Question:
I have just gained access to an amazing amount of used denim that could be recycled in to craft materials.
how would it be done?
how does one cut quilt squares quickly yet efficiently?
what else is blue jeans and or denim good for?
think anyone would buy denim craft kits, where I could assemble the items needed to make the stuff and they do the work....
I haver a few ideas, but not sure how to tackle this project?
staff wouln't be a problem, and I now have the space as of next week.
any ideas....this looks like an opportunity in the works, maybe

We are selling the good ones for 5.00 per pair in the store and the local working people are going nuts over them, but there is a lot of discards in this stuff, and I don't want to dispose of it until you guys give me input. You are so imaginative on textiles, I wouldn't dream of making a move with out consulting you bunch....
and if anyone who posts here wants some of the recycling jeans, yours for shipping costs. ....my repayment for all your help over the years. You will never know how much you have helped me.
Next shipment will be available in three weeks. Just tell me what you need.
_____________________

Answer:
Gabs,
I've worked on this idea several different times over the last few years and still have never actually tackled it.
Two main problems that I see:
1--EVERYONE has lots of old denim or has a place to get some. And no one wants to PAY to get them.
2--EFFICIENCY in cutting blue jeans is next to impossible. And they have bulky seams that either have to be unstitched or cut around.
Actually, of course, there are exceptions to the above...
1--there are places where jeans aren't so available.
2--if you aren't trying to squeeze EVERY SINGLE POSSIBLE square from each pair, then you probably CAN be a bit more efficient.
And there ARE ways to make the squares more desirable:
1--make them BIG, as big as is physically possible. As in 8 to 10 inches square. For this you need LARGE size jeans and you may only be able to get a few from each leg. Not to mention that you can usually only use the backs of the legs and sometimes the bottom front of each leg.
2--be sure they are cut ON GRAIN. This is relatively difficult to do with denim.
3--don't make squares, make circles instead. There is an 'orange peel' looking quilt that is made with circles, sewn together in squares and then the curved part sewn down. Sometimes there is another fabric inserted in the center, for a Cathedral Window type of look.
4--put a wide variety of shades of denim in a set. You can also mix colors and engineer-type stripes, but you might want to keep those in separate lots.
And there are ways to be more efficient:
1--Use a rotary cutter instead of scissors. Be sure to have a really good strong template with a way to hold it in place with the hands far from the edges (I've sliced more skin off knuckles this way...ugh...)
2--OR draw the outlines (with a template) on the jeans with a pen and cut them with a scissors at your leisure. A few at a time and you don't get the bad hand cramps. They are easy to carry around and a nice mindless job when the computer stuff gets overwhelming or you need a job to do in front of the TV or while riding in the car.
---
I've seen recent discussions of people using denim for 'rag, raggy, shaggy' type quilts. Sometimes these are combined with flannels.
I've not researched denim squares auctions lately, but generally I haven't seen much of a return for the work.
The best recycled denim item I ever saw was designed by a woman at one of the Mennonite Central Committee's Self-Help (thrift) stores in Ontario (across the border from Buffalo somewhere). They just used the one layer of denim. They used rectangles rather than squares. They used multicolored cones of thread to top-stitch the raw edges down, maybe about 3/8" from the seams. Those throws (or 'picnic quilts') are nearly indestructible. But they had the advantages of free thread and free labor and, of course, free jeans.
Observations:
The scraps (with rivets and zippers removed) make pretty good kindling for a wood stove...
You can do some special stuff like leave in special pockets in some squares. Most folks hate sewing over the thick seams though, so it's ideal if you can lay it out so the pocket is at least one inch from each edge (and nearly impossible to do in real life unless you take out the stitching in the center back seam of the pants...)
Elaine

goodworks1 at ebay
Get your gift SCRUBBIES and Learn-to-Quilt Kits here!
Answer:
I made a denim quilt several years ago from recycled jeans. It was a lot of fun, but I remember a lot of blisters from cutting the denim. A rotary cutter would be easier on the fingers, but I don't know if it would be worth the time and effort involved to sell the pieces. I might try it if you have unique colors or patterns.
http://www.trinex.net/users/lantana/DenimQlt.JPG
Here's a few close-ups of the blocks:
block 1
block 2
block 3
Answer:
Hi BlondeSense,
I completely forgot about crazy patch blocks! http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
That's a great looking quilt!
Did you use batting? Or just a backing?
Is that a lighter weight denim sashing? or ?
You know what they say about curiosity...it's definitely killing me http://community.here.com/infopop/em.../icon_wink.gif
Elaine

