Monday, October 29, 2012

French Lavender Sachets

Bon jour, Mon Amis!
It's a cold and windy day here at the chateau, perfect for staying inside and working on projects!
I'm not much of a seamstress, but once in awhile (a great while!) I get the urge to break out my circa late 1960's Kenmore sewing machine (it belonged to my aunt, and still works like a charm!) and stitch something up!
When we were in Paris last month, I purchased a couple of large bags of dried lavender from Provence. I'd been saving a pair of linen and cotton pants that I found in the thrift store quite awhile ago, for just such a project. The pants were gorgeous, but were way too small for me, but I knew that they would come in handy some day!  So I didn't feel bad about cutting them up for my sachets!

I made all of the sachets a bit differently.  I really love the hearts, which I embellished with my wonderfully crinkly cream seam binding, and glittered silk hydrangea blossoms.
For this blossom (below), I also used some Martha Stewart flocking powder in addition to the glitter.  Love the look!

I also stitched up some little squares, and added vintage Mother of pearl and abalone buttons to the centers.
I wish that you could smell them!


I'm giving some as gifts (and keeping one for myself, of course!).  I'll also be putting a few in my Etsy shop.
Now of course I wish I had bought more bags of lavender!  Oh well, next trip I will be sure to!!
I love vintage buttons, don't you?
For the sachets below, I decided to leave them unadorned, but tied a group together with the seam binding, and topped it off with a glittered hydrangea blossom.
Whenever I feel tired, stressed, or head achy, the scent of lavender really seems to sooth me, and lift my spirits, too!
Linking up with the Dedicated House for Make it Pretty Monday.
I'll also be linking up tomorrow with Becky for Blissful Whites Wednesday, the new party that I'm super excited about!  Be sure to visit!
On a side note, sending prayers and thoughts to those who may be affected by the hurricane.  Stay safe!
Au Revoir!
at

21 comments:

  1. The Bear's BlogOctober 29, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Hi Miss Donna,

    Most important - prayers for the east coast. Mom & Dad are from New Jersey.

    Very pretty lavender bags. I love the smell of lavender.

    Hugs & kissies to Emily.
    Prudence ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Blondie's JournalOctober 29, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Donna...these are precious! The hydrangea petals, the buttons, oh my! Cute, cute, cute!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  3. NanaDianaOctober 29, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Hi Donna! I am back to blogging AND back to visiting! I love your sweet sachets. You really should sew more often- You do a great job of it! I love lavender, too. One of the best buys for my money is Johnson & Johnson's Lavender baby powder. Every time I have dusted with it people ask me what I have on. After I ask them if they mean CLOTHES I tell them what it is. Have you ever tried it? xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rosemary@villabarnesOctober 29, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    Gorgeous, Donna. What a great way to repurpose that fabric. It's perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ann@A Sentimental LifeOctober 29, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    I LOVE the flowers on them! too cute. When you told me earlier you had a 1960 Kenmore..brought back memories. That is what my Mom had and was it ever heavy! I bought her a new one in the 1990's.
    So if it works I am sure my 1977 Singer will fire up I hope!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesOctober 29, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    What a great way to use old clothing, Donna...the sachets turned out beautifully! Thanks for stopping by my paper towel bar post!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heaven's WalkOctober 29, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    Way to upcycle, Donna! Those sachets are so lovely and I can just imagine how wonderful they smell! They won't last long in your shop! :)

    xoxo laurie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sissie's Shabby CottageOctober 30, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    Hi Donna,
    These little sachets are so adorable. I especially like the heart. I have a bag of lavender so I guess I need to get out the sewing machine and copy your great idea.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  9. BenteOctober 30, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    Hi Donna. Love your sachets. They are so cute.
    I missed your last post about Natasha. Lucky you. I LOVE her. She is a beauty.

    Hugs from Bente

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownOctober 30, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    Hi Donna,
    These are so beautiful. I love them all! It makes them extra special that you brought the lavender all the way from France. So pretty.
    Hugs,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  11. Little Miss MaggieOctober 30, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Gorgeous sachets, Donna. I love the linen as well. What a great idea to use the pant fabric. That crinkly seam binding is also one of my favorite things. Makes anything romantic.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Susan EvelynAndRoseOctober 30, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    I love these sachets Donna! What a great way to transform linen pants and I'm sure the French lavender smells heavenly.
    We weathered the storm here fine - it was just a bit windy. I feel awful for the folks in NY & NJ, though.
    Take care,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  13. TeteOctober 30, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    Oh, Donna, soooooo sorry I haven't been around lately, but you have some really cute posts here. Love these little sachets and really think the little square ones with buttons are so cute.
    Love, love, love Natasha. I am so glad you have someone to keep you company while you play.
    Hope you are having fun inside. Our temps are in the 50s, but its that crazy wind that gets me, so staying in as much as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  14. chateau chicOctober 30, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Your lavender sachets are so sweet. I love them!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageOctober 30, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    What a fun project! Your sachets are beautiful, and what a great item to bring back from France!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousOctober 31, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Hy Donna! I love your blog and read it all the time. Today I was surprise to see that you have the same tray as I have, even if I am in Romania and you in America. You can see mine on my blog http://shabbycry.blogspot.ro/2012/05/flori-si-zambete.html

    ReplyDelete
  17. Celestina MarieOctober 31, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    Hi Donna,
    Love your sachets and how wonderful they get their start from Provence!! That makes them extra special. What a talent you are.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs, Celestina Maire

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tina@WhatWeKeepOctober 31, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    I love your sachets, Donna. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. BECKYNovember 1, 2012 at 5:27 AM

    Hi Donna! Love these, and love that you used old clothing! I am chomping at the bit to get some made for the shop...one of my favorite things to make! Just need more time!

    Thanks so much for sharing on Blissful Whites Wednesday!!
    Hugs,
    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  20. johnNovember 2, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    hi Donna ...mmm can smell that lavender from here! your sachets are lovely and so nice that its authentic French ! Tres Bon !
    have a nice weekend...Gail x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Diane Porazzo @ babiesbridesandlavender.etsy.comNovember 4, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Hi Donna, my name is Diane Porazzo and I am very new at blogging but came across your blog and it is lovely. I too, make lavender sachets and many other items so I can relate to your work. Please stop by my website called:babiesbridesandlavender.com and feel free to comment. I am trying to get the word out and also trying to learn the blogging game. Warmest regards, diane

    ReplyDelete

I just love your comments! They really make my day!!