Upcycle Denim Part 2: Sundress & Patchwork Vest Guide
- Londa
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
The 'Sustainable Style Sundress' was such a joy to design and create that I'm considering making another one. This time, I'll stay closer to the original inspiration, aiming for a full-length, loose, and carefree style. This project might help me use up my remaining stash of large 'denim' pieces, similar to jeans. I'm thinking about reaching out to my local friends for a 'Call for Jeans' to meet my upcycle denim needs! Sustainable, 'used' denim has much more 'character' than new fabric. I found it easy to pass on the $21/yard new denim at Joann Fabrics, even with a 30% discount during their closeout.
With Joann Fabrics closing across the country, I feel compelled to mention that as online fabric shopping becomes more common, it's crucial for all sewists to have a solid understanding of textile terminology. This is a significant area of learning for my sewing students at my Sunroom Sewing Studio! Years ago, I developed a great class that I presented at an American Sewing Guild Conference: Textiles for the Seamstress. I offer this class on my website—find the link below and for just $10, add it to your shopping cart and learn about textiles yourself!
Recording video and taking pictures by oneself while designing and sewing is quite challenging, but I am passionate about sharing and teaching to inspire you to enjoy the same creative fun that I do. Therefore, I put in my best effort. I've become more skilled at video editing than I ever intended to be, but below is my best attempt at capturing the design and stitching process of this Upcycle Denim Patchwork Sundress.
First, some finished pictures, Front, and Back.
When my model friend gave this upcycle denim the 'real person' fitting, she said that she'd be more comfy with it a bit longer at the back, so I did add some length. See those additions identified with the white pattern weights in the image below.
Below, you can watch the complete video of the design and construction of this Upcycle Denim Sundress from my YouTube channel. I teach a lot about how to sew on upcycle denim successfully including the best needle choice when using a heavy topstitching thread. I also include the huge issue of BULK. Though I don't mention it, I do understand, know well, and utilize the technique of 'leveling' the presser foot with a 'Hump Jumper' or folded fabric. In the instances covered in this video, that technique truly did not solve or address the issues this dress presented.
Although I mentioned having the Jeans Stitch thread from YLI in both topaz gold and white, I discovered that this favorite thread is no longer available! What a disappointment... However, I have also used, and still have, some Gutermann thread, which is also available in 'jeans gold' color. Additionally, the Coats n Clark Button & Craft Thread is a great option. I am closing out of that thread as a regular product I carry, but I have a few boxes left. You can find links to the currently-available threads and Superior Needles below, along with the Superior Topstitch Needles that I really enjoy using for this work.
EXCLUSIVE DEAL from Londa: If you're considering purchasing a full box of any type of thread, feel free to email me at londasews@gmail.com. I'll gladly check if I can obtain it for you, let you know and give you a price/how many spools come in a box. Please be prepared for a potential 1-3 week wait unless you contact me when I'm already placing an order, as wholesale suppliers have minimum order requirements. In any case, if you decide on a full box, I'll gladly offer you a 20% discount as a token of appreciation for your patience.
This charming Patchwork Sundress is ready for 'adoption'. Explore it by clicking on the BUY NOW link below. I take great care to provide FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS with all my garment listings. Use these measurements to determine if this piece will fit you or a loved one.
FRAYED FUSION UPCYCLE DENIM VEST - Large
As I had out oodles of denim - and lots of cut up pieces as well, this Inspiration photo surfaced, and seemed 'right up the alley' of a direction to go with all these patches. It is from from a gal whose work I've long admired: Gayle Ortiz - known as gaylegirlsews on Instagram. Follow her - she's AMAZING!
Without a specific pattern, I started what seemed like a straightforward 'drape' project on my dress form using Red Dot Tracer—my absolute FAVORITE 'pattern paper'. I got so engrossed in the process that I didn't take many photos during this stage of the upcycle denim design. However, you can see a bit of it in this short video, where I also demonstrate how I strategically placed the various denim squares leftover from the Sundress project (along with some I cut specifically for this project) onto the Red Dot Tracer 'pattern' I had 'draped' on my dress form.
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Here is a link to that infamous 'Red Dot Tracer' that I used and love SEW much:
And, just like in my Denim Sunrise Vest, I ended up with designing a 'closure' of left over right instead of the typical 'right over left' for women's wear. Oh well..... these are truly the days of 'anything goes' in fashion!
This reminds me of something I genuinely learned in college! I took a fascinating History of Costume class at Illinois State University, which I vividly recall attending. I really wish I had kept that textbook! In any case, we learned that men's coats lap 'left over right' because, as they dressed up for sword fighting, most were right-handed and held their swords in their right hand. This meant they needed to unbutton their coats with their left hand for more movement, which was easier if the buttonholes were on the left side. Thus, men's clothing traditionally laps left over right.
THEN - I can ALSO clearly recall tailoring a cream linen-style blazer for my toddler son, as I enjoyed dressing him 'properly' for church. I was COMPLETELY upset AFTER setting in the buttonholes, realizing I had placed them on the RIGHT front instead of the LEFT front where they should be. After all, those were the days of making many lined blazers for my clients, so I just 'did what came naturally' - putting them on the RIGHT front. I decided right then that I needed a way to remember which side buttonholes go on for men and women. My conclusion, which I've taught ever since, was "Women are always right. Therefore, on women's clothes, the buttonholes go on the RIGHT side."
Here are some finished photos of my FRAYED FUSION UPCYCLE DENIM VEST
And a glimpse to the UNCONVENTIONAL inside:
In the upcoming days, I'll be sharing numerous quick 'Shorts' or 'Reels' on my Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram accounts, and eventually, I'll upload a full video on my YouTube Channel to teach and share more about the 'journey' of this little vest. Please 'follow me'; your support on social media would be greatly appreciated as I aim to promote my One of a Kinda (OOAK) Londa Originals for sale. Find links to all of my social media at the top left of my website: www.londas-sewing.com
You can 'adopt' this great vest yourself! None of us have time to sew EVERYTHING... right?
This patchwork vest is perfect for layering over a bralette, tank top, any type of t-shirt, or even a traditional white shirt. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary next year, it's an excellent reason to add some RED-WHITE-BLUE items to our wardrobe. That's been the drive behind focusing on so much patriotic-inspired pieces and collecting it in my
America Proud Collection!
Check it out by clicking on the image below.
The styling possibilities with this vest are endless! Ya know - a VEST is a great THIRD piece that - just like a jacket, or a statement scarf, 'PULLS' an outfit together! That's one of the MANY styling/wardrobe principles I learned years ago from my friend, Nancy Nix Rice
Nancy's book, LOOKING GOOD, published by Palmer & Pletsch should be one in every woman's wardrobe who wants to look her best! Check it out.
Curious about my 'Upcycle' design and sewing techniques? I occasionally teach an online class on this subject, as noted below. Just yesterday, I was invited (and gladly accepted) to teach this class for the American Sewing Guild (ASG) on May 1 (and likely continuing on June 24) at 7 pm CST. I'll share more details once everything is confirmed.
The VERY BEST? Come to my huge Sunroom Sewing Studio for hands-on with me!
Read all about it below.....
Sew.... I hope this has served to inspire and educate you. It's HIGH TIME for me to get some mending done - and get back to CREATING!
ENJOY every day God gives you to enjoy your passion.
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