The technique that is used here makes it possible to use almost any kind of leftover yarn.
4 buttons
Yarn
50g (13⁄4oz) thin alpaca from Du Store Alpakka, red no. 179
Various yarn in shades of orange, red, pink and purple (wool and alpaca)
4.5mm or 5mm (sizes 7 or 8) needles
Always knit with two or three threads that have approximately the same thickness. Adjust the needle size to suit the thickness of the yarn.
When you switch yarn, only switch one thread at a time. This way you will get even and smooth transitions in the colour and thickness of the yarn. Start with, for example, two threads of red, then switch one red to purple and knit one row, continue one row of purple but switch the red to orange, etc.
CO 45 sts with two threads of red yarn and knit k on the front side and k5, p5, k5,
p5, k5, p5, k5, p5, k5 back 6 times in total. Knit k on the front side and k6, p3, k6, p3, k6, etc. back.
Then k on the front side and k7, p1, k7,
p1, k7, etc. back.
Continue knitting k both ways until the work measures 86cm (34in), while you switch yarn as described above. Use the red yarn regularly.
Assembly:
Secure all loose ends. Fold the striped work in half and sew the sides. Position the pillow. Place four decorative buttons on the red top before you sew them onto the pillow with small stitches.