{"id":84569,"date":"2026-08-10T10:34:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T14:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/?p=84569"},"modified":"2026-08-07T14:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T18:33:12","slug":"84569","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2026\/08\/84569.html","title":{"rendered":"patchwork denim, surprisingly on-trend"},"content":{"rendered":"

A few months ago when I was preparing to move to (again–you might remember that I just moved two years ago), I was packing up both my apartment and my studio (again) and feeling really overwhelmed by it all. I decided to donate a bunch of clothes–mostly things that Sinclaire didn\u2019t want anymore, but also a stack of my own sewing. I couldn’t face moving anything else! (Now I regret my spontaneous decision to donate the linen wrap skirt that I made using the pattern for the Copenhagen Wrap Dress<\/a>. I just realized that I never showed it to you, and I wished I could wear it many times this summer.)<\/p>\n

In any case, as I was preparing a few bags for the local donation point I pulled out several pairs of jeans and impulsively decided to improvise a patchwork Helsinki Jacket<\/a> from them. All those different shades of denim were just begging to be joined together. See what I mean?<\/p>\n

\"starting<\/a><\/p>\n

Given my time restraints, I kept things simple. I cut each pair of jeans open at the inseam and the rise to make use of the fabric in the largest pieces possible. I patched the fabric together in pieces large enough for the pattern pieces I needed to cut. Then I placed the cut pieces into a box, and they have been sitting in my new studio ever since, as I worked to finish the fall patterns. This week I desperately needed a palate cleanser (and a vacation), so I opened the box and started sewing.<\/p>\n

One of the things I love about this jacket is how quickly it goes together. There are very few pieces, especially if you eliminate the pockets, which I decided to do so I could focus on relaxing and keeping things simple. Life hasn’t felt very simple lately, so I’ll take that simplicity wherever I can get it.<\/p>\n

Since I hadn\u2019t given much thought or planning to this project, I was feeling a little nervous about it. What if it looks silly when I finish it? But then this landed in my inbox<\/a> and gave me a little encouragement and inspiration to keep going: Gee’s Bend has partnered up with Ralph Lauren as an artist in residence, and it\u2019s gorgeous! It’s a brilliant collaboration for a brand based on Americana. I remember when the Whitney Museum exhibited the work of Gee’s Bend in New York<\/a> many years ago. It elevated quilting to a real art form in many people’s eyes. The art world historically hasn’t given much credence to quilting, historically.<\/p>\n

\"Ralph<\/a>
Don’t worry if you don’t have the $5000 to buy this jacket. It’s already sold out in all sizes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My jacket doesn\u2019t bear much resemblance to the Gee’s Bend jacket, but the general idea of patchwork denim feels a little “on trend,” especially if you’ve seen the most recent men’s runway photos<\/a> from Ralph Lauren. (Here are a few of the pieces in motion<\/a>.) I’m eying the denim patchwork on the khaki trousers (Look 57), and the denim patchwork eveningwear is absolutely spectacular. And don’t miss the wool patchwork! So I’ve decided I’m not going to worry about my version; I’m just going to enjoy the process of making it. I’m thinking that it will go well with some of my bias satin Garibaldi skirts<\/a> when it’s finished too. I love a little high-low dressing.<\/p>\n

\"starting<\/a>
I need to raid my stash before I can finish it, since I ran out of denim for part of one sleeve.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Incidentally, we have another patchwork- and quilting- inspired pattern releasing this fall. I\u2019ve had so much fun designing it and making it, and I hope you will enjoy it too. I can’t wait to tell you about it soon.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, I\u2019m enjoying a little respite while I hand finish this jacket and sit by the pool. Cooler days aren\u2019t far away, although they certainly feel like it right now. I’ve got a little help, too. (This was his stand-by harness until the real one arrived. It’s a bit undistinguished for such a handsome guy, but the new one is very elegant.) I’ll post it to my personal Instagram<\/a> so you can see how classy he looks!<\/p>\n

\"getting<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re starting to plan your fall sewing, the Helsinki Jacket<\/a> is a great place to start. Easy to sew, goes with almost anything, and that big collar is so elegant. Maybe you\u2019d like to try your hand at a little patchwork for it, too? My favorite version is still the white wool jacket<\/a> I made. It never fails to get compliments, and I’m looking forward to wearing it again soon.\u00a0 You can get a copy of the pattern for yourself either in paper<\/a> or in digital format<\/a> right here on our website.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll show you this denim version when I finish it, but right now I\u2019m not in a big rush. I hope you\u2019re enjoying a few lazy summer days yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What better thing to do with vacation time than a little patchwork denim project? I’m getting a head start on fall and enjoying the slow pace, and the patchwork denim also seems to be a trend! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":84570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20687],"tags":[20966,20866,20972],"class_list":["post-84569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-copenhagen","tag-garibaldi","tag-helsinki"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/denim-helsinki-feature.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/s5jZS5-84569","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":83753,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2025\/09\/introducing-the-new-copenhagen-wrap-dress.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":0},"title":"introducing the new copenhagen wrap dress","author":"Liesl Gibson","date":"September 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Copenhagen Wrap Dress combines a dramatic, blouse-y bodice with a refined sarong-style skirt, creating a unique and flattering silhouette that\u2019s versatile for any occasion. With customizable sleeve options, adjustable ties, pockets, and endless fabric possibilities, this pattern makes it easy to sew a dress that\u2019s both elegant and effortlessly\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "general post"","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/copenhagen-feature.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":83772,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2025\/09\/fabric-and-styling-ideas-for-the-new-copenhagen-wrap-dress.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":1},"title":"fabric and styling ideas for the new copenhagen wrap dress","author":"Liesl Gibson","date":"September 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Liesl is here with fabric and styling ideas for our new Copenhagen Wrap Dress, which is designed to shine in everything from crisp linen to bold Marimekko-style prints, tropical wools, or drapey silks\u2014giving you endless fabric possibilities for every season. Pair it with statement jewelry and a great pair of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "general post"","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/copenhagen-inspo-feature.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":83844,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2025\/09\/our-testers-and-their-copenhagen-wrap-dresses.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":2},"title":"our testers and their copenhagen wrap dresses","author":"Liesl Gibson","date":"September 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Our testers chose terrific fabrics and prints for the new Copenhagen Wrap Dress, and here are some of their photos to inspire your own version of this fun sewing pattern.","rel":"","context":"In "general post"","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/copenhagen-test-feature.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":84318,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2026\/05\/styling-and-fabric-inspiration-for-the-helsinki-jacket.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":3},"title":"styling and fabric inspiration for the helsinki jacket","author":"Liesl Gibson","date":"May 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Helsinki Jacket was such a pleasure to develop, and I'm really happy to finally show it to you! It's such an easy, relaxed piece, quick and simple to sew, but with so much style. The testers loved it, too, so I'll share some of their jackets with you soon.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "general post"","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jacket-feature.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":78423,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2022\/02\/asmitas-patchwork-breezy-blouse.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":4},"title":"asmita’s patchwork breezy blouse","author":"Masha Richart","date":"February 28, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Asmita used scrap fabric to create a stunning patchwork Breezy Blouse. She also took the time to achieve her perfect fit. Details in this post!","rel":"","context":"In "general post"","block_context":{"text":"general post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/list\/general"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oliverands.com\/community\/content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/BB-hero.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":62480,"url":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2017\/09\/inspiration-patchwork-and-quilting-in-fall-fashion.html","url_meta":{"origin":84569,"position":5},"title":"inspiration: patchwork and quilting in fall fashion","author":"Liesl Gibson","date":"September 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This season patchwork is making a return to fashion. 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