Repurposing and upcycling.
They're the hot new buzzwords.
What used to be recycled is now repurposed.
Recycling is so 1990's!
I developed this pattern back in the 90's when for me, recycling was more of a necessity than a political statement. Here in Bakersfield it seems everyone practically lives in denim. So if you don't have a stack of out grown or worn out jeans in your closet they certainly are easily found in the nearest thrift shop.
With a fat quarter of fabric and a pair of old jeans
you can create an adorable bib for your little buckaroo faster than a cowpoke can saddle up his horse.
Since each bib will be slightly different depending on the jeans you use these instructions are pretty general. You will need to get creative in order to get the most from your jeans.
When selecting jeans for this project pay close attention to the seams and the number of usable pockets.
Did you know that most men's jeans have a tiny, perfectly formed pocket inside the right front pocket?
Here. Take a look.
It's right down there. Let me pull it out so you can see.
This is what I look for when I'm shopping for used jeans. That perfect little pocket tucked unto the front pocket. Pure bliss. I just wish there was one on each side!
Things like rivets and tags are also fun things to incorporate.
The first thing you will need to do is print a pattern using legal sized paper. (This is really exciting for me as this is my first post using a printable PDF file. Can you imagine the possibilities here people?)
Using a seam ripper open up the outside seam of each leg. You will want the double, top stitched seam (normally the inseam) left in tact so you can center it on your bib front.
Using pattern piece A, cut one piece from your cotton print by laying the long edge on the fold.
Then open that piece up and use it as a pattern to cut out your denim by laying it right side up to the wrong side of the denim (wrong sides together).
Pay special attention to utilize the double seam of the jeans by carefully centering it down the front of the bib.
Cut your denim the same shape as the bib back A.
Now snip and tear two sides of your fabric for piece B (the front bib overlay) so you are left with two nice ravely edges .
Using pattern piece B, cut one bib front overlay. This piece should be cut on the bias since the edges are left unfinished to ravel.
Place the the bib front (jeans) to the bib back (print) matching the neckline circle - wrong sides together. Lay the bib front overlay on top of the denim front and pin, matching up sides and neck opening. (Don't stress out over a few spots where one layer might be a bit bigger than the other layers, you will snip and fray your seams allowances later and these won't show).
Cut the tiny pocket from the inside of the pants pocket
Trim the pocket close being careful not to disrupt the stitches.
Sew around the edge of the bib and around the neck opening about 1/2" from the edges.(Pretend there is a pinned pocket in the photo below).
Helpful Hint: I like to use Jeans Thread for this as it mimics the look of the original thread used in the jeans. When using Jeans Stitch thread you will use it on the top of your machine only. Use regular sewing thread in the bobbin. A denim needle is also helpful.
Top stitch the pocket on using clear, invisible thread and sewing right on top of the original top stitching. You will need to use a zipper foot and sew very carefully around the rivets.
Cut two pieces of velcro 1 1/2" long.
Next you will position the velcro on each side of the placement line (refer to pattern). Simply position the soft side of the velcro strip 1/4" to the right of the placement line on the top of the bib and sew with clear thread top and bottom.
Turn the bib over and using the placement guide, sew the second prickly side to the right of the placement line.
The front of your bib will now look like this (except you haven't cut the notches yet). (Sorry I continue to struggle with getting the correct photos).
Here's a shot of the back side of the bib with the prickly side of the velcro.
I've "drawn" a line so you can see where to cut.
With scissors or rotary cutter cut between the two strips of velcro stitches.
Clip the raw edges of the bib, both at the neckline and around the outside edge, about 1/4" apart. Be careful not to snip your stitches. These edges will bloom as they are washed and worn or you can speed up the process by spraying with a little water and brushing the edges with a stiff bristled brush.
Here's one that's been brushed.
Here's one using the leather patch instead of a pocket
and one with a cute little PS I Love You tag
And after it's brushed
After it's brushed
When you run out of pockets and labels, make your own pockets using the hem as the top of the pocket.
And here's what you get when you brush them (wonder if there is a repurposing project for the mess).
That's it. So quick and totally simple.
Cute too dontchathink?
Oh. Wondering what to do with all the leftover big pockets and scraps of denim?
Repurpose them of course.
Encourage one another,
