JoAnn's Fabric store is closing here in GrJct and the store if full of great discounts. I absolutely HATE to shop and yet there I was amidst the throng. My "what I really need list" was a life-saver because when there are 40, 60 and 70% sale signs everywhere, it is very distracting.
Being ready to take my sewing up to the next level, I'll be using brocades and satins for the eye pillows and neck wraps. I purchased a lot of beautiful fabric at 70% off. Wow! There is enough fabric on some of the bolts to make eye pillow, neck wrap, small pillow (10x14) and lap throw (24x30"). That will make a very nice "set." Drawer sachets and hanging sachets could be made to match also. Arranging it all in a pretty basket with a bow should make a very nice product.
I made my first lap throw with some curly fake fur on one side and a patterned knit on the other side. Haven't yet decided how to fill it with lavender or how much to use. It is too big to just fill up even if I make pockets. Perhaps sewing alternate 2" wide rows would work. Only one way to find out-just do it! Next project is a "set" using the deep blue Asian pattern satin. So pretty and, can you believe, washable! 7/29/10
Some say "Wake up, and smell the roses" but I say "Relax, and smell the Lavender." Melt away stress with lavender-filled neck wraps, eye pillows, sachets made from beautiful fabrics.
Lavender is Harvested
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| A couple of bundles ready to hang |
Most of the lavender is harvested now. Even the new Royal Velvet's that were planted in May have bloomed. The Hidcotes planted last fall have bloomed nicely. I still have to go to Angie's and harvest the Hidcote that I planted at her house (30) from last fall.
The 3 planter boxes that Alan made last year in Angie's backyard are working very well. The plants are thriving in the Glade Park soil and amendments. Con hooked up a drip system last month so now each plant has it's own water regularly.
Summer Iced Tea
See the DRINKS and EATS tab for my new-found, yummy iced tea recipe. At long last, found the Secret Ingredient.
The Process -- Start to Finish
Lavender peeking through the snow, then looking healthy and happy. Blooming and ready to harvest. Cut & bundle, hang it to dry. Strip, clean and screen. Start sewing and fill with lavender buds -- sachets, eye & neck aromatherapy pillows, decorator pillows, drawer pillows and closet hangers to keep unwelcome critters out of your stored clothes and closets. Ready to sell.Eye Pillows, Neck Pillows, Drawer and Closet Sachets
These are photos of some of the items I sell. Sew and filled with lavender. Eye and neck pillows are lined so the covers can be removed for washing.
I'm sewing like crazy because I want plenty of items to sell at the upcoming events. Jo-Ann's Fabrics Store is closing here in Grand Junction, so I found so very, very good bargains on fabric and trim. 7/27/10
Fall Salon
I know that I use those rubbermaid tubs to put my summer clothes in and stick up in the attic. I bet I'm not the only one that uses them. They get that plastic smell. A thin liner of lavender to put in would be nice. Real thin & spread out. Like the bike bag liners but wider & thin so you can put in the tubs (could use old pillow cases). Just a thought.
Your plants in the back yard are looking good!
Your plants in the back yard are looking good!
Harvest & Bundle
I started cutting a couple of weeks ago from the 20 backyard plants. Rubber banded them and hung in my closet to dry out. So it is time to lay them out on the big table and strip the buds from the stems. I need a new strainer to screen the junk from the buds and Con will make one this weekend. Then lavender gets strained and sifted over and over until it is real clean and ready to be used. 
May Sachet Salon .... it was great!
Many people came to the Lavender Salon on May 27th and had refreshments while looking at the many sachets, eye and neck pillows and other items filled with lavender. Of course, the aroma was wonderful. The snacks were good too. People came and went throughout the 2 1/2 hours and it was great to meet new people and catch up with some old friends. Plans are in the making for a Fall Salon. I'll keep you posted.
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