Comment from elaine spatt
Time: June 28, 2009, 4:53 am

I would love to learn how to use denim in easy di it yourself projects.
I see that Ms. Minsky is very talented I would love the opportunity to communicate with her ABOUT FASHION AND ART PROJECTS.
THANK YOU,

Comment from Ann
Time: June 28, 2009, 6:19 am

I’d completely forgotten about a pair of worn jeans I made into a skirt years ago – loved it! Wore it with platform clogs. Since both are back in style, Mom was right…she always said, What comes around, goes around!

Comment from Catherine
Time: June 28, 2009, 7:47 am

Oh, I am so excited about this! I just had this huge moment of denim inspiration when I was out people watching last night. I decided that I really want to make a nautical top out of denim.

When I was back in school, I turned old jeans into bags (I’m sure you’ve seen those!) and cut some into squares for patchwork dresses.

Looking forward to listening to this – a great blend of craft and fashion!

Comment from Kari
Time: June 28, 2009, 8:45 am

I really enjoyed this interview with Nancy. I just loved her attitudes about life and work and parenting. What a positive and inspiring person! I can’t wait to check out her book-maybe I would be brave enough to try a jean skirt.
On the after-show-Jennifer I’m sorry you feel any regret about your last show. Jenna was a fascinating guest, albeit unique and strongly opinionated. I think a variety of guests with a variety of opinions only makes your show stronger. Also, I thought Jeff was a fun addition. I respect that you need to be non-offensive, but it’s too bad. Granted, I am liberal, so it’s easy for me not to be offended. Oh well.
I can’t believe your next episode will be 100. WOW. That is awesome. Keep up the great work. :)

Comment from Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Time: June 28, 2009, 10:27 am

Hi Kari. Thanks for your comment. I don’t regret the last show, but I do feel bad about the fact that people were offended by the after-show.

Jeff and I never intended to upset people and we were working hard to laugh just a day after losing our dog. Unfortunately our attempt at levity fell flat with some. Some of the comments kept me up at night, but I’m not going to worry too much more about being non-offensive. I’m just going to be me because that’s the only thing I know how to do.

And the great thing about this kind of homemade media is that it’s free and people can take it or leave it. I’m not going to shy away from controversial guests, or silence my husband forever. What fun would that be?

So, I moved on with the help of Nancy Minsky’s inspiring aprons. When times get tough and you feel like the world doesn’t get you, tie on a beautiful apron and confuse people even more. It works for me. : )

Comment from shannon duffy
Time: June 28, 2009, 10:27 am

Just listened to the podcast….great interview! It was nice to hear her perspective on motherhood and creativity. Good luck with all of your new found freedom…..I’m glad you will continue to make room for the podcasts. I love to listen!

Comment from Catherine
Time: June 28, 2009, 10:47 am

To say that I loved this podcast would be a serious understatement. What an incredibly wellspoken guest so full of knowledge. I would just call it inspirational, but it also felt educational…in a really comfortable, enlightening way.

Thank you so much Jennifer and Nancy! I am looking forward to listening to this again, because I’m sure there’s even more to learn the next time around.

Comment from elaine spatt
Time: June 28, 2009, 1:55 pm

win a free book by acclained author N.Minsky.
Wow.
Elaine spatt

Comment from Emily
Time: June 28, 2009, 6:40 pm

Fun interview – thank you! The denim repurposing book sounds great, and I do so love the inspirations at Nancy’s blog! My 16 year old daughter is redoing an awesome old VW bus and the interior wall panels are all covered with jeans back pockets. She has been thrifting jeans to find the right colors of blues and even white, making sure she has a variety of pocket styles, etc.

I too enjoyed the variety of opinions on your last podcast – controversy is a good thing – it starts conversations! Jenna was a little out there, but to me she was more out there about other things, not so much her strong opinions about Etsy (which may or may not be right on; I’m not a big Etsy user on either side of the cash register). Keep bringing it on! Jeff only made reality-based jokes based on what people might feel if they hold opposite opinions than your guests. You two are never offensive… but I did love the duct tape use in the after show today!! Hey – enjoy your last days working for The Man! Freelance and self employment are The Way!! (I’m one of those!)

Comment from Elisol
Time: June 29, 2009, 7:46 am

Wow! The book sounds really great. Actually I’m looking for ideas of reusing plastic bags and old jeans. I have one pair of old jeans that I will use for making a kind of yarn and crochet it into a new bag.

