• Shoulder pads were popular during the 1980s and 1990s, but they are rarely seen in today's fashions. You can make an older jacket more fashionable by removing the shoulder pads. But if you do, don't throw away those pads. With some basic sewing skills you can reuse them in creative ways.
  
  

Create Padded Hangers

• You can make your own padded hangers using shoulder pads. Fold a shoulder pad around the end of a wire hanger, and then use needle and thread to tack the ends of the shoulder pad together. Repeat on the other side of the hanger with another shoulder pad. You now have a padded hanger that clothes will not slip off of easily.
  
  

Make Knee or Elbow Pads

• You can hand-stitch an old shoulder pad inside the knee or elbow of a child's clothing in order to pad arms and legs during active play. Sewing an old shoulder pad inside the knees of some old pants would work well for adult gardeners as well.
  
  You can also try sewing each end of a piece of elastic to an old shoulder pad to create removable knee pads for kids to wear during sports activities.
  
  

Make a Cat Toy

• Fold a round shoulder pad in half and sew around the outside edge until the pad is almost shut. Then, stuff the pad with catnip and finish sewing the outer edge. Use notions to decorate the pad to resemble a mouse, and you have a cute and functional toy for your favorite cat.
  
  

Sew a Wrist Pin Cushion

• Sew the end of an elastic strip to one end of a shoulder pad, then sew the other end to the other end of the shoulder pad (measure so that this will fit comfortably over your hand). You now have a wrist pin cushion which will come in handy while you are sewing other projects.