goodworks1 at ebay
Get your gift SCRUBBIES and Learn-to-Quilt Kits here!
[This message was edited by goodworks1 on WED October 29, 2003 at 08:32 AM.]
Answer:
Thanks, Elaine.
DH wanted a "thick & chewy" quilt so I made him this one. There is a thick batt in it, and yes, the sashing (and backing) are a lighter weight yardage denim. Definitely a winter quilt. I should have done more quilting in the sashing, but I got just tired of forcing it through my sewing machine. Besides, there are just too many other quilts waiting to me made. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
Answer:
Gabs - You might want to look up this book. I don't have it but I've seen it and there are a lot of good ideas for jeans.
Lori
Quick Sew Denim
My Ebay Auctions
Answer:
BlondeSense, Wow, what a terrific quilt! You did a great job piecing the blocks to make them each so interesting and attractive.
Gabs, I think Elaine probably gave you the best info on how to actually do the work. I got curious and looked up denim squares on ebay.
This auction is kind of typical of cut squares.
Though this one, with larger squares and quilt instructions did much better.
I was stunned at how well this denim baby quilt did. But it had just two bidders bidding against each other.
Here's one of the rag quilts Elaine mentioned. Boy that's a lot of work for $35!
And here's an auction for 200 denim & flannel squares that includes instructions on how to make the rag quilt.
Answer:
Okay, Gabs, do we need to send you our consultation bill to get your attention back to this page?
http://community.here.com/infopop/em.../icon_wink.gif

goodworks1 at ebay
Get your gift SCRUBBIES and Learn-to-Quilt Kits here!
Answer:
Sorry guys, I have had major computor issues this week....I am here now.
here is what I am doing so far
I am buying them in 1,000 pound bales, which are actually more like 1200 pounds.
we sort out the decent still relatively wearable ones and flog them off at 5.00 a pop for workmen around here, that is doing well.
we are tossing the small sizes and kids out
the larger ones are growing in the corner until I can figure out something. I just can't waste these until I exhaust every idea, just too many good uses for them, it is a matter of marketting them.
we would use an electric powered rotary cutter....no hand cutting here, too many to do,
what we were thinking of, after perusing some of your ideas... http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
what if we put together kits, say three items instructions with enough legs and or butts whichever is required and selling it that way....moves the denim, makes a market, and is easy
all we would have to do it slice the legs off the ones with bad butts and toss in the ones that are relativley good on both ends, and if the legs are screwed cut them off and toss them.
_____________________

Answer:
Originally Posted by gabs-a-lot Sorry guys, I have had major computor issues this week....I am here now.
here is what I am doing so far
I am buying them in 1,000 pound bales, which are actually more like 1200 pounds.
we sort out the decent still relatively wearable ones and flog them off at 5.00 a pop for workmen around here, that is doing well.
we are tossing the small sizes and kids out
the larger ones are growing in the corner until I can figure out something. I just can't waste these until I exhaust every idea, just too many good uses for them, it is a matter of marketting them.
we would use an electric powered rotary cutter....no hand cutting here, too many to do,
what we were thinking of, after perusing some of your ideas... http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
what if we put together kits, say three items instructions with enough legs and or butts whichever is required and selling it that way....moves the denim, makes a market, and is easy
all we would have to do it slice the legs off the ones with bad butts and toss in the ones that are relativley good on both ends, and if the legs are screwed cut them off and toss them.
_____________________ Gabs,
Whatever ever happened to this project?
Did you do it?
Did it work?
Did you sell them locally? online?
(I did a search for 'jeans' and found this thread and figured it was worth bumping and keeping! Old threads get automatically removed I think, so if you have an old favorite, maybe you should bump it. Maybe we can figure out some sort of icon so we can see, without opening, which are the 'vintage' ones.)