Deconstruct and Upcycle: Using OId Jeans to Make New Things

Used jeans are everywhere: in thrift stores, garage sales, our kids’ bedrooms and our own closets. Denim jeans are made with an iconic cotton material that we recognize immediately by its soft feel, its strong fabric, and its comfortable fit. We’ve worn them distressed, cut off, spangled, patched, straight legged and bell bottomed.

What else can we do with old jeans? In this 3-hour class, learn to deconstruct used jeans and identify the design and structural elements that make these garments a versatile raw material for an infinite number of practical or decorative or useful items that you need or want to create.

During this class you will deconstruct a pair of jeans that you bring from home or from a thrift store, and make one or more projects using sewing machines, hand sewing, staplers, and glue. Project ideas will include bottle carriers, tool aprons, tool pouches, and stash holders. Or, you can design and make your own project.

Catherine Severo, the class leader, is an upholsterer who has used recycled jeans for pillows, bags, aprons, sofa covers, pencil cases, and has upholstered armchairs, foot stools and poufs with jeans.

You will need to bring: one or more pairs of used jeans that can be deconstructed, a pair of strong scissors, and a pencil. We will have more jeans, seam rippers, thread, sewing machines, irons, paper, sewing notions, and lots of ideas to share!

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