We are trying to come up with 101 ways to reuse blue jeans! Fun project and, as a bonus, will help the environment but keeping these jeans from the landfill.   

Brainstorming some ideas I decided to do a stocking! I saw these numerous places made of everything under the sun so I can't give credit to anywhere in particular.

Another use for old blue jeans! I made a pair of great bibs from this post: http://www.thimblythings.com/2009/06/01/in-praise-of-denim-bibs/

For the first bib I used a pair of Rami's old jeans. I loved the embroidered butterflies! I backed this bib with some light pink cotton.

Oh I have wanted to make towel toppers forever and finally find a fun and easy pattern to follow: http://kleiosbelly.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/christmas-prezzies-6-1-for-you/

I had two extra large cotton towels so I used them, cutting them in half. One Red and one Navy blue. I knew they would look so cute with blue jean tops!

After making the first blue jean skirt for Rami, my beautiful and talented granddaughter, I thought I would make her a couple more! This one will be hard to credit as I used a combination of ideas from different blogs.

I cut these jeans off a bit above the crotch and then using some cloth I bought from a quilter at a yardsale, I made a bubble skirt. These are great because then you don't have to make a hem!!

These jeans had the cutest embroidered butterflies and I would have loved to have used cloth with butterflies but I only had the puppies.

A couple pairs of the jeans I have in my stash belong to my granddaughter, Rami. These pants are in good shape but a bit short (why do those kids continue to grow!!), so why not make a skirt! she loves loooonnnngggg skirts so I figure I will make a small hem.

Kristina helped out by ripping the inside seam out for me.

I then used some fabric I had here to make the panel inserts by laying some paper between the legs and marking out the opening.

Ok trying to come up with 101 creative ways to reuse blue jeans! Here is my way #2 which is totally cute, functional and makes a great gift -

a Tea Wallet! so neat and easy to make.
Cut 2 squares of jean and two of the lining (pocket), a button and piece of ribbon. Easily customizable and each can be totally unique. Change the size a bit for a credit card wallet.

I became the proud owner of a couple dozen used jeans in several colors as well as some khaki pants. So....hey how about figuring out 101 ways to reuse jeans? Great idea!!

Way number 1 is these cute toddler backpacks and/or shoe bags if you travel. I used blue jean legs and khaki legs. I found the instructions here:



http://mamaurchin.com/pats-tuts-and-how-tos/how-to-sew-a-string-backpack/

We had the front of a pair of jeans we were recycling into different crafted items left over. What to make? We decided to make a purse with it!

I picked a cool scrap cloth for the lining and cut a couple appliques from the material to add to the jeans. 

Then I picked a pretty red quilted scrap to make the handles. I cut out a double heart applique to add to the other side of the purse. 

I pinned the appliques on and sloooooowly machine zig zagged around the edges to hold the appliques down.
Next I sewed the straps for the purse, adding a cord to help turn them back the right way. Man that was really hard!   

Assembly Time! I sewed the top of the jeans, the lining and the straps together. I sewed with a small tight straight stitch twice, a few centimeters apart and went back and forth over the ends of the straps several times to ensure they stay put.

Next I sewed across the bottom because I wasn't too sure my machine could handle the side. I did a straight stitch across and then repeated with a more decorative stitch (I don't think you can tell in the picture so you'll have to trust me!). 

Well...time to see if we can get up the side. Whew! It was tough, my machine really objected, but I was able to sew all the way up the side, stopping about 3 inches from the top. It was too thick there so I had to do it by hand. I did sew up the side twice, first with the straight stitch and then with a decorative one.

Discovered when I hand sewed the top why people use thimbles. I don't have one but found the handle of a seam ripper works good!

Here we go all finished. Jean pockets are totally useable and the inside is lined so pretty. The little appliques look great and really make it pop! We have this lovely item at the local Recyclique store, stop by!