These
little pillows, which will do wonders for your mood, have a
surprisingly regal provenance. Packed with lavender, they’re
like the ones made for European aristocracy in the Middle
Ages, when the fragrant herb was rare and something of a
luxury. To strike the right note of indulgence, we chose
striped and solid silk taffeta; whatever fabric you use, you
won’t need much of it.
The
small pillow on top is a 4 1/2-inch square; the largest
measures 7 by 15 inches. To make one, cut
two pieces of fabric to the same size. Sew the fabric pieces
together, right sides facing, leaving a 2- to 3-inch opening
on one side. Clip the corners diagonally, and turn the fabric
right side out. Fill the pillow with dried lavender and, if
you wish, flax seeds (available at health-food stores), which
have a nice texture and weight. Hand-stitch the opening
closed. Make pillows in several shapes and sizes to use as
neck rolls, small throw pillows, or sachets.
