By Patricia Belyea
SEQUIM WA I met Martha Knowlton when I taught at the Stitching Post in Sisters in 2022. Since then we have caught up with one another online, on the Hood Canal, in Boise, in Japan, and most recently at her new home in sunny Sequim.
Martha’s home sits on a bluff overlooking the Dungeness Spit — the longest natural sand spit in North America. Another wonder is her front yard abounding with lavender!
My short visit ended with a gift of dried lavender — a one-gallon ziplock bag filled with dried buds. My daughter Liz, who accompanied me to Martha’s house, immediately exclaimed “Mom, let’s make sachets.”
The next day we got started. Although we were staying at a vacation rental in Hansville, we had everything we needed for the project. Plus, a great view to enjoy as we played.
We chose nine indigo and white geometric yukata cottons to make three sets of sachets — tiny stacks of three different sizes. Brown rice was combined with the lavender buds at a ratio of 1 to 2 to add a little weight to the sachets.
Liz stitched around the squares, leaving a little gap on one side.
To take bulk out of the corners, we trimmed across the the points and then a little more on each side of the corners.
We improvised when it came to finding a point turner. A shellfish fork found in the silverware drawer did the trick. Of course, we used the blunt end!
It made sense to give each sachet a good pressing before proceeding — as that couldn’t be done after they were filled.
We spooned a mixture of lavender buds and rice into the sachet openings.
SACHET INSTRUCTIONS
Cut three pairs of fabric squares: 3 1/2", 4" and 4 1/2".
Sew together, with 1/4" seams, leaving a 2" gap on one side.
Trim corners to remove bulk. Turn right side out, pushing out corners.
Fill with lavender blend: 2 parts lavender buds to 1 part dried rice.
Hand-stitch to close.
MATCHING RIBBON INSTRUCTIONS
We didn’t have any ribbon, so we made some to tie the special bundles together.
Cut a 1" inch x 18" strip of fabric.
Press down the center, then press each side to the center fold line.
Stitch on both sides of the narrow strip.
Wrap around the tiered bundle and cut on an angle at a length you like.
Three days earlier, our family celebrated the birthday of 2-year old Rose. Our waterfront cottage was filled with sweetheart roses for the event. So little red buds were handy to add a touch of color to the indigo-and-white gifts.
Sequim is known as the Lavender Capital of North America. Each year, on the third weekend of July, Sequim celebrates all things lavender. This year the dates are July 18 to July 20, 2025. To see a calendar of events +click here
I wonder if I can grow lavender in the Okanogan Highlands — with an elevation of 2500 feet, a short growing season, and harsh winters? I’m going to try with five English Lavender plants I just bought at Home Depot.
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ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria host in-person and online creative quilting experiences, and lead textile tours to Japan.
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