Denim Sunrise & New Sundress: The Art of Upcycling Denim

Denim is undeniably a classic fabric. But have you ever wondered what makes it so iconic? The sturdy twill weave, the way it molds to our bodies over time, and the stories it carries with every fade and fray are just a few elements. This workhorse fabric is found in almost every closet. Instead of tossing out well-loved jeans or old denim jackets, why not transform them into something entirely new?

I have a passion for upcycling, particularly with denim. However, let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. If you've ever tried to stitch or topstitch denim, you know it can be a hair-pulling experience! The thickness, the layers, and the way some machines seem to rebel against it can indeed be frustrating. In this two-part Stitch Story, I want to share the inspirations behind my latest upcycled denim creations—including DENIM SUNRISE—and some of the tricks I've learned to make sewing with denim enjoyable rather than a struggle.

Finding Inspiration in Denim

When I start an upcycling project, my first step is gathering ideas. Social media is an overflowing well of denim upcycle inspiration! Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook are filled with boards and groups dedicated to creative ways to give denim a second life.

If you enjoy collecting ideas like I do, here's a helpful tip: learn to take screenshots on your phone or computer. Set up digital inspiration folders so when creativity strikes, you have a library of ideas at your fingertips!

While I appreciate the digital world, I am an old-school organizer when it comes to my creative thoughts. I still love using paper—real, tangible paper—to keep my inspirations front and center. I print out ideas, sketch designs, and jot down notes about fabric pairings. How about you? Do you prefer digital folders or old-fashioned pen and paper? Comment below; I’d love to know!

The Birth of Denim Sunrise

Let's dive into my latest denim creations—yes, I couldn’t stop at just one! DENIM SUNRISE was my recent multi-day creation, a piece I fell in love with right away. Over the last two days, I created a Flippy Denim Sundress and a patchwork-style vest, each with its unique story.

There’s something magical about cutting into a well-loved pair of jeans and giving them a new purpose. The contrast between dark and light washes, unexpected trim details, and a timeless yet unique style are what keep me coming back to denim.

Denim Sunrise is now available for 'adoption'

Handmade Denim Women's Vest – L-2XL, USA Made

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! I say ‘adoption’ because after pouring so much creativity and effort into this piece, it truly feels like sending a child out into the world. Each garment I create under Londa’s Originals is a one-of-a-kind work of art—much like each of us!

Sneak Peeks at Denim Sunrise

Here are a few 'peeks' at Denim Sunrise:

Let's Start with the Fabric 'Denim' Itself

Do you remember weaving construction paper strips in kindergarten? I do! It was simply over-under, then the reverse in the next row. That led to my first 'business' making and selling potholders. This summer, I'm excited to host a 'Nana Camp' with my granddaughters, where I’ll introduce them to that craft.

Denim is known for its sophisticated twill weave. Unlike standard weaving techniques that involve a straightforward over-and-under pattern, twill employs a distinctive method. The warp threads run lengthwise, passing over multiple weft threads before going under just one. This creates a diagonal ribbing pattern.

Typically, the warp threads are dyed, most commonly blue, while the weft threads are usually white. Many modern denim blends even include some lycra, enhancing elasticity and providing additional stretch for comfort.

From the current Webster Dictionary, we learn this about the word 'denim':

"Many fabrics have been named for the places where they were once made. Denim gets its name from Nîmes, a city in France famous for its textiles. Originally called serge de Nîmes, the name came into English as serge denim before being shortened to denim."

A Journey Back to College

In August 1970, I left home to attend Illinois State University in Normal, IL, majoring in Home Economics. This field has greatly enriched my life, especially in my primary roles as a 'wife and mother.' My mom advised me to study Home Ec, saying, "That will always be useful."

I instantly dove into a Textiles course during my first year! I kept one textbook, TEXTILES 3RD EDITION by Norma Hollen and Jane Saddler from Iowa State University—now a relic but one filled with valuable information.

Click on the pages to enlarge and delve into the details of the twill weave if you're interested!

Creating the Flippy Denim Sundress

Let’s now talk about my Flippy Denim Sundress. The inspiration came from a printed page I found on social media.

In about five hours, I draped, pinned, cut, and designed on my dress form, which is a Fabulous Fit brand that I adore and highly recommend!

I track the time invested in my creations, and I learned that TIME = $. It guides my pricing for 'Londa Originals.' Handmade items should reflect the investment of time and creativity, don’t you think?

Flippy Denim Sundress: Creative Process

Here’s the bodice of my Flippy Denim Sundress, crafted from the waistband and upper section of jeans. The button and zipper provided ample room for easy wear.

Always Remember This

It's crucial to ensure easy wearability in your designs. Just yesterday, I had my young friend from church try on the sundress. I wanted to confirm she could easily get in and out of it, and thankfully, it worked!

Where Did Those Sleeves Come From?

Not all of my projects are successful initially. The flirty 'cap' sleeves on this sundress came from a day where I struggled with my project but saw a new opportunity for the sleeves in my stash.

I've also recorded a quick video about that 'other' project, which I recently found. It's interesting how easier it is to locate things in my 'messy creative stash' than on my computer!

And can I ask a favor? For creators like me, clicking on ads helps monetize our work. It contributes to funding our creative passions. So, thank you in advance for your support!

I plan to share more details about the Flippy Denim Sundress and another spontaneous project in upcoming posts. However, with bad weather coming in, my husband wants me to join him at a coin show, one of his hobbies.

Looking Ahead – Part 2

In Part 2 of this Stitch Story, I’ll share go-to methods for stitching and topstitching denim with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or just beginning to explore upcycling, I hope to see you for the next segment of this journey.

Until then, how do you upcycle denim? Do you have a favorite technique or a denim piece you’ve given new life? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories!

Shop my collection—YOU deserve a Londa Original! 😉