Who tosses cashmere?

Nobody.

Who wears a circa 1992 Ann Taylor Loft-y sweater, even if it is cashmere, today?

Well, not me.  Just doesn't suit my lifestyle now, like it did when I wore suits. Yet, there it sits year after year.  I can't toss it or give it away.

Not only is it cashmere, I wore it to every St. Patrick's Day party when I worked at the Manhattan DA's office.  Perfect lawyer day to night on March 17th. This sweater has good fibers & good vibes.

Happening upon a lone napkin in a Christmas bin, the green made me think of that sweater.  A repurpose was born! - or actually sewn.

My sweater has a new life, the lone napkin has purpose and I have a sweet Anthro-esque toss pillow.

If you don't have any sweaters with a past that need a fresh start, you can always find one at your local thrift.  And a napkin is easy enough to come by at HomeGoods, TJ's or the like.

You can always use fabric, but using a napkin cuts out the most time consuming step in making an envelope pillow (tutorial here). The ends are already pressed, turned & sewn for you!

Cut the sweater open at the seams, cut off the sleeves & bottom band, if there is one.  Careful not to stretch the sweater when cutting, otherwise proceed as usual following the tutorial.

While the cashmere is lovely, I wanted a little something to adorn my pillow, so I made 3 tattered fabric flowers.  I make these for all sorts of things.

As you can see I use a "pattern" to cut the flowers. A flower from a faux Hawaiian lei is the perfect size.

I cut 3 layers for each flower.  I like to use fabrics that will fray for these flowers.  After cutting, I wet the flowers & toss then in the dryer for a few minutes.  This helps them fray & curl a bit.

Adding a circle of green felt & a vintage button to each achieved the look I wanted.  If I saw this pillow on the shelf at Anthropologie I would like it very much - and it cost me nothin'.

You can make somethin' for nothin' too - just take a look in that closet of yours!

If you love pillows of all kinds and want to get more ideas, listen to our PODCAST chat all about pillows!  We are a bit obsessed with pillows at Decorating Tips & Tricks ~ the podcast.  Listen. learn and laugh along with us.  Just click the little arrow below or find us on itunes.

** Kelly **