
DeleteThis will be fun to see!
ReplyDeleteI have been blogging at a knitting convention and remember what you said about going somewhere and everybody knowing you from the blog! Really a fun way to meet like-minded people tho!
Do you use a special denim needle?
Peg - for the denim dresses I've made so far, no I've used a regular universale needle. But I will probably invest in a package of denim needles since I want to sew a lot more of it!
DeleteIf you are looking for inspiration, banana republib has a dress, a blazer, and cigarette pants in their collection out of denim. I have no affiliation; it was just in my pinterest feed a day or two ago, and I thought the denim sheath dress idea was interesting.
ReplyDeletetmd - I saw those too! On my pinterest feed also...I looked at them and they are basic silhouettes. I think I'm going for more interesting pieces. I can let the sewing artist come out more now that I no longer have a corporate dress code to live with and I want to try some more artistic/creative things.
DeleteAwesome! Will you tag me on IG anyway when you make your dress? Would love to see it! Portia xxx
ReplyDeleteAfter your seeing your Spring denim dresses I went and bought myself some denim too. I can't wait to make a dress out of it. I look forward to seeing your refashion - you always inspire me!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely recommend at least a 90/14 or 100/16 denim needle--lighter ones do break. And if you've never seen it, check out tencel denim--gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWendy - I just bought 4 yards of a tencil denim from Elliott Berman and you're right it's an awesome piece of fabric!
DeleteI know some really great ideas are formulating, can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see what you sew up. I went over to the Makery and was blown away with the creativity. Knowing you, yours will be just as great.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your denim re-fashion! You are such an excellent seamstress, this will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I looooove denim! I can't wait for my box to arrive from Elliot Berman, which had some of that great denim we both bought!!!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, no tencel denim for me. Skunked! I will have to enjoy your creation. I do enjoy the Refashioners challenges; even if I never make anything, they are a hoot and a half to follow. Some amazing brains there.
ReplyDelete