Objects of Lust: Ladak Recycled Blankets

Another fave from our recent visit to Los Angeles's ReForm School: Ladak blankets. I literally could not keep my hands off of them.

Crafted in the Netherlands, each 78-by-55-inch throw is handmade from recycled moving blankets (which themselves consist of material from recycled sweaters, jeans, blankets, and mattresses). They are then embellished with scraps of colorful fabric, trim, ribbon, and lace.

The blankets cost 189 euros (about $247) apiece directly from Ladak, or you can buy one for $285 from the ReForm School e-shop. (That's not cheap, of course, but you can always rationalize the purchase by reminding yourself that 15 percent of the profits are donated to an Amsterdam homeless shelter.)

If you're crafty, you might also be inspired to create your own throw blanket on the cheap from salvaged materials. You can find simple wool blankets at most army surplus stores and on eBay, and then go to town with ric-rac, ribbon, fabric trim, lace, printed binding tape, and that collection of fabric remnants you've been meaning to do something with. (Consider writing a check to your local homeless shelter with the money you save.)