Customer Reviews

Quick-Sew Denim

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book should have been called "Quick Glue Gun Denim." I love to sew but don't do any other crafts. If you are the same, do not buy this book. Since I don't own or intend to buy a glue gun, there are very few projects I can do. This is the first time I've purchased a "sewing" book without looking over the projects first. I won't make that mistake again.

This book contains many ideas for reusing denim jeans as raw material for sewing projects. Chauncey provides an interesting short history of denim and jeans in the introduction to the book. Then she describes how to select denim for craft projects and some basic techniques for using denim. The main part of the book is divided into chapters containing directions for craft projects. These chapters include: around the house (pillows, bulletin boards, and organizers), handbags and totes, school stuff (scrap books, pencil case), denim Christmas (gift bags, Christmas tree skirt, ornaments), and gifts and things (picture frames, shaving tote, covered tin, basket). Each project starts with lists of required materials and supplies. The instructions for the projects are illustrated with high-quality color photographs. For most of the projects, Chauncey provides instructions for either sewing or gluing, so even non-sewers can try their hand. In order to undertake the projects in this book, a glue gun is practically indispensable, and a sewing machine highly recommended.

Many of the projects seem geared to young teenagers, and the sewing skills required are minimal. As a beginning sewer myself, I found the projects were well within my capabilities (yes, I still sit with the sewing machine manual on my lap when I sew so that I can quickly look up how to thread the machine). One of the strongest features of the book is the ideas that Chauncey provides for using every scrap of jeans. She shows how seams can be made into handles for bags or baskets, and how belt loops can have innumerable uses. I've only followed one of the projects in the book exactly (the shaving tote), but I have borrowed many of the ideas and techniques from the other projects in my own creations. This book is ideal for crafters who are just getting started in reusing denim.

This book has a great assortment of ideas for using old jeans, from pillows and other household items to personal and gift items. All the projects are illustrated showing different steps in making the item.

this book has some great ideas, if you can 'go outside the box'
I have trouble with glueing things together, they don't seem
to last. and I like to have it until I find I don't want it
anymore. I was taught to not follow a pattern exactly but as a
guide.
if you can use it as a guide, it's great.if not go
find another book. like I told my kids you are only limited by
your imagination.

*NOTE!* not a book for an experienced sewer!!

But fun ideas for my ten year old and myself.
Directions are not clear, but I'm a visual person. I can make these by just looking at photos.
Also inspired more projects and ideas.

Fun book, if you can get it at a reasonable price.

I was interested in recycling my old jeans and based upon other reviews, I purchased this book. This book is pretty good for getting you started and covers all sorts of projects. I made some of the pocketbooks and thought they came out pretty good. I have no problem with using a glue gun along with sewing. With denim, some times you need to. Some of the projects were not for me, but I could see how they would appeal to other people. I think it is great for young people who like to be creative. I would purchase this book just to see if working with denim is for you. Gave me a lot of ideas. I would recommend it for beginners to sewing or crafting.

Thanks to this publication, I now know the abbreviated history behind denim and jeans. And why not? Many of us wear them all the time. They are a staple of my wardrobe.

Because of the uniqueness of denim jeans, this has been an answer to my prayers. What to give a teenager for a gift -- it's here. How to dissect a pair of jeans to use its parts, resulting in a wonderful purse, pillow, or even a Christmas Tree skirt is all here in Ms. Chauncey's book.

We're told how to select denim and techniques for denim crafting with projects that qualify as things around the house, handbags and totes, school stuff, denim Christmas, and gifts.

Can't thank the author enough for sharing her creativity and ideas.

This one is a keeper. If you love denim fabric like I do, you will love this book and the projects. My grandchildren love their gifts and so will your friends and loved ones.

If you are into purses & accessories this would be a good book for you. It didn't fit my needs as I was looking for a way to turn several pairs of jeans into skirts.

This book is full of truly creative uses for old jeans - even those that are ready for the trash have "parts" that can be scavenged to embellish denim projects. The book has great photos, including step-by-step photos of the projects. The materials and supply lists and instructions are clear and consise. Projects range from decorative (and useful) pillows and wall hangings to practical purses and tote bags. There are also picture frames, Christmas ornaments, gift bags and a wonderful tree skirt, as well as baskets and pouches, book covers and locker organizers. The no-sew options for many projects make this a book that can be used by crafty people of various skill levels - and some of the projects will be fun to do with kids. If you are a jeans-lover, you will love this book! I can't wait to get started on the pocket pouch for on my desk.