SOOTHING EYE MASK OR WHEAT PACK

This wheat pack is so versatile! It can be heated to soothe aching muscles and aid relaxation, or chilled to create a cooling, restful eye mask, which blocks out the light and aids sleep

YOU WILL NEED:

Pearl barley or rice Dried lavender flowers Optional: lavender essential oil Cotton fabric Scissors Needle and pins Sewing machine Cotton sewing thread (to match fabric) Iron

MEASUREMENTS: EYE MASK

20x9cm (8x3½in) plus 1cm (½in) seam allowance

WHEAT PACK

50x12cm (20.5x4½in) plus 1cm (½in) seam allowance 1. Cut 2 rectangles from your chosen fabric, then place the 2 pieces together with the right sides facing. Pin and sew the four sides together, leaving a 2.5cm (1in) gap in the seam for filling. Turn the bag right side out. Press the seams with an iron. 2. Estimate the amount of filling required, but remember that the bag should not be completely full as it needs to fold around the body. Mix the pearl barley and lavender flowers into a bowl, so they are evenly dispersed. Allow around 20 per cent lavender to 80 per cent pearl barley. If the scent seems faint, add a few drops of lavender oil to the mix, but do remember that anything placed on the face doesn’t need to be very strong. Ensure the filling is dry before the next step. 3. Spoon the lavender and pearl barley into the hole until it is about threequarters full. Slip stitch the open seam to close it. 4. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Keeps for up to 12 months, but the life of the wheat pack may be reduced by repeated use.