Drop-Dead Denim: The Prelude

The whole of September here at Michele Made Me is dedicated to a celebration of the simple beauty, the ruggedness and the plain wonderfulness of that versatile material, DENIM. Specifically, the focus is on the recycling of old jeans.

Join me, won't you?

Ducky Denim Pouch by Michele, September 2010

If someone told me I had to pick one outfit to wear for the rest of my days, there'd be no question jeans would be involved. The fabric we know as denim transcends time and trends. I mean, you'd be hard pressed to find someone wearing velour pants these days. But blue jeans? Blue jeans are everywhere. They're worn by everyone. And they have been popular for decades with no signs of "fading". So what's the appeal?

Denim Pendants inspired by Mich L. in LA, July 2011

It's funny about denim. It is rugged. Yet supple. It is tough. Yet soft. It allows one to feel eminently comfortable yet sexy all at the same time. Is this singular combination of characteristics inherent in any other fabric? I do not think so. And jeans are not just brought out every now and again, occasionally, sometimes, and only for special events. No. For some reason, due to the powerful chemistry residing within each fibre, people - me included - choose jeans over and over again, day in and day out, until they fall to shreds upon our very bodies. We love our jeans to death, we wear them with zeal, and when the time comes, we hate to see them go.

Berry 'n Bird Beret inspired by Nancy Minsky, January 2011

It's love. LOVE is at the very heart of denim recycling. That special feeling of well-being we enjoy while wearing jeans is what makes us want to hang on to them even once they've outlived their initial purpose, and resurrect them into brand new stuff. That's my take on it anyway.

Denim Tree Pencil Case by Michele, August 2010

So I've decided to set aside a whole month to craft uniquely with old denim. This blog's September mission is to:

Recycle some jeans.

Make some beauty.

And encourage the world to do the same.

Denim Disc Tree Ornaments by Michele, August 2010

You in? Well, okay then. I'll see you tomorrow with the low-down on the month ahead. In the meantime, you have yourself a fantastic day!

Note: See the Drop-Dead Denim Flickr Group button on my sidebar? It's an open invitation to upload any of your denim projects. Let me see those beauties!