My pal Lisa was kind enough to invite me over for an eye pillow making session a few weeks back and I am happy to report it was a success! Lisa is very crafty and very patient which is key to working with the non crafty and impatient (me)!
I had not been in the vicinity of a sewing machine since 7th grade Home Economics class when I made the most hideous chino skirt with an elastic waist band – clearly my taste in clothing has evolved since then. In order to set me up for success, Lisa set me to work cutting the fabric I wanted to use for the eye pillows ( a 9” x 5” piece for each front & back), then she pinned and sewed them together on the sewing machine she has had since she was 16. Then, I filled the pillows with a mixture of flax seeds (for weight) and lavender (for fragrance). I think the final results look great and I even made a kid sized one in an adorable print for Poppy. The rest will be Mother’s Days gifts this year.
Helpful hint: Buy your flax & lavender online. I got mine here. Lisa said she got hers at Whole Foods and it cost a small fortune.
Eye Pillow Directions:
Step 1
Fold the silk fabric in half lengthwise, creating a 5-inch by 9-inch rectangle. This size is sufficient to cover both eyes .
Step 2
Sew the long side of the pouch and one of the two short sides of the pouch with a sewing machine or by hand. If there's a pattern on the material, make sure it's on the right side and facing inwards. Once sewn, you have a long, open-ended pouch.
Step 3
Flip the pouch inside out so the seams are hidden inside.
Step 4
Fill the eye pillow with flax seed and lavender. Use a 2-1 ratio of flax to lavender, or to your liking.
Lavender is known for its antidepressant qualities and also helps relieve insomnia and headaches.
Step 5
Finish your eye pillow by folding the ends in and sewing the last short side of the pouch closed.
Relax & Enjoy!
They really turned out great. I know the Moms in your life will be proud.
Posted by: Lisa | 05/02/2009 at 03:50 PM