old blue jeans

I have stacks of old blue jeans and don't know what to do with them. I believe in recycling, so is there someone out there who can use them or tell me what they can be used for. I heard that there is a group that uses them for blankets for the homeless.Does anyone have info. on that. Thanks     Nonnies

I've used my old jeans for quilting.  They do make a heavier quilt but when going camping on them chilly evenings they are the perfect thing!

Hi, Nonnies -- Depending on how many you've got, you could make a quilt or rug out of them -- we have directions for both at www.countrywomanmagazine.com -- click on "crafts" on the top toolbar. After you register (it's free), you can click through to the archive. Click on either Chenille Rug or Denim Quilt.

Readers have also sent us pictures (Aug/Sept 07) of how they remade a single pair of jeans into a vest, an apron or a purse. 

 Nonnies

I sew, quilt and make many things.  You have been given a few good ideas.  but I have made and seen a few others.  I have made sleeping bag covers using two pant legs left over from making cut offs.  The cut offs can be made into a really cute purse.  Well I hope I got you thinking.

Good cooking

Rita

Recently a friend made an apron for me using the backside of old jeans.  The back pockets became apron pockets.  She cut a long strip of fabric (not denim) and  put it thru the belt loops then stitched it. That made ties for the apron.  I will google and see if I can find a picture of one.

This does not give hints for aprons but it does for many other crafts:

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/recycle-denim.shtml

This shows a pretty good idea of what my apron from jeans looks like.

http://www.caleigha.com/2008/04/a-new-apron-from-old-jeans/

Shh -- here's a secret! 

If you liked the cute belted denim purse on p. 47 of the Aug/Sept issue (it was a winner in our Crafty Bags contest), instructions are coming in our Oct/Nov issue. This bag recycles four pairs of jeans, and it would make a great Christmas gift -- if you can bear to give it up!

 My next door neighbor had a great denim quilt that had a  Battenberg lace triangle piece sewn into the corners of some of the 6"squares. I'm saving my old jeans to make one like it.