Monday, May 27, 2013

Recycled Apron from Old Jeans Legs-Functional, Fast and Free

I love wearing aprons and prefer that they're made of a heavier weight material, denim is perfect. What I love about this Jeans Apron is how rustic and simple it is. I didn't add any hems, simply used pinking shears and a zig zag stitch all the way around the perimeter. This is similar to a rag quilt in that natural fraying over time will add to the look.
The ties are the outside leg seams and the part around my neck is the bottom cuffs. Again, nothing finished or fancy. You can see how the seam ties are already beginning to fray. I'll just trim them as needed.
I'm lovin' the cute back pocket and decided to keep as much "butt cheek" fabric as I could while making a rectangle because it was easier to sew on that way. So now I have a double pocket.

Here's a pic after the first washing, I love the fraying and just trim anything that's too sloppy.
While I planned to write up a detailed picture tutorial it didn't take me long to realize I was literally flying by the seat of my pants:@) and this was too experimental. But here's a quick overview of what I did...

Very briefly: Cut off the legs, cut up the outside seam so it lays flat, then cut that seam off totally with pinking shears. Cut the second leg open the same way and remove both bottom cuffs. Separate what would be the back leg of the second piece and sew to the front of the other leg after that front piece has been trimmed straight. Use an apron you already like as a template and cut the shape out with pinking shears. Sew bottom cuffs together and pin to each side of bib making sure it's easy to get over your head. Sew a wide, tight zig zag around the perimeter catching the ties and neck piece as you come to them. Sew on the pocket. Wash a few times to control fuzzies/strings and enjoy!
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31 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlMay 27, 2013 at 1:57 PM

    flying by the seat of your pants. bwahahaha.

    but aren't you the cutest?!

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  2. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenMay 27, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    What a cute apron, Lynn, and I love the FREE part and its so easy, too. Happy Memorial Day!

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  3. Jeannie MarieMay 27, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    That is darling! I love how practical it is too! Saw you on Make it Pretty Monday!

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  4. scrambledhenfruitMay 27, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    I love this! I have plenty of old blue jeans but not much sewing talent. Hope I can talk someone into making one for me. :)

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  5. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartMay 27, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Very cute! Love the design (and the double pocket) and that is was made from jeans.

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  6. Barbara F.May 27, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    Wow, this is adorable. You are way too modest, Lynn! xo

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  7. Linda @ A La CarteMay 27, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    This is wonderful Lynn! I think many would enjoy this apron!

    hugs,
    Linda

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  8. OliveMay 27, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    That is beyond my ability but I love it.

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  9. MerlesworldMay 27, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Very strong material it would make a great apron, a good idea.
    Merle............

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  10. MaryMay 27, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    Adorable and functional Lynn! It makes me want to shop for an old pair of jeans at GW and blow off the dust on my sewing machine!

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  11. janejaneMay 27, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    Great way to keep on lovin' a pair of jeans. You're so smart. I left a comment on your April 2, 2010 post about your dishes. Been rummaging around your blog for awhile. Good stuff.

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  12. AnonymousMay 27, 2013 at 7:28 PM

    Lynn,
    Great job! I always wear an apron too.....it's a MUST!
    But, I wear jeans till the knees wear out, then I use them for yard work, and then as cutoffs for yard work!

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  13. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeMay 27, 2013 at 9:37 PM

    Such a cute idea! I have a large collection of aprons, but there's always room for one more :)

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  14. Sherri B.May 27, 2013 at 9:57 PM

    That apron is great...you are so amazing, a great cook/baker and now we find out you are a seamstress too! What other things do you have up your sleeve? It really is a very cute idea and I like the fraying too.

    Great minds think alike, I worked on an apron today that I had cut out months ago..finally getting it almost done (hopefully won't take another 4 months).

    Have a nice evening. xo

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  15. TassieMay 27, 2013 at 10:35 PM

    Such a cute idea... can't wait to try!!

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  16. JacquelineMay 28, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    Lynn, this is so stylish and adorable! What a fun idea. I love how you used all the great seams and pocket. The ties are the perfect finishing touches. Now this apron can take some heavy duty use.

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  17. Johanna GehrleinMay 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    Hi Lynn,
    this apron is really nice and very good for hard work. Would be a nice apron for the garden, too. Thank you for sharing your good ideas.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  18. CathyMay 28, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    What a great use for worn out jeans! I wear an apron every day and not a one is as cute as this one. Maybe my son has an old pair he will donate to the cause. Love this idea, Lynn. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. DearHelenHartmanMay 28, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    That is brilliant. Am sending the link to my cousins who know how to do stuff and demanding they do this for me!

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  20. Tina@WhatWeKeepMay 28, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Great idea, Lynn! Is this one that you will get embroidered?
    My machine broke down and repairs are going to really expensive- hence, another delay in my shop.
    I'm beginning to think it's not meant to be!

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  21. Coleens RecipesMay 28, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    What a perfect apron, especially for outdoor grilling!! Love it.

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  22. no spring chickenMay 28, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    This is FANTASTIC!!

    Blessings, Debbie

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  23. SueMay 28, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    That is cute and you look cute in it with your pink shirt. I can barely sew a button on, so even simple sewing is over my head!

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  24. ~Lavender Dreamer~May 28, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    How cute! I wear aprons every day, too and would love this. I'll try to make one! I hope you can come by and visit my blog and see the pig I posted about today! You'll LOVE it! I promise! heehee!

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  25. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 29, 2013 at 2:55 AM

    This is a great idea! Denim is such a durable fabric. I'd love to wear tone of these aprons while gardening and would add extra pockets to hold my gloves, etc.

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  26. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMay 29, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Love this idea and such a great apron. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  27. MichaeleMay 29, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    This apron just begs to get dirty and show how it can handle a good washing! Great for potting plants I think.

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  28. SavoringTime in the KitchenMay 29, 2013 at 9:52 PM

    What a great idea, Lynn! You did such a wonderful job. Sadly sewing is not a strong point of mine.

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  29. Yvonne @ StoneGableMay 30, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    Lynn, Brilliant!!! An apron is part of my "uniform" I wear every day. When I garden I like to wear a denim apron. This is such a great idea!!!! I'll be making one soon! Thanks for sharing at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS! BTW: I got a pig head for over my stove hood and I have named him Earl II in honor of your original Earl. Gotta love a pig named Earl!

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  30. podsoMay 31, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    This is amazing! I love jeans and I love aprons. What a great idea and it looks so cute. Thanks for sharing!

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  31. Pam @Threading My WayJune 1, 2013 at 12:57 AM

    A VERY clever idea to use the seams as the ties!!! I hope you don't mind, but I'm pinning this so I remember who to credit when I use that idea. I don't know when I'll use it, or what I'll use it on yet. Fabulous refashioning!!!

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