These little pillows, which will do wonders for your mood, have a surprisingly regal provenance. Packed with lavender, they’re like the ones made for European aristocracy in the Middle Ages, when the fragrant herb was rare and something of a luxury. To strike the right note of indulgence, we chose striped and solid silk taffeta; whatever fabric you use, you won’t need much of it.
The small pillow on top is a 4 1/2-inch square; the largest measures 7 by 15 inches. To make one, cut two pieces of fabric to the same size. Sew the fabric pieces together, right sides facing, leaving a 2- to 3-inch opening on one side. Clip the corners diagonally, and turn the fabric right side out. Fill the pillow with dried lavender and, if you wish, flax seeds (available at health-food stores), which have a nice texture and weight. Hand-stitch the opening closed. Make pillows in several shapes and sizes to use as neck rolls, small throw pillows, or sachets.
