Recycle Denim: Floor mat from Waistbands and inseams

Step 5 Finish and Customize

To finish you mat tie and snip all thread ends from trimming, as well as any denim fibers that are sticking out at odd angles. Press the entire mat flat with an iron set to cotton (it is safe to use your hottest setting, and may be necessary for this thick of a material)

The mat I made was a bridal shower gift for my best friend, so I added a custom fabric patch. To do this, write or draw your customization on a piece of cotton muslin (or similar light, stiff fabric) with a permanent fabric marker. Leave at least an inch all the way around your message. Fold and press edges inward with a 3/4" fold. Top stitch to the mat.

Enjoy this lovely reminder of how creativity breeds sustainability.

Comments

[mslaynie]

Wow, this is such a beautiful, thoughtful gift! I am absolutely amazed at how well the different, unrelated pieces come together into one cohesive piece. You've done a fabulous job on this. I second the suggestion to make these (and other items) for sale. Have you considered selling on Etsy or Artfire? I love the idea of taking something that most people could consider trash and turning it into something beautiful that can be loved again! Thanks for the inspiration!

[passionfly]

thanks ms laynie! I haven't sold on etsy, but I own my own clothing shop in bellingham WA where I sell alot of my handmade items. I also am attracted to making the unwanted beautiful again, and have committed to using only recycled mediums. It is challenging but often inspires unusual designs (like this one) I probably wouldn't have thought of if I wasn't constrained slightly by the size and shape of my materials. Happy crafting!

[mslaynie]

Eek! I just saw this reply.

I totally understand your drive to use recycled media. While sure, it's fun to run out and buy fresh new things to work with, it's also extremely satisfying for me to take something that was destined for the junk heap and turn it into something beautiful, something new, something valuable. It's not just a nod at recycling, it's a repurposing, and it revitalizes not just what I worked on but myself as well.

That's why this totally resonated with me. Of course, I already said that. *laughs* I'm such a goober, forgive me. :D

[passionfly]

there is something primally satisfying about leaving no trace, having no waste. Something I feel like my grandmother tried to teach me, and her mother taught her etc. etc.

[mslaynie]

That's very true. Almost impossible in this society, which makes it that much better when you find ways to improve what you're doing. :D