An old friend is down with a horrendous neck problem. She's due for surgery in two and a half weeks, and in the meantime spends all her time lying flat or trying to find a comfortable position in her recliner. She can't drive, work, or fix herself a sandwich.
I went to see her yesterday and though her usual perkiness was understandably somewhat subdued, she still had a little of her twinkle as she described her current fantasy: a pillow that would be very soft on the outside, warm for around her neck, and that smelled of lavender.
That I could do. These are lined with muslin, then cut out of polka dot flannel and the softest salvaged cashmere. Filled half with rice and half with lavender, they smell heavenly. If only they had magical healing properties.
she will LOVE that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift for your friend! They will be healing to her soul, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI don't often get a spare minute to comment, though I catch up with your blog when I can. But I just wanted to say - God bless you! What a lovely thing to do :)
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done! I'm sure your friend will be delighted.
ReplyDeletethey look divine :) I hope her operation goes smoothly and recovery is glitch-free :)
ReplyDeleteAh, but lavender DOES have magical healing properties. =)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Lavender will help to keep her calm and anxiety free.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great friend you are! But then I already knew you were special from reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that your friend knew to ask for something that you could do! I often don't know what I can do to help an ailing friend. Your gift is lovely and will be greatly appreciated, I'm sure.
ReplyDeletePeace.
I've just started reading your blog. You have so many great ideas. I like the idea of recycling material. Was the spotted flannel recycled or new material?
ReplyDeleteOh Anna! Flannel and cashmere-luxurious! What a blessing the pillow must be to your friend. I pray her surgery goes well and she has a swift recovery. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to your friend. Sending up a prayer for her comfort & quick healing.
ReplyDeleteI have such a pillow, minus the cashmere, that I use when I have headaches, and the lavender truly does seem to have magical healing properties. I'm sure it will help immensely until she has her surgery.
ReplyDeletelavender does have healing and calming properties. mix it with a bit of dried chamomile too:-) i make these for gifts and they are always appreciated. i got a recipe for "sweet dream pillows" from rosemary gladstar's herbal book for children then added the rice to use as a neck pillow. for a child leave the rice out and put under thier pillow or near the head of the bed for a calmer sleep:-)
ReplyDeletecan you heat this up in the microwave. have been wanting to make a cushion like this but that you can heat and am not sure what to put inside?
ReplyDeletelove your blog.
Sound lovely - I hope it helps the poor thing. Sounds like she knows that lavender is calming.
ReplyDeleteLove and friendship are great healers.('but the greatest of these is love.')
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! I so appreciate those who can practically bless others! Sure she will too:)
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI have made these.....microwave them for a minute or so....the warmth is wonderful and the aroma even better!
I just LOVE making these! I think I've gifted them to every friend and family member I have. LOL
ReplyDeleteI made a "eye pillow" for myself like this, covered with silk from a re-claimed blouse. I use it constantly for headaches and those moments when I need a "break". The lavender is so soothing and it really seems to help my headaches and neckaches too. Your friend will appreciate such a thoughtful gesture.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find the lavendar? I'm looking for some.
ReplyDeleteyou know what? i am ALWAYS blessed by seeing and hearing of people who see a need and just DO something. your making that pillow is a great example. thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteMy Mama has neck problems and uses a similar pillow nightly. She microwaves it for a minute or so and it is very soothing. Although, hers is not filled with lavendar, nor is it covered with cashmere...if you were to put some of these in your shop, I would scoop them up in a second!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that something so practical can be so beautiful and comforting...
She is so blessed to have you for a friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are the sweetest friend. It is a true gift to have people around you who see a need and are prepared to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I am going to do this right after Thanksgiving....too much baking to be done this week.
ReplyDeletethanks for the inspiration,
Tonya