I just recently made some "man mitts" out of the pockets, and then some other mitts out of the legs. I was able to squeeze 3 sets out of one pair of jeans. I just used a universal needle, since I didn't have a larger denim needle, and it worked fine. I also used a walking foot during stitching, just to help move the fabric through.

Thanks to all of you for your help and ideas. Love the man mitts, and will consider the rest of the ideas. I have a lot of jean fabric.

I piece some jeans material to put in the gaps to make jeans skirts.
I also put pockets on sweatshirts for my guys. I put a real big pocket on the littlest guy. They gripe and complain when those wear out/get too dirty.

I have a whole stack of my husband's old jeans. They make great bags and are also good to line bags. I made some sling bags several years ago and lined them with jeans. I didn't have to use a lot of interfacing that way and it gives pieced outside a good sturdy lining.

I gave probably 10 pair to a quilter I knew years ago to make jean quilts for her teenagers. She was so happy and said that the kids loved them.

Jean needles....