Let's Upcycle Denim!
We all have them. Those well loved denims that are sitting on a shelf. They have somehow shrunk, or have rips too large to mend or are totally out of style. If you are like me, then the pile has tumbled off the shelf because it is too big! They might just come in handy for patching, mending or even being creative.
My name is Nancy Cunningham and I am an avid sewist and part of the Brand Rep Team for Ellie and Mac. I have sewn and created garments for years. I am self taught and always continuing to learn on this journey.
This will be my first Ellie and Mac Blog and I am excited to share how I have used E&M Patterns to upcycle denim.
Let's get started!
Denim was created for it's durability and function. It was originally used for factory workwear. As time went on it became a fashion icon and we all know, super comfortable. The fashion world embraced denim with brand names like Levis, Wrangler and in recent history names like Silver and Carhart came on the scene.
I have used denim for years in my sewing room. It has been used for patching my families clothes and recycled into so may things like tote bags, pouches and pencil cases. I used new denim fabric for dresses, jackets, pants and tops. But one of my all time favourite upcylces was taking a denim jacket and re styling it. See my inspiration photo here below to the right and my finished version to the left.
This was a jean jacket that was not being worn. I decided to make it more comfortable by giving it knit sides, sleeves and a hood.
My Process
It might not surprise you that I reached for the Ellie and Mac Oversized Tee Pattern to provide the supplemented pieces for the jacket.
Adult Oversized Tee Sewing Pattern
I cut away the parts of the front and back of the jacket that I wanted to replace with the knit. Then I took the projector version of the Oversized Tee pattern and projected my size on my cutting table.
in the pictures above you can see the oversized tee front/back piece projected on the cutting table. I cut the front and back pieces from the projected size I needed but only the portion that was necessary, plus a seam allowance by laying the denim jacket front onto of the projected pattern piece in my size.
I then cut the sleeve as per the pattern piece and the hood pieces. The hood on the Oversized Tee crosses over or over laps at the front neckline. I needed to modify this slightly as I wanted it to match the neck opening on the jacket after the collar was removed.
I cut a small piece to cover the pocket bands and stitched them on by machine.
It came together very quickly and now I have a great fitting comfy jean jacket.
Let's Make the Jenny Crossover Belt Bag Using Denim
Both these Ellie and Mac Jenny Crossover Belt Bags are a mixture of fabrics but denim is an integral part of them. I recut the front piece of the pattern to make both of these Jenny Belt Bags.
Jenny Crossover Belt Bag Sewing Pattern
Process: In this collage of pictures, you will see the denims I used/cut apart and how I modified the pattern to split the front piece and added a seam allowance of 3/8". An option is to cut the front as one piece and incorporate a denim side seam. Complete the bag construction as per the original directions. The main change eliminates the front zip pocket.
Denim is a well loved fabric that adds some classic style to any project. I hope that I have inspired you to try using denim in a different way. I love my modified Jean Jacket/ Oversized Tee with the knit side inserts, sleeve and hood. The Jenny Crossbody Belt Bag with my denim hacks is a fresh take on a great pattern!
Which Ellie and Mac pattern would you use with some recycled denim?
- Written by Nancy Cunningham
