It's been a really hard year. I decided to make some small luxuries as end-of-year gifts and I think all my friends deserve (at the very least) a lovely relaxing eye pillow to encourage them to lie down more often! If I could, I would send them all copious amounts of chocolate, magazines and wine too.
I have been making these for a few years now but I've only just started sewing up separate covers for them. These new eye pillows have two parts - an interior case that holds dried flowers and grains for weight - and an outer cover that is easily removable for washing or re-using with a new insert once the original one loses its scent.
I thought I'd share how I make them, in case you'd like to make some for your friends too. They're super easy and you might already have the materials to hand!
Lavender eye pillows
You'll need:
Linen and cotton fabric - this can be recycled from old clothing or simply leftovers from your other projects. You can anything, but I think natural fibres that are smooth and cool to the touch work best: linen, cotton, silk, fine wool, etc. I used some fine cotton for my interior case and sturdier linen for the exterior.
Dried lavender buds (I bought mine from a market in Nelson but you should be able to find some online if not locally).
Some sort of dried grain or pulse that will add some weight and structure to your pillow. I used pearl barley but you could also use small lentils, mung beans, rice, linseed... or anything else you might have in the pantry.
Sewing machine and thread, ruler, scissors, embroidery thread (if you fancy a bit of decorative stitching)
Optional: Other scents, such as chamomile flowers to mix in with the lavender, or essential oil to add extra perfume
Method:
Note: all seams allowances are 1/4'.
Make the interior case for the dried lavender and grains: Cut a piece of fabric 7.5" X 9.5". With the right sides together, fold in half lengthwise and sew down the long edge and across one of the shorter edges. Clip the corners, press stitching then turn right-side out. Fold down the opening edges by 1/4" and press inside the pouch.
Fill this case with dried flowers and grains - about five spoonfuls of each, or more if you like. You don't want to over-fill it though, because it's nice for the eye pillow to be somewhat light and flexible. Once you're happy, securely sew the case closed where you pressed the folds.
Next, make the exterior case. Cut 1 piece of fabric 4.5" X 10" and another so it measures 4.5" X 11.5".
Take one of these pieces and fold one of the shorter edges back by 1/4", right sides together, and press. Fold by another 1/4" and press again. Stitch this fold in place. Repeat with the longer piece of fabric.
Now is your time to add embroidery to these pieces or just one of them, if you fancy it.
With right sides together, place the longer hemmed piece on a flat surface and then put the shorter piece on top, with the unhemmed short edges lined up together. Fold back the extension of the longer piece so that the two rectangles match. The hemmed edge of the shorter piece should be parallel to the folded edge of the longer piece. Pin along the three other sides and stitch together, leaving the folded edge. Clip corners, zig-zag or overlock edges if you like, then turn right side out and press.
Place the interior case inside the outer case, tucking its edge under the folded flap.
These can be popped in the freezer for half an hour or so for extra-sore eyes, or in the microwave to warm them up. Hope you enjoy!