Quick-Sew Denim: With No-Sew Options [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Barb Chauncy (Author), Barb Chauncey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Denim stands the test of time, and sewers are always looking for fresh ideas on how to transform denim into decorative items. Now, they can learn how to create unique home and fashion accessories from new and used denim with this resourceful book. It begins with an overview of denim and jean styles, and then reveals all the basic techniques for gluing and sewing. Whether using new denim or revamping old jeans, readers are show how to utilize every square inch to create useful and fun designs. Contains step by step instructions with photos for a wide variety of projects such as purses, pillows, frames, gift bags, storage containers, and desk accessories.

About the Author
Barb Chauncy has been crafting for 30 years and learned to sew when she was 12 years old. She is a member of the US Society of Craft Designers and has authored more than a dozen articles about arts and crafts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; illustrated edition edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873496027
• ISBN-13: 978-0873496025
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #884,176 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick-Sew Denim, July 20, 2003

By	Pat Williams (Inver Grove Heights, MN USA) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, January 26, 2005

By	AJ (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Ideas, February 27, 2006

By	Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.