ShareThisEmbroidered napkins and vintage handkerchiefs have a habit of finding their way to my supply closet. The appeal is clear -- with charming patterns, unusual borders and other unique features, they bring a time-touched hominess to our busy lives, helping us remember that life isn't always about to-do lists and schedules. Turn them into sweet-smelling sachet pillows, and they can help make a house really feel like home.This month's project can be as simple as sewing two napkins or hankies together, leaving a small opening to pour in a scented filling of dried lavender flowers and buckwheat hulls. If you have just one vintage textile, you can back the pillow with any coordinating fabric instead. For a sachet you can hang in a closet or on a doorknob, stitch on a ribbon to create a handle. Gather:Vintage napkin or handkerchiefSewing machine (optional)Needle and threadFabric shearsBag of dried lavenderBag of buckwheat hulls Large bowlFunnelCoordinating trimFabric adhesiveEmbellishmentsCreate:1. Fold up the bottom third of the vintage napkin or handkerchief and sew along the sides.2. Fold down the top third so that it overlaps the bottom slightly. Sew the overlapped edges and the sides together, leaving a 3-inch opening.3. Combine one-part buckwheat hulls to one part lavender in a large bowl. Using the funnel, pour the mixture into the pillow through the opening.4. Sew the opening closed.5. Cut a length of trim to go along the top flap, plus 1 inch on both ends so you can fold them under. Using fabric adhesive, glue the trim to the edge of the top flap, tucking the ends of the trim under the side of the flap and gluing them in place.One thing I love about this project is that it lets you work with textiles that are in less-than-perfect condition. If necessary, you can hide imperfections in a fold or under an embellishment. Just let the unique features of your materials inspire your design!(Dena Fishbein hosts the television show "Embellish This!" aired monthly on the DIY Network. To ask her how to embellish anything, e-mail her at dena(at)denadesigns.com or visit www.diynetwork.com.. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com)
Embellish with the sweet scent of sachet
Submitted by SHNS on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 13:07
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