Tuesday, November 30, 2010

handmade gifts- day 1

Before I start, I should mention that one of my big goals this holiday season is to be able to relax and enjoy my family as much as possible. A good deal of my gift giving will be things that I buy online and have shipped to me (REI and Amazon, I love you!).  Far off family members will get photobooks of the grandkids. But I did find myself wanting to make a few small things for friends and family members to help keep expenses down and give gifts a more personal touch. Everything I've made has so far has come from supplies I already had, and sewn up during an hour here and there.

So first up... lavender sachets!


I purchased my lavender a couple of months ago from Jen's Enchanted Garden on etsy. When the package arrived, the lavender scent was so strong I could smell it before I opened the mailbox! FYI, one pound of lavender buds totally stuffs a gallon-size ziploc bag.


How To:

The construction of these is pretty basic. Cut 4.25" squares from linen and sets of 3 coordinating prints. Sew one square of linen and one print right sides together with a  3/8" seam allowance and tiny stitch length, leaving a 1.5" hole on one side for putting in the lavender. Clip the corners, iron, turn it right side out, and iron again. Insert a funnel and pour in enough lavender to fill up the sachet. (I made a cone out of taped cardstock for pouring in the lavender-- the only funnel I had that was small enough kept getting clogged up.) Then ladder stitch the openings closed. Wah lah!


When I purchased my lavender, it cost me $12.50 plus $5.00 shipping (it's a bit higher now but still very reasonable). I've used less than half of that for 6 sets of sachets. The fabric was from my stash. I've figured the cost of this project to be less than $2 for a set of three sachets. And they come together very fast. Can't beat that!

Next up... Echino scarves! Check back tomorrow!

13 comments:

Rachel at Stitched in Color said...

I'm looking forward to your series. Fun! My daughter is making chamomile bath sachets for gifts this year. Similar concept.

Poppyprint said...

Nice! Love your fabric choices. I have some lavender from a friend's garden and some of my great Aunt's embroidered hankies. I thought I would make some sachets from them for the women in my family - thanks for the prompt to get going on that!

felicity said...

Beautiful sachets! I use them in the dryer instead of dryer sheets (no chemicals! yay!). Thanks for the source of lavender - our sachets need refreshing!

Amy Friend said...

Those are great gifts. Thanks for the link because I have been wanting to order some lavender for an idea I had! I'll have to go do that!
Your materials are so pretty, by the way!

Leslie said...

these look great and must smell amazing!!!!!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

These are gorgeous and I am looking forward to seeing the Echino scarves.

Dani said...

Cute idea. I love that top set.

I'm going to enjoy the holidays as well. Almost all sewing/crafting I do will be for us...things I've wanted to make. I'm considering it a gift to my family.

I say that...but you know I have a list of things to make. "But they are small and will work up really quick." Yeah, right. Famous last words.

Beautiful work.

Anonymous said...

This looks like a nice simple idea. And super cute too!
I'm trying to make as many gifts as I can this year but the holiday is quickly approaching!

Anna said...

yay for relaxing, and yay for online shopping! The lavender sachet's are super cute. What a fun little gifty. :)

Andie Johnson said...

Really lovely, Krista! I made these years ago but may have to revisit this gift idea for the mother-in-law who is a bit hard to please.

Kristin said...

Another idea for buying the lavender is checking your local health food store. Mine has lavender in their bulk section. It's more expensive if you get a whole pound but, I got 0.15 pounds for about $3. That made about 10 sachets. And, I just found your blog through Noodlehead. Love it!

Ariane said...

These make amazing gifts!! Love this idea!!!

Bec said...

Perfect!! They are adorable!!