Monday 16 December 2013

Hermes 70 cm Silk Scarf Turned into a Cushion

We all try and follow various philosophies in life right?

Use your good things...

During the packing of my belongings into boxes for the renovations, I realized how much crap and how many lovely objects ( to me anyway ) I possess.  But I store them in a drawer or another room only to guiltily stroke them intermittently.

As some of you may know I collect Hermes silk scarves.
But try as I might, I can't seem to wear a scarf everyday.

I had seen a few scarves made into pillows and thought I should try it myself one day.  I went through my stash and chose a scarf to make into a pillow.  


I chose a 70 cm silk scarf called Tres Kelly.


I saw this scarf on Tabitha of Bourbon and Pearls  and 
on Faux Fuschia ( click to see the scarves in action )
and wasn't going to follow those two acts. 
So instead of the scarf languishing in my drawers
I saved it from its fate of hanging out eternally with cedar balls.
Eh Voila!


It is quite big.  
I am glad I didn't choose a 90 cm scarf because that would have been humongous! 
But I should have also chosen a less puffier pillow to display the scarf better.



The reverse of the pillow is a beige suede with golden tones to match the accent color of the hardware in the motif.


It's not the perfect match but I quite like the two textures on the one pillow.  I could have chosen a better tone but then I think I would have never got it done so I just went with the best option.


I chose an established upholsterer in East Dulwich who had experience of making Versace scarves into cushions. She had not worked with Hermes before so assumed them to be the same. 
However she said the rolled edge of Hermes scarves was not as straightforward compared to Versace ones.


I wanted to expose the rolled hems of the scarf as it is a process that takes 45 minutes for an expert to hand sew and 
is a beautiful feature of Hermes scarves. 


But she said it constantly puckered and 
she was having to go back and constantly rearrange the material.
So she decided to just stitch the scarf under the reverse for a cleaner finish.  
But she did allow for the scarf to be used back to its original purpose so the process is reversible.


For that reason the cushion does not have a zip otherwise 
I would not have been able to salvage the silk into a scarf again.


So if you are handy and have a scarf you admire but never get around to wearing I think this would be a great compromise.

PS I have decided to extend my one year birthday giveaway until the 27th of December 8 a.m. as I will be moving boxes before Xmas and won't have much time! 
Good luck once again x

56 comments:

  1. I love the Hermes scarves, and this is a brilliant idea! xo Caroline

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    1. Thanks Caroline - I saw it on other sites and always wanted to try it! xx

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  2. Ties in beautifully with the brown leather sofa. I alao think Hermes scarves look gorgeous in a frame....yet as my collection's sum total is 4 it will no doubt be some time before I can spare one to hang on the wall! Rx

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    1. That brown leather sofa is only temporary so I need to figure out where to put it. I am thinking of displaying them in one of those display kits they have in store they sell only in the Hermes stores in the states - that way I can change according to whim! x

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  3. I love it ! I am not handy but my mum is ;)) and Tres Kelly est vraiment tres joli !!!!!!!!!! xxx

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    1. I wish I was handy! I only know how to sew holes in socks. not very useful talent...Merci ma belle xxx

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  4. I have never considered having scarves made into pillows but great idea if you don't find that you wear them often. It will be on display everyday now for you to enjoy.

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    1. I always feel guilty keeping them tucked away and I want to be able to see them more. Bedspread would be fun!

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  5. I love this idea. I have a Hermes scarf from a trip to NY 25 years ago and I just never wear it. It would make a striking pillow though...hmm... thanks!

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    1. Yes it is a waste lying there it would be lovely to do that to your scarf especially one that is a vintage style! Please show us if you do it.

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  6. Love it, but best be putting that away if my boys visit- they are destructive, and have eyes for anything expensive! All the best with your packing efforts.

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    1. I am already worried about my brother's dog coming over...Packing efforts is a huge one let me tell ya!

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  7. What a beautiful scarf! And now you can admire it every day! And we will admire you AND your beautiful new pillow for it! Take that, "coulda, shoulda, woulda!" ;-)

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    1. Thank you! I do like things out and about and must stop being a hoarder with nothing to show for it...:)

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  8. The scarf is gorgeous!! What a good idea to use it as a pillow, but I must admit, I'd be scared to have it out if there are small children and pets around. Hope all is going well with the renovations!

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    1. Thanks Louise, it feels to feel silk on the face I must admit :)

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  9. Hello, thanks for the shout out! I luff that scarf, I bought it in London when I was pregnant and have it in the orange colour way too. Such a good pattern. The cushion looks divine!! Please count me in the running for the Hermes whatsies because I love them and follow you everywhere!xxx

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    1. I love this motif as it is so classic. I luff it in orange that you have as well. I also sometimes buy the same item in a different color as I rarely like something. Now need to look for another victim! You are in the raffle! xx

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  10. First of all, I did not know you were a scarfie. Oh my we have something else in common because I have an H addiction, which I frequently try to control (sometimes with success). Second, I cannot believe you made a pillow out of one of the scarves on my grail list. What? Hahahaha, I should've bought this back when I had the chance and didn't. And you have it in a great colorway too! I don't think I could ever turn one of my H scarves into a pillow. I just can't, there are kids and a cat here. I shudder to think. I would love to be entered into a giveaway, especially of Petite H. Are ya kidding me? How many scarves have you bought lately that you have Petite H charms to give away? Your secret will be safe with me! XO, Jill

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    1. Yes I am a closet scarf addict - literally all in the closet. I used to like their shoes but am not that not into Pierre Hardy and miss Margiela and Gaultier at the helm. They will reprint this I am sure but in different colors as they never reprint the same colorway as you know. You are in the raffle Jill! Ha - that would be telling though wouldn't it? ;P xx

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  11. Love the scarf cushion Naomi - very clever. Sadly, with only one H scarf in my possession it will be some time before I have any spare to hang on walls or make as cushions. And as my husband has a habit of throwing cushions on the floor, I'd be reluctant to try it! I'm guessing Mr CSW is a little better house trained....

