Last Minute Christmas Gifts

I had every intention to get these made yesterday before my dad, step-mom, and brother came to celebrate Christmas, but it was not in the cards. So, I woke up extra early today and sewed these little tokens of thanks for my sons' teachers and was practically wrapping them as my oldest walked out the door!

But thankfully, they couldn't be easier to make. A great project for scraps, too. You can always piece different fabrics together. They can be as simple or elaborate as you can imagine.

Start with 2- 5" squares- they can be pinked (use pinking shears for a zig zag edge) or straight edge before sewing... but you'll want to pink them after sewing to prevent fraying and also to give it a little interest. I pinked them first, but it was not always easy to align them perfectly while sewing. My recommendation would be to pink the edges after sewing.

With WRONG sides together, stitch 3/8" on 3 sides, leaving the bottom open. Stuff with dried botanicals- I used an equal blend of lavender and chamomile buds. You could use rose petals, pine needles, cloves and dried orange peel... Fill the pocket, but don't overfill because you will need to pin it closed to sew- and you don't want the filling to fall into your machine.

Once filled and pinned, sew the last edge to seal. Then if you haven't already, use pinking shears to finish the edges. I happened to have 5x5 plastic bags for greeting cards, and they fit beautifully.

This is a simple sewing project that the kids can help with too. If they fear (or you fear for them) the sewing machine, have them hand stitch them - they'd even be fun in felt.

Sachets are a simple gift but they are thoughtful... and most people would be happy to receive them. (me!)