Adding Texture With Chenille Pillows
Chenille is the French word for caterpillar, which is what a piece a chenille looks like, well, sort of. Chenille has been around since the 18th century, but only recently has become a popular item of production in the 1990s. The yarn is made by placing short lengths of yarn between two core threads and then spinning the yarn together. this creates a furry, soft fiber that is usually woven into a fabric. Chenille provides a soft unusual texture that can bring several colors together for a interesting look. In the 1930s, chenille was used a great deal for throws, bedspreads and carpets, and you will find many articles on the internet describing ways to re-use an old chenille throw and turn it into a pillow.
Most chenille pillows that are found on the internet and in stores seems to be on the smaller side. The ones I found were either 18" or 22". When looking for chenille pillows I found a large selection in many basic stores including JC Penney, Walmart, and Target. But don't discount the internet for good deals on pillows as well. I found many options on Overstock.com, Amazon.com and even eBay.com. Chenille threads are not the most robust material available. The soft feel of chenille comes with a downside that the threads can be easily pulled. If you have cats that have not been de-clawed, it is not advisable to use chenille as these lovely creatures love to put their claws into chenille and you will be surprised and unhappy at the results. If you have a pet-free environment, chenille may provide the perfect texture to add to your room decor. |