Hope I’ll find more ideas in the book!

Comment from Tami Knox
Time: June 29, 2009, 9:40 am

Love the duct tape sound effect. You are too funny. Great podcast. Thank you for doing it. I can’t imagine how much work it is and you are so conscienscious!!

Comment from Tara
Time: June 29, 2009, 1:39 pm

What a fantastic interview! I love reusing old garments and making new, useful items from them! Thanks for introducing us to Nancy!

Comment from Simone QdM
Time: June 29, 2009, 4:53 pm

As per usual, loved the interview. But my biggest congrats is the congrats for going freelance! So exciting!

Comment from Ellyn
Time: June 29, 2009, 6:53 pm

I made a denim/flannel quilt once, man was it ever heavy & warm! I sent it to my brother who was living in Chicago at the time. If I had a pic I’d link you to it, but alas I don’t!

Comment from Vicki
Time: June 29, 2009, 7:31 pm

I have always sewed using patterns but nearing 50 I discovered refashioning and my niche. Skirts, purses, book covers, corset, shower curtain, flowers to name a few from denim sewn together until I end up with finished item. All given away to daughters,their friends, gifts or donated to shelter for abused children/spouses. Tried knitting/crochet with denim strips but that needs work. I am thrilled to have found your blog and podcast.

Comment from AllyB
Time: June 30, 2009, 5:35 am

I was truly encouraged by the line of conversation that dealt with starting a career, leaving it for years to raise a family, then, picking up again with renewed enthusiasm and wisdom. It’s so true that a craft can outlast most any obstacle. Thanks Jennifer for a great podcast.

Comment from Stephanie Hauser
Time: June 30, 2009, 7:58 am

I made a skirt out of jeans 30 something years ago. I made some organizers out of jeans that hang on the wall and a jeans backpack. I would love to win to win Ms. Minsky’s book! I think I’m going to make that apron today. Jenny of Stash & Burn recommended your podcast and I’m happy she did! Thank you for podcasting, your interviews are inspiring.

Comment from Caitlin
Time: June 30, 2009, 8:55 pm

What a great podcast, glad I found it from Stash and Burn. Listening to how to reuse denim reminded of one of my first craft projects as a child. Even though it was just a decade + ago, library books were my main resource for projects and inspiration. I found a pattern to recycle jeans into a purse. Remember those? Basically, you cut off the jeans, sew up the seam, add a strap, there you have a little bag. Good times. Denim Revolution looks like a great book!

Comment from Deanna
Time: July 1, 2009, 11:29 am

Great episode! I have a stack of jeans I’ve saved – thinking eventually I’d cut them up and use them in weaving. Now I’m thinking I’d like to come up with something that a 50-something mom can wear, and be proud of having made, in spite of embarrassing her kids. :-D

Comment from ellen
Time: July 1, 2009, 7:19 pm

I’ve made skirts from old jeans in the past. Lately I’ve made a yoga mat bag and potholders. I’d love a little more inspiration about what to make.

Comment from Becky
Time: July 1, 2009, 8:40 pm

I would love to have the denim book. I enjoyed the denim podcast but I can not find the denim slippers you was talking about on your podcast. I have looked your guest site over and some how missed them. Any hints. Thanks Becky TerpCreek.com

Comment from Nancy Minsky
Time: July 2, 2009, 4:14 am

Hi Becky – the denim slipper tutorial is on my blog:
http://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com/2009/04/pretty-denim-slippers-to-make-yourself.html

I am enjoying reading and am inspired by all the thoughts and comments. They are wonderful and interesting. And it stimulates me to reflect on the podcast, and wonder, actually, why when I go on vacation do I drag along so many materials? This last trip I carried paints, brushes, pencils, sketchbooks, paper, calligraphy pens and ink, a craft book, favorite photos, postcards, embroidery thread, and more. Other trips I am carrying piles of yarns and knit and crochet tools. Everything is hand carried as these are my irreplaceable jewels, which I dare not lose or damage. They are with me so that when I have that urge, or the moment, either stuck at an airport or struck by the beauty of new sights, foods, people, colors or textures – I can complete or start a new project. Some trips I hardly touch the materials, and yet for every trip, time is spent to pack it all together with a dreamy goal of what I am going to make. I guess the dream is part of the fun!

