tgif quickie :: Patchwork Eye Pillow

Seeking your own spa day? Looking to make a super easy, personal but not TOO personal gift? This project is sure to please. You'll be closing your eyes and saying "Om" in no time.

Get it:

• Four patterns of fabric (something not too rough..we're not exfoliating here!) cut into the following sizes: two 4x5", two 4.5x4", two 3x4" and two 1.5x4" rectangles.
• Sewing machine--this could be done by hand, but the stitching needs to be super tight to keep all the goodness inside
• lavender, flaxseed or rice, essential oils (if you're not a lavender fan)

Do it:

 

• Divvy up your rectangles into two sets. Line 'em up in a pleasing order. Right sides together, sew pieces with a .25" seam allowance. Once you have all your friends sewn together into a nice strip, do it again with the other set of pieces. Yay. Front and back. Iron flat.

 

• Pin your strips right sides together. Square it up if necessary. I'm a crooked cutter, myself.

• Sew all around the edge, leaving a 1.5" hole for turning and filling.
• Trim seams, turn and iron. Poke out your corners with a chopstick.
• I like to topstitch my pillows around the outer edge--for two reasons: it looks cuter and more "done" and gives you another seam for strength. 'Cause cleaning up a pool of lavender and flaxseed isn't relaxing. Topstitch all around except for your hole.

• Use a small plastic funnel to fill your pillow (I bought a whole set of sizes at the dollar store) or make one from heavyweight paper. I usually mix my filling as 50/50 lavender and flaxseed. If you're using rice, you can add a few drops of essential oil and mix it in. Fill it to desired heft. I like mine to be nice and full but still a bit floppy. Stitch opening closed on machine or by hand.

Ta-da! Put it in the freezer to chill your peeps or microwave to soothe what's aching. Do you like my model? It's rough work being a four year-old.

Comments

[Amy]

Great tut, Lauren! I'd still rather you make it for me though. I love my eye pillow. I heat it in the microwave and put it in the freezer. it's great for all kinds of aches and pains!

[Sue Brandy]

I love your eye pillow model! She looks like she is enjoying her job!

[Rachel]

CUTE! I love her smile in that picture. I'll be linking to this in the Daily DIY.

[Nicky]

It looks like a nice and easy little project. Love the idea!

[Mandy]

Love it! Would you mind if we linked to this when we post some "spa" crafts in the near future? So cute and easy. Thanks for the tutorial!

[Kelley Hart Jenkins]

I've been wanting to make these for gifts. Thanks for the inspiration. Where do you get your lavender? Do you have a good bulk/wholesale source?

[lauren]

Hi Kelley--I get my lavender in bulk at save-on-crafts.com.

[yoli]

too cute!

[Stacey]

I wonder if this would be a nice Thank You gift for teachers?

[Heather]

What about just rice mixed w/essential oils...think the rice would eventually stink when heated repeatedly?