Pants Pillows
Posted on April 30, 2009 by
We were in desperate need of some throw pillows. I eyed some pretty ones at the store, but, for one thing, the pair I liked was $60, and I’m a tightwad, and for another, with two dogs and a cat, everything we own needs to be rugged, and the pretty ones were made from a delicately woven fabric. And, whenever I shop, the great green mantra goes through my head: Why buy new when you can make do with what you have?
I had a stack of J’s worn out old khakis in the basement. I cut them in pieces, avoiding the worn out patches at the knees and any stains. I stitched the pieces together like a crazy quilt to make big enough pieces of fabric to form both sides of each pillow. Then I sewed them up, and stuffed them with fiber fill from some old bed pillows that had seen better days.
I’m still learning how to use my sewing machine, so they certainly aren’t perfect, but they will do. I love the textures of the old seams and pocket pieces and the color variation. And, I also love that they didn’t cost me anything or require any new materials (other than thread).
What’s your favorite way to make do? How do you avoid buying new things?
Hey, those are cool! I would totally buy them in a store.
I avoid buying lots of stuff by making my own. The main things are bread, yogurt, and laundry detergent, but during the summers my boyfriend (who’s the ace canner) will make blackberry jelly from the blackberries that grow rampant here. He’s also good at making mead, so maybe this year we’ll have a few wines.
I’m pretty handy with our old sewing machine (this thing dates from the ’50s) but I haven’t used it much, except to make a tablecloth and Christmas presents. I haven’t managed to find the time to make my own pants, but that’s not exactly an urgent event, so I can wait.
Very creative. They look good. Nice job, especially considering you’re still learning to use a sewing machine.
Great idea! And so cute!
Allie, these pillows are INCREDIBLE! I love them! You are so creative!! I WANT to be this resourceful!!! WTG!!!
yeah repurposing! those look great! did you see my bath towel robe? why buy fabric, eh?
Very cool pillows allie! You sell your sewing abilities short. Some of the things I reuse are pop bottles for “topsy Turvy” upside down tomato planters (Thanks Cheap Vegetable Gardener)Cardboard for weed block, old sheets for weedblock, Going to attempt a simular project to yours- making a shopping bag out of an old pair of jeans
What a great idea! I’ve got an old green cordoroy slipcover that I’ve been planning on turning into pillows.
Wow – great job and a great idea! I’ve always wanted to learn to sew and this seems like a great project to start with.
I like this idea. I recently refurbished a bunch of old pants into shorts, but you only need so many pairs of shorts.
am i allowed to say that i’m totally proud of these pillows!!! woohoo! you don’t need a sewing class, but i’m having one this summer anyway if you want to join us
[...] Two words: Pants Pillows! [...]