Comment from Osa Redding
Time: July 2, 2009, 4:32 am

We used old jeans to make sit-upons for our Girtl Scouts – you cut off the legs, sew a seam across the cut edge. This forms a pouch. The girls would stuff a pillow in the pouch, tie it around their waist with bandanas and have a comfortable seat when hiking. Or it can be used as a purse. The legs that we cut off became tent poles carriers or water bottle carriers. For the tent poles we sewed the raw edge closed, added a carry handle. For water bottle carriers we sewed one end closed, sewed on a piece of rope long enough for the girl to hang it across her shoulder.

Comment from Mariel
Time: July 2, 2009, 11:59 am

definitlly an Apron! that is what I would like to make!
Jennifer, your new life (new job, new life) starts today? best wishes! You made it!!!!
Mariel

Comment from linda
Time: July 3, 2009, 2:40 am

Wow – great podcast! Very inspiring and looks like a fantastic book! I would love to make denim clothing, really to remake them because we have so many oldies that aren’t being worn at this point.

Comment from Nancy Hildebrant
Time: July 4, 2009, 9:08 am

This was my favorite of your episodes so far! Nancy’s generosity about her design process is rare and much appreciated. I love the idea of making a giganto BAG combining denim and other materials. Thanks Jennifer, for your devotion to the crafty cause.

Comment from Fiona
Time: July 5, 2009, 6:01 am

This interview got me thinking about things to make with denim, and generally about recycling worn garments. I make all my kids’ clothes, but my son wears his out so they can’t be handed on. I don’t like to just throw them out though, so end up just putting them away. I’m thinking now that I might make him a quilt out of his favourite old clothes – including his jeans and the like. I’m also mulling over an idea for kids’ toys of some sort out of old jeans – perhaps even a teddy bear or a stuffed puppy or similar. I’d love to look through the book for some ideas of other things (apart from handbangs and skirts!) and I’m off to Nancy’s blog now.

Comment from PrutsPrinses
Time: July 5, 2009, 12:59 pm

Waw I’m having a denim inspiration attack right now!
The only thing I ever made from my old jeans is a bag! You can see it here: http://www.burdastyle.com/creations/show/8289
It’s my favorite bag for going on holiday, it fits my stuff + a little bottle and my camera!
I’m thinking of tackling the apron now!

Comment from Kate
Time: July 6, 2009, 11:01 am

Thank you for this podcast– I loved hearing her talk about making things to wear so that she looks the way she wants to look. That is something that inspires me to make things. Plus, I love to learn how to make different things all the time. To just try them out! My big stack of jeans is waiting for this book! Thanks.

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Time: July 7, 2009, 9:35 pm

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Comment from LINDA UK
Time: July 8, 2009, 7:04 am

Hey Jennifer, I have just listened to your latest podcast, through twice, so inspiring. It was just up my street, (incendentally not far from the Cotswolds that Nancy talked about). Can’t wait to hear your next podcast. This time I was finishing a small piece of quilting whilst listening. So much to do and never enough time. Such a luxury to do both. You are doing a good job. Thanks from Linda.

Comment from Jill
Time: July 9, 2009, 1:39 pm

I really enjoyed this podcast! I know it it too late for the book contest, but a project I made with Mom when I was little was to sew up the legs and top of a pair of old cut offs. We then stuffed it to make a pillow, and I had all my friends and family sign it when they visited. Every so often we would trace over the new names with puffy paint to make them more colorful and permanant. Hadn’t thought of that pillow for several years, really should go find it!

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Time: July 17, 2009, 9:28 am

[...] podcastsCraftSanity Episode 100: Taking Flight with Soft Sculpture Artist Abby GlassenbergCraftSanity Podcast Episode 99: A Chat With Nancy Minsky Author of ‘Denim Revolution’CraftSanity Episode 98: A Conversation with Pincushion Maker, Jen Segrest Latest columns in The [...]

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Time: July 21, 2009, 9:30 pm

[...] podcastsCraftSanity Episode 100: Taking Flight with Soft Sculpture Artist Abby GlassenbergCraftSanity Podcast Episode 99: A Chat With Nancy Minsky Author of ‘Denim Revolution’CraftSanity Episode 98: A Conversation with Pincushion Maker, Jen Segrest Latest columns in The [...]

Comment from Elizabeth
Time: July 28, 2009, 10:17 am

I’m listening to you while I clean house today. :) I’m really interested in getting this book now, because I’m so excited about all the knowledge Nancy has to share and we are in constant supply of denim here with 3 little boys. I’m also excited to try her sketching ideas and take what is just my doodling now to the next level. Another great interview Jennifer!!