why not make a muslin core stuffed with down and poly and place the cover over that, best of both worlds... no?

What about making a 'wall hanging' out of it?
Salena

Thanks for the responses. Someone gave me the same advice about making an insert. I think that's the most practical, but I do love the look of something like this-
{{!gwi}}

The cover has the handsewn edges like the first pic. Am I wrong in thinking I couldn't have a removable insert with that type of of tufting?

hmmmm. i think you could make the insert. add the cover and then add the buttons for tufting with the idea that you would remove and replace the buttons when and if the cover needed cleaning. It's a simple thing to do with a long upholstery needle. Then you have the best of both worlds.