Recycling Older Sweaters

I like making them into pillow tops. The sleeves can be bolsters and the backs can be the main front of the pillow. Keep in mind that some pillows are for decoration only, so it's OK to put things like the buttons, any rosettes, embellishments, etc. on them. However, if you want to snooze and don't want a waffle face, make the useful ones smooth.

I don't have an example to give you, but this idea is pretty simple. Give yourself about an inch leeway to cover the older pillow. Or, you can use some No Fray" iron on and seal the seams, then sew it back to front and leave the seam edges out for a BOHO or Shabby Chic look. If you think the pillow will be used a lot, make it the kind that you can slip off and on like a pillowcase. That way, you and just whip stitch one side and easily take it off to wash. Hand sewing is better than machine, but a machine can be used. I like to see the stitches with a sweater, as you can use yarn and add charm to the pillow.

By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Salem, OR