Jeans are being used for everything these days from insulating homes to just about a million different crafts. A few years back a friend of mine had made this wonderful quilt using old jeans. It was beautiful. At that moment, I started saving every pair of out-grown, worn-out and not fit to be worn in public jeans.
I wanted a quilt or blanket to take to the beach. I had a great one that somehow went missing. My professional mom guess?—a teenager went to the beach with some friends and somehow that blanket was left behind or left at someone else’s home. And, I’m sure that mom, like me has asked “Who does this belong to? It’s not ours.” And, I’m sure the usual response was ” Huh? What? Ya, I don’t know.”
This is my color inspiration for my denim quilt. I love the pink and coral with denim. It seemed to be the perfect combination.
I cut the jeans into 6 inch squares. I used left-over fabric that I recently used to re-cover an ottoman to go in between the denim squares. Stitched the whole thing together. I added a small layer of cotton batting and a fun tie-dye fabric for the backside. I’m not a seamstress or a quilter—so I know that how I put this sucker together was very unconventional. I didn’t use a pattern and when something didn’t line up it stayed that way. I love the results. The reason—I look at all those squares and know that they came from one of my kids at some point in their lives. I did save one pair I just couldn’t bring myself to cut up. All four of my boys wore that single pair of jeans when they were toddlers. Let me tell you, those Baby Gap jeans that I purchased back in 1989 for my oldest son, have held up. And, to last through 4 boys now that is some feat!
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good job, Desiree! Looks like I’m going to have to copy my neighbor. I’m not a quilter either and I love the little “mistakes.” Makes it real.
Thanks Annette! This quilt means so much to me, because it was made from the denim my kids wore—at all different ages—It’s a family heirloom to me.
Desiree, I love it!!! Great job. I agree with my mom. I may need to copy you. What a beautiful family heirloom.
Wonderful idea! If you don’t mind me asking, what size are the denim squares?
Not all Kim they are just about 5″ square. Teen sizes and above can make 6″ squares with a 1/4″ for the seam.
I love your quilt!! I have made dozens of quilts myself, including a denim/flannel rag quilt that I was very disappointed in how it turned out. I like how you used the same plaid all around. It’s inspiring to start collecting the castoff jeans again.
Kate,
Thanks so much! I loved making this quilt and hope that one of my kids saves it forever!