Though I’ve not finished in the garden (there is still stuff to tidy, and with only one frost I can still cut some herbs) I’m now planning to make a number of different stocking fillers and better using my fresh and dried herbs. The good thing about this choice is that it is simple enough for my four year old grand daughter to help make. They can be made of all sizes, but not only do they smell nice in your bedroom, they also make your clothes in drawer or hanging smell nice, repel insects and lift your mood.

Making Lavender Bags and Herb Pillows

1. Lavender Bags . You will need some small pieces of fine cotton – printed or plain (I’ve used left over from cotton voile curtains with small white flowers), some fine coloured ribbon for hanging - I’ve got blue and purple, and lace and embroidery thread,  or made decorations plus, your dried lavender. Cut out the cotton – a rectangle or square of size about 10-15 cms or larger. Machine or hand sew along three sides plus neaten top edge by overlocking. Embroider a lavender flower on  plain fabric, turn onto right side, sew lace on the bottom edge, fill with lavender flowers, use a running stitch to draw up the top. Draw up and tie ribbon with hanging loop round top. Sew on bought decoration (I’ve got little purple roses). My grand daughter can do everything except the machining.
2.  Herb Pillows: Get some suitable pillow material (I have some thickish old cotton with embroidery on I’m going to use. Cut out two pieces of size you want (for a headache pillow you are going to need minimum 30cm by 45 cm Use lace or material itself to make a frill if you wish. I’m filling with toy stuffing AND a thin bag made of muslin 10cm by 15cm full of dried lavender and rosemary in the middle of it. It can be warmed on a radiator to bring out the aroma and help a headache.