In this video I’m in London with my new friend Jes (the creative brain behind Verte Studio on Etsy), and we spend the day doing my favourite kind of making: giving old denim a second life. We chat through what I look for when I’m thrifting jeans for an upcycle—things like fabric weight, wear patterns, and where the denim still has “good bones.” Then we get into the fun part: patching, embellishing, and making a pair feel totally personal instead of just “fixed.” Jes and I approach denim a little differently, which is honestly the best part—you get to see two upcyclers problem-solve in real time. I also walk through practical fit options: ways to make jeans bigger or smaller, and how to think about adjusting the fit without overcomplicating it. It’s part tutorial and part creative hangout, and if you love sustainable fashion, visible mending vibes, and learning by watching the process unfold, this one’s for you. If you want the full 20-minute conversation with Jes, I’ve tucked that inside my online membership too.