Denim Sunrise & Beyond
Denim—definitely a CLASSIC. But have you ever really stopped to think about what makes it so iconic? That sturdy twill weave, the way it molds to the body over time, the stories it carries with every fade and fray? It’s a workhorse fabric, found in just about every closet, but what if we thought about it differently? Instead of tossing out those well-loved jeans or old denim jackets, what if we transformed them into something entirely new?
I have a love affair with upcycling, and denim has always been one of my favorite materials to work with. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. If you've ever tried to stitch or topstitch on denim, you know it can be a hair-pulling experience! The thickness, the layers, the way some machines just don’t seem to like it... it can be frustrating. So, in this (at least) two-part Stitch Story, I want to share not only the inspiration behind my latest upcycled denim creations—including DENIM SUNRISE—but also some of the tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sewing with denim a joy instead of a battle.
Finding Inspiration in Denim
When I start a new upcycling project, my first step is always gathering ideas. And let me tell you, social media is bursting with denim upcycle inspiration! Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook—there are boards and groups dedicated to nothing but creative ways to give denim a second (or third!) life. If you’re like me and enjoy collecting ideas, here’s my tip: learn to take screenshots on your phone or computer, and set up digital inspiration folders. That way, when the creative bug bites, you have a whole library of ideas ready to go!
But let’s be real. While I appreciate the digital world, I’m a bit old-school when it comes to organizing my creative thoughts. I still like paper—yes, real, hold-it-in-your-hands, tangible paper—to keep my inspirations in front of me. I print out ideas, sketch designs, and jot down notes about fabric pairings. How about you? Do you prefer digital folders, or are you a paper-and-pen type like me? Comment below—I’d love to know!
The Birth of Denim Sunrise & More
Now, let’s talk about my latest and greatest denim creations—because yes, I couldn’t stop at just one! DENIM SUNRISE was my most recent MULTI_DAY creation, a piece that I instantly fell in love with, but in the last 2 days, I kept going, creating Flippy Denim Sundress and a patchwork-style vest, each of which will have their own unique story.
There’s something magical about cutting into a well-worn pair of jeans and giving them a whole new life. The contrast of dark and light washes, unexpected trim details, and a style that’s both timeless and completely unique—these are the things that keep me coming back to denim, again and again.
Back to my already-completed garment, Denim Sunrise, remember that it will be available for 'adoption' on March 20 at 9 AM! Yes, I say ‘adoption’ because after pouring so much time, effort, and creative energy 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—just like each of us!
Here are a few 'peeks' at Denim Sunrise.....
Let's Start with the FABRIC Itself
Do you recall weaving construction paper strips in Kindergarten? I certainly do! It was simply over-under, then the reverse in the next row. That led to my first 'business'—making and selling potholders. Ahhhh—I must include THAT in my first 'Nana Camp' that I'm planning to hold with my 8 and 6-year-old granddaughters this summer, as I bought one of those classic looms and some loops (though unfortunately, they are now poly or nylon instead of the good old cotton I used). I worked hard creating those potholders, then went door-to-door in my neighborhood selling them for 35 cents each, or 2 for 50 cents (think—it's been a VERY long time ago!). I guess THAT idea is over—with most days, I'm actually quite happy to be 'old'—soon to be 73!
Denim, often referred to as 'twill' or 'gabardine,' represents a more sophisticated approach to the weaving process. Unlike traditional weaving techniques that involve a straightforward over-and-under pattern for each strip of fabric, the twill weave employs a distinctive method. In this technique, the warp threads—those that run lengthwise—pass over multiple weft threads (in the example provided, over three threads) before going under just one. This pattern then shifts up by one row on the next pass of the weft threads, continuing the same over-and-under sequence. While this description simplifies the intricacies of the twill weave, it conveys the fundamental concept effectively. In the case of denim, the warp threads are typically dyed in a color, most commonly blue, which is synonymous with the classic look of jeans. Conversely, the weft threads are generally white. In contemporary denim production, it is also common to incorporate some lycra into the fabric blend, enhancing its elasticity and providing additional stretch for comfort and fit. This combination of materials and weaving techniques contributes to the durability and versatility that denim is celebrated for in fashion and everyday wear.
And from the current, online Webster Dictionary, we learn this concerning 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. But the name came about in an unusual way. The fabric, a heavy serge, was originally called serge de Nîmes, literally, “serge from Nîmes.” The “s” on Nîmes is not pronounced in French, so when the name of the fabric came into English, it was often written serge de Nim and later serge denim. In time, this was shortened to simply denim."
