I saw the cutest jean skirt at the store the other day, and soon after, I saw lots of young girls wearing them. The skirt looked as if it was made from a really old, faded, well-worn pair of jeans. Do you think manufacturers have taken a page from us frugal mommies and found ways to recycle old or damaged garments? Maybe this skirt was designed out of more than a sense of style. Still, it was very cute and seems to be quite popular.
The skirt was made by cutting off a pair of jeans just below the zipper, and just above where the inseam begins. To form the rest of the skirt, use the leftover denim from the cut off legs. Add trim or fray the edge.
You can also make cute bags or purses from old jeans. Cut a pair of jeans off as indicated above for the skirt. Instead of adding strips of fabric below the zipper, sew the bottom edge closed. Use bandanas to make handles. Tie one end to a belt loop, knotting it securely then repeat (make sure belt loops are secure first – you might need to reinforce them). These turn out really cute when made from small pairs of jeans, so pick up a pair at a garage sale or thrift store if your daughter doesn’t want a large purse.
You can make a different style of denim bag by cutting squares from old jeans and patchworking them together. Use different pairs of jeans, in lighter and darker colors for a more interesting look. Form a rectangle about 16 inches wide by 32 inches long. Fold in half lengthwise and sew the two side seams closed (from the inside). Fold the top edge over and hem. Make the purse straps from other scraps of denim. Add snaps to keep the bag closed.