May 03, 2014

Lavender's blue, . . .. . .

Did I tell you I love sewing things, re-cycling, making & mending!  I have so many bits dotted about my studio; tubs of old buttons, some collected by my Grandma.  (Happy memories from childhood of playing with Grandmas old button box and marvelling at the jewels it held.)
I have piles of collected fabrics waiting for the perfect project, old pillowcases, lace tablecloths, remnants, ribbons & embroidery threads
A few days ago I decided to cut some wee fabric squares from one of the old cotton pillowcases. I sewed 3 sides together,  hemmed along the top.
I stitched a collection of bright buttons on the front and a ribbon tie at the top.
Filled them with the scented lavender collected from the garden last Summer
Hey presto, my wee lavender bags. I shall tuck one under my pillow and place some amongst the bedding in the old blanket chest.

Lavender Lore
* The Romans first bought lavender to our shores, it is said they named it from "lavare"  because of its use in washing, others believe it comes from “livendula” (meaning bluish.)

*  A lavender cross was often hung on the door to ward off evil spirits.

*  In the 16th Century, English women and men had lavender flowers quilted into their hats to "comfort the braines".

*  On St Luke's day in the 14 and 1500's young maidens would sip on a lavender tea and say.
"St Luke, St Luke, be kind to me, In my dreams, let me my true love see."

21 comments:

  1. c'est le printemps, merci

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  2. How clever you are! I am inspired. Thank you. I just love your blog.

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  3. What a nice post, Ruthie! Not just your sweet creations, but the stories behind lavender.

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    1. Thank you Jeffrey I do love the stories of things & people.

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  4. Cute wee bags, nice idea xx

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  5. What a nice way to use up old pillow cases, I love the scent of lavender. I'm not a sewer but I do have a button box which contains, as well as the ordinary everyday 'useful' buttons, a few from clothes that belonged to my Mum in the 1940s and 50s. She died 15 years ago so it's nice to have these little mementoes as I can still remember her wearing these outfits when I wax a little girl.

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    1. Isn't it lovely Rowan how a simple thing such as a button can hold so mamy memories x

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  6. Lovely little scented bags and some history too! I like you love recycling and making and mending.
    Have a great week, Ruthie
    Jacqui x

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    1. Yay Jacqui, here's to making & mending, I am always so mcuh more pleased with something if I have mended or made it than gone out and bought it ;)

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  7. Lovely little lavender bags Ruthie! I love old buttons too, and used to love going through the treasures in my Nan's button tin when I was a little girl :)
    xx

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    1. Deborah, it would seem from hearing folks stories that a button box should be as much a part of a families heirlooms as all the silver & jewels etc!

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  8. You have inspired me to sit and make a few lavender sachets for my pillow !
    Thank you also for sharing that lovely little tune.
    Happy week Ruthie.

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  9. Lovely lavender bags and a great way to use up wee scraps!

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  10. I should have some of your Lavender bags for when I'm stir frying Ruthie, the aroma stays for a week.
    I remember as a youngster over in Fife when the gypsy women came to the door selling lavender. Good luck would always be with you if you bought some.
    I remember too that Burl Ives recorded a version of Lavender Blue.
    I wonder if it's any good for a nagging mouth ulcer ?

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    1. Sorry to hear you have a mouth ulcer Jim, they are horrible things, My Grandma used to make us put a euclyptus leaf in our mouths for sores! Not sure if they ever really worked or not! I can remember the gypsies coming round the doors selling their wares too, I used to love that they did that.

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  11. Oh those little dinky lavender bags are lovely Ruthie! I used to play with my Mum's button-tin as well. Such jewels....we're all the same when we're children aren't we?

    Hugs Jane

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    1. I see we almost all played with the button boxes of our Mothers & Grandmothers, I do hope that my children will remember doing the same. Is it a dying pastime now do you think? How sad if it is. x

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  12. How lovely. I made lavender bunch ties with ribbon and buttons and hung them up with our clothes - such a soothing scent. I always think of buttons like jewels or sweets - gorgeous!

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    1. OOh Lavender bunches with ribbon, hmm that reminds me of something my Grandma used to make, I had forgotten about them. she used to weave the ribbon in and out of the stalks untill they formed a wee shape, they looke dbeautiful. i shall have to try and find out how to make them again. Thank you for the reminder!

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  13. Came back for a second read and to stroll in the side bar ~ of course I enjoyed hearing Lavender dilly dilly , once more.
    I am happy to say the lavender next to my front door that I love to brush against as I leave or return home ~ has graced me with its presence again . After a hard winter I was happy to see it return .
    Did you ever as a child play " Button, button ~ who's got the button " ? The buttons reminded me of the childhood game ~ a fond memory .
    Be Well Ruthie ,
    Fondly Willow

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    1. I never did hear of that game ~ it sounds intriguing. I wonder how it was played? Yay for returning lavender, one of my favourite scents x

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