Let's Go Back to College
Indeed, it was in August 1970 that I left home to attend Illinois State University in Normal, IL, to major in Home Economics. Honestly, this field of study has greatly enriched my life, especially in my primary and most important roles as 'Wife and Mother.' I vividly recall my mom advising me, when I was considering what field to pursue, "Well, Londa, you want to be a wife and mother, so how about Home Ec - THAT will always be useful." She was incredibly wise. Judging by the name and dorm address in the front of my textbook, I must have dived right in and taken Textiles during my first year! I suppose this textbook, TEXTILES 3RD EDITION by Norma Hollen and Jane Saddler of Iowa State University, copyright 1968, is now a relic, but I must admit it is the ONE and ONLY textbook I kept from all my college studies!
If you click on the 'pages', they will enlarge so that you can truly 'dig in' to the details of the twill weave, if you so desire.
Flippy Denim Sundress
Beginning with this IDEA, or what I call an INSPIRATION - from, obviously, one of my printed pages mined from the depths of social media.....
In about 5 hours, I created this FLIPPY DENIM SUNDRESS. Naturally, I draped, pinned, cut, and designed on my dress form (Fabulous Fit brand, which I ADORE and STRONGLY SUGGEST!). She is a Size 12 - which works quite well. AND, she doesn't even complain when I insert pins directly into her!
Here's a 'business note' to share: I always track the time I invest in each of my creations, as I learned long ago that TIME = $. This serves as my true guide when it comes to pricing my 'Londa Originals'. If you or someone you know is making items to sell, I highly recommend this approach. Although the 'fabric' for this garment cost me very little, I have over 50 years of experience in developing and teaching my skills. It frustrates me when the pricing of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind garments is compared to cheaply made foreign clothing. Handmade, unique items SHOULD cost more—do you agree? I certainly hope so!
FLIPPY DENIM SUNDRESS Creative Process
Here's the bodice of my latest creation, crafted from the waistband and upper section of jeans. The button and zipper opening provided just enough room for the garment to be easily put on and taken off - YEAH!
Speaking of the Creative Process....
Here's a good starting point coming up for ya:
ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS
I was slightly concerned about this as I pinned some tucks at the bottom where it would connect to the skirt portion. Fortunately, my new young college friend from church came over to help me take (and model) some photos of my creations yesterday, and the first thing I had her do was try on this sundress, hoping she could get IN and OUT of it - and YEAH... it WORKED! That's something you really need to consider when creating on a dress form: can one get it ON and OFF?
WHERE DID THOSE SLEEVES COME FROM?
I readily admit that everything I start does NOT end up a success. That was the case with what became the flirty 'cap' sleeves of this sundress. A 'Forget It - I Give UP' day of stitching was tossed aside - (but KEPT!) in my denim 'trunk stash' and saw new life as these sleeves.
And cool - not only did this old brain REMEMBER that I had recorded a quick video about that 'other' project, but I also actually FOUND it on my computer. Honestly, I can locate things more easily in my 'messy creative stash in my Sunroom Sewing Studio' than on my computer! Anyway - here is a video I just uploaded to my YouTube channel.
And... could I ask a favor? You may not realize it, but for 'creators' like myself, who have reached certain Subscriber and Viewing Hours goals, we can 'monetize' or have ads placed on our videos. I know they can be annoying, but hey - nothing in this world is free. Anyway - what I'm saying (or perhaps teaching you) is that when you click on an ad - I earn a few pennies, and that all adds up to funding my creative passions and the costs of sharing them. SEW.... Thanks in advance for 'clicking' on some ads!
I'll go into some more detail on the FLIPPY DENIM SUNDRESS and another fun project that pretty much 'fell together' yesterday, but there's bad weather moving in, and hubby wants me to go with him to a coin show - one of HIS hobbies, so - STAY TUNED for my next BLOG POST.
Say - speaking of creating, did you know I have one on-going offer to come create, fit, and stitch with me here at my Sunroom Sewing Studio? Yep - read all about it ....
I just might have to hop over to JoAnne's Fabrics (they're still open here - and say won't close until end of May), to find some lightweight chambray for lining my Denim Patchwork Vest.... Here's a peak:
Looking Ahead – Part 2
In Part 2 of this Stitch Story, I’ll share my go-to methods for stitching and topstitching denim without frustration. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or just getting started with upcycling, I hope you’ll join me for the next part of this journey.
Until then, tell me—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!
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for March 20 at 9 AM—who knows, maybe one of these upcycled denim beauties is meant to be yours.
Shop my collection - YOU deserve a Londa Original! 😉
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