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Mar 12 2012

Recycling Denim - The Old Fashioned Way

You’ve worn those jeans for years. It’s time to retire them. But what to do?

Rose Schumacher knows.

Rose makes quilts. For the homeless. From old jeans.

The Wichita, Kansas, grandmother began quilting blankets for the homeless six years ago. She collected used jeans from friends, neighbors and members of her community. Then she transformed these once-loved pants into warm blankets, which she donated to The Lord’s Diner, a faith-based non-profit organization that provides dinner seven days a week for those in need.

Now, at age 80, Rose has just completed her 500th quilt. That’s no small task considering each pair of jeans is washed, cut into 8-inch squares and delicately sewn together into a pretty patchwork of light, medium and dark blue colors. Sometimes she’ll add in tan, black or brown denim – it all depends on what is donated to the quilting project.

We adore Rose’s quilts and her story. Last we heard, her blankets are still in great demand at The Lord’s Diner, and she’s been teaching granddaughter Amber to sew.

Posted By: Rebecca Youngs, Associate Editor, LS&Co. Unzipped

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Cindy Angle (not verified) - Jul 11 2013
What a wonderful idea! Do you still need denim? If so, how do we donate to this worthy cause?

Nancy Allison (not verified) - Sep 16 2012
How nice to see your picture and read of the wonderful and generous work you are doing, Rose. You are an inspiration!

Carolyn Guinn (not verified) - Mar 17 2012
What a loving,kind,genorous thing to do!! Rose your not my Aunt or Grandmother, and I am also awed by your kindness!! Thank You!!!

Alan Schumacher (not verified) - Mar 16 2012

Until recently, Mom collected jeans from a variety of sources -mainly from local Churches. Then, relatives in other cities began taking up the cause when the supply began to run low. It is Mom's hope that her story will plant the seed with others to take up the cause of the less fortunate and find joy in knowing you're paying back, (or ahead if you will). Unfortunately, the plight of the homeless is not just a Wichita, Kansas issue but one that touches most every community throughout the United States. Blessed are the poor in spirit for thiers is the kingdom of heaven!

Betty Marshall (not verified) - Mar 15 2012
Rose, you are an inspiration to everyone who knows you and all you do. I am proud to have you as my friend.

Christy Fitzpatrick (not verified) - Mar 14 2012
What a wonderful thing you are doing Rose! This is no small feat!

Bob Scumacher (not verified) - Mar 14 2012
Awesome!

Tim Fitzpatrick (not verified) - Mar 14 2012
My beautiful Aunt Rose. I'm proud of you too, and you have a heart of gold!

Kathy Pierce (not verified) - Mar 14 2012
That's my aunt and she is awesome! What a wonderful gift to so many people needing warmth and someone caring for them!

Chelsey Schumacher (not verified) - Mar 14 2012
Grandma you are an inspiration to us all! We Love you so much!!

Mikki Michele (not verified) - Mar 13 2012
These lovely quilts are warm, snuggly, and beautifully made. Thanks mom!

Tim Schumacher (not verified) - Mar 13 2012
That's my mommy. I'm very proud of her. I suppose the lesson, here, is that in retirement ( mom just retired at age 80), everyone should pick at least one activity that has a purpose. Way to go mom! Tim

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