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    1. Ironically the scarf you have is one of my faves - even more so bc I didn't bite the bullet and buy it! But they make that motif in uphosterly fabric but ironically part of the reason why I made my scarf into a cushion is because it is cheaper that way than to buy a proper Hermes cushion!! ( I did my costings.) If anything I am the pillow thrower! xx

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  12. Very beautiful scarf, Naomi.For a teeny,tiny second I thought you were going to say that you'd sewn it yourself...and, I think it was very clever to leave the option of turning back into a scarf later.H scarves really are just different to others.(One of my favourite bits is the rolled hem, too).xsue

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    1. I wish!! I was into the great british sewing bee and will watch this series as well as I want to learn how. The seamstress was saying that Hermes was definitely thicker than the Versace ones which was good to hear from a professional point of view. xx

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  13. I saw another blogger turn hers into curtains for her studio ~ but they weren't Hermes scarves I don't think. Great idea and great that you found a master crafts person to do the job for you. Happy moving :). Oh and Happy Christmas.

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    1. Curtains?! OMG - that would be a project and a half! I love that idea though...You have gotten me thinking Carol - Merry xmas to you too :)

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  14. What a genius idea, I got rid of all but one of my Hemes scarves, I hardly ever wore them, I don't like anything fussy around my neck unless it's freezing and then it's for warmth. I loved the colours in that one.

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    1. What did you do with this one? I think it is oddly festive no? You could have worn it as a hair tie - i think it looks so lovely like that.

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  15. I am with Tabs, so I think this is brilliant! I have so many unworn scarves so this may be my January project! I am discovering more and more that my taste is changing so much that I am disliking anything fussy at all - soon it will be a black tee and jeans!

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    1. I am already there Wendy!! But you could whip something up with your skills in no time at all - please share when you are done ok?

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  16. The cushion looks fabulous and it's such a sensible idea. As you say, you can only wear one scarf at a time and you can't enjoy them if they are packed away. You can admire your cushion every day! You may well be tempted to have another one made!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Yes I love having it on display and you are right that I have my eye on another scarf cushion!

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  17. If you don't want to use your scarf permanently on a pillow, you can just tie it on. Place the pillow diagonally on the scarf and tie the opposite corners together into knots. flip over and display.

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    1. You make it sound too easy!! But I will give it a go, thanks Meg

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    1. Going to try and give it more thought next time. This was more of a learning curve but thanks x

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  19. I suppose the first one is the hardest to let go of and trust they don't screw it up. Your pillow looks lovely.

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    1. Funny you are right bc now I wouldn't be as nervous but making that choice isn't as hard either bc I did ask that the process be reversible so I could always make it a a scarf again. Thanks BB

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  20. What a smart idea! I have only one H scarf that I plan on keeping and wearing. But I have loads of other silk scarves in the same size that would make great pillows.

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    1. Can't take credit for it tho! But I am on the lookout for cotton pillows as well.

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  21. So very glad that you have moved this beautiful treasure from a dark place and in to the light (gentle light). It looks lovely and I am thinking how delicious it will be to hold. Best wishes for your boxing up and box moving. You should be doing that on Boxing Day ;)

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  22. When I read the first part of this post I was thinking how creative and talented you were, then I realised someone else made it for you LOL, although I still think you are creative and talented!!

    I think the the two-tone colours work very well actually. It's definitely a good idea and this way you get to use it every day. I should probably think about doing something with my McQueen scarves because I never wear them now, but they are silk chiffon so I'm not sure the fabric is appropriate to make in to something like a cushion or maybe it is - dunno? xx

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    1. Nah, ain't talented but just bossy!! ;) but you could do this with any scarf! McQueen would be amazing...xx

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  23. What a great idea! I often have these thoughts and i get as far as walking to the entryway with the scarf in a bag - but then it hangs on the coat rack for another year...typical. The cushion looks lovely, and i like that it's a reversible process.

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    1. I don't think I would have done it I'd I couldn't reverse it. I probably won't but it's the principle...

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  24. I love love love this! I have a couple of the same smaller scarves that I never wear but are so pretty. Your upholsterer did a fantastic job.

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    1. Thank you! But I think she will do better next time as it was a learning curve for both of us.

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  25. Such a GOOD IDEA! Not that I have any fancy scarves. I wish!

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  26. I've never heard of this before!! Brave you using an Hermes. It's actually a terrific way to keep it and enjoy it if you don't wear it. xoJennifer

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  27. You are genius to do this Naomi. Now you can enjoy it everyday! It really is pretty with the pink edge. I do think the other side was perfect to compliment it. You've got me thinking what else could be a pillow around here.. No Hermes though! You are so fortunate. Thanks for the note! xx

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  28. Great idea! I love big cushions, will take a look at my scarves.. Meike xx

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  29. LOVE that there's an upholsterer in dulwich who Knows about Versace - that made our day.

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  30. Thanks @Jennifer, @Kim @Meike and @Teamgloria - it isn't my idea so I can't take credit nor did I even do any sewing - I just picked a scarf! But I feel better knowing it is enjoying a better fate :)

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  31. That looks utterly awesome, love the pillow scarf. Love the idea of scarves but I have a really short neck and they seldom look good on me, mores the pity!

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  32. This cushion is gorgeous! What a great DIY idea!!!
    xoxo

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