Eco Chic Upcycled Denim

It started with a box of old jeans in the garage…come to think of it, they were mostly
pieces of old jeans left-over from a denim jacket project that had a good run in the early
1990’s. As crafters and quilters do, I save stuff. I had a good time making those jackets
and was sure the urge to play with denim would return one day.
And here we are! Welcome to Eco Chic, giving worn jeans and old textiles new life as hand-crafted, upcycled denim bags. 
Approximately 75% of bag materials has been upcycled. Most jeans come from friends
cleaning out their closets, and lining fabrics are from my collection of quilting cotton. These
cotton prints are left over from other projects or have been hanging around, auditioning
for quilts but never making the team! Most of the hardware and stabilizers (materials
used to increase durability and add body to the bags) are new.
I’m serious about minimizing waste. After washing & drying the jeans, I begin
deconstruction. Most jeans are built to last and I want to preserve as much of the fabric
and components (like belt loops, waistbands and pockets) as possible. The heavy
threads, double stitching and extra reinforcement take an hour or two to break
down. Large scraps are used for small pouches and textile art pieces, smaller scraps
become embellishments—like the flowers you’ll see appliqued on several of my
bags—and the tiny bits are given to a group of local quilters who create dog beds
stuffed with fabric scraps which they donate to a local animal shelter.
I care about style, construction, and durability. Every bag has its own unique look. No
two are exactly the same. Pre-loved jeans come with wear marks, flaws, stains—all part
of their story, and now, part of yours when you purchase one of my Eco Chic denim
bags.