Vintage cashmere finds new life in boutique owner's sweaters and scarves

Beth Nielsen believes in guilt-free shopping. She takes vintage cashmere sweaters and turns them into soft and cozy hats, scarves, headbands, ear-warmers and sweaters. "You can buy cashmere and not have to worry about the impact on the environment," she says.

Nielson prowls local thrift shops for her stash of cashmere but also orders from thrift warehouses. When a truckload of cashmere arrives she washes the lot and hand-dyes it in pretty colors such as pink, brown, mauve, chartreuse, lavender, green and red. She's been sewing these one-of-a-kind accessories and garments for seven years. "Each sweater is made up of three sweaters," says Nielsen. Scarves and sweaters feature contrast stitching for a contemporary look and she marries unusual colors in many designs.

Hats, headbands and ear-warmers are $40, scarves are $72, and sweaters $156. You'll find them at Nielsen's shop, Violette, in Pioneer Square as well as Carmilia's, Andaluz, Cake, Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique and Willow. La Rousse and J. Gilbert carry scarves only.

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