DENIM ORGANIZER and More

 This fun organizer uses the legs of cut-off jeans and is a great project for summer teen sewing classes. The finished hem of the jeans creates the top of the pockets so that there is no need to bind the edge.

This project can be embellished in many ways. We used machine embroidery and decorative stitches. Other options include hand embroidery, rick rack or other trims or appliqué. It could also be personalized and the pockets labeled.

Denim Organizer

SUPPLIES

• Jeans Legs: 3 pair of “legs”
• Denim fabric: 1 yard
• Cord for hanging: 1 yard
• Dowel: 24"
• Coats Dual Duty Plus® Extra Strong Jeans Thread (N574) or
• Coats Dual Duty Plus® All-purpose Thread (Art 200): color 5 Copenhagen or to match denim.
• Coats Rayon Thread–30 wt. (Art D93): color 182 Spark Gold and Coats Rayon Thread–40 wt. (Art. D63): color 51 Chona Brown were used in this project.
• Stabilizer for embroidery

Project Instruction:
Organizer fabric: Cut 2 pieces of fabric 22" x 25".
Pockets: Cut the pants leg sections apart at the outer seam, trimming away the seam. 1st Row: Trim 3 leg pieces 5" high by 10" wide. 2nd row: Trim 3 leg pieces
9 1/2" high by 10" wide.

 Decorate pockets as desired with decorative stitching, appliqué, machine or hand embroidery, or trims.

To form each pocket row, sew the three same size leg sections together

Mark the pockets as shown for folding pleats (1). Fold solid line to dotted line. At seams, fold solid lines to seam line, do not overlap. Baste pleats in place at lower edge.

Attaching top row: Mark a line on organizer fabric 11 1/2" from top edge. Place pocket row on fabric, right sides together, with the lower raw edge of pockets against the line (2). Stitch, 1/2 inch from edge. Press seam allowance toward pocket.

Bring pocket section right side up, press. Baste side seams. Stitch in the ditch using Jeans thread or all-purpose at seams in pocket row to form individual pockets (2).
Bottom row: Fold pleats and baste.
 Place pocket section on organizer fabric, right side facing you, aligning raw edges.
 Baste sides and bottom edge of pocket.

Stitch in the ditch at seams in pocket row seams to form individual pockets.

Place backing fabric over organizer, right sides together. Stitch together, using a 1/2" seam allowance. Leave a 1" opening in the side seams at the top corners for inserting a dowel or curtain rod and a 6" opening in the lower edge for turning.

Trim corners diagonally. Grade lower edge to reduce bulk. Press the seams open before turning. Pay particular attention to places that are thick due to jeans seams. Turn to right side. Press. Hand sew opening in lower edge closed
Insert dowel, attach a cord for hanging. For better stability use a curtain rod and brackets for hanging

Other Ways to Recycle Denim
Denim Pocket Purses or Denim Pocket Fridge Magnets
Re-use the pockets from old blue jeans to make Denim Pocket Purses or Denim Pocket Fridge (or Locker) Magnets - both are sure to be bestsellers at your next church bazaar sale!


Denim Lace-Trimmed Shorts
A new twist to cut-off shorts...simply cut down old jeans to shorts length and add lace to the new hem. Also consider adding lace to the top of the pockets, either with fabric glue or hand sewing. Instant flair and style for almost no cost!


Denim Capri Pants
Are your jeans too short to wear bare foot, or with your favorite shoes? Take advantage and shorten them some more...cut off at 3/4 length and make a pair of capri pants with a plain hem, or trimmed with lace at the bottom.

Denim Placemats
Use old jeans to make unique placemats...incorporate the pockets as part of the placemat to hold silverware in place.

Denim Pot Holders
Denim will stand up to the rigors of pot holder duty and look great in the kitchen. Line with fleece, quilt batting or even squares cut from old sweat shirts. Incorporate the pocket if you want to get fancy, or take advantage of those gold-thread seams.

Denim Wine Bags
Use the legs from blue jeans to make two wine bags...sew the bottom closed, and hem the top leaving an opening on one side, or both sides, to thread through a golden cord drawstring. Leave plain or embellish with lace, buttons, ribbon, or small silk flowers. Tres chic!

Denim Pencil Case:
Are you tired of your kids' pencil cases falling apart? Take advantage of the strength of denim and make a rectangular zippered bag large enough to store all the kid's pens and pencils.