Tansy - Garden to Sachet - Part 2 - Tutorial

In a previous post (the one before last), I wrote about growing

 and harvesting the herb, Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).  

Now I would like to share with you a tutorial on creating 

Moth Repellent Sachets using Tansy

 mixed with equal amounts of Lavender. 

A good source for both of these herbs 

can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs

I was inspired to create these by similar ones on Pinterest and in books and magazines. 

To create these shabby - chic sachets,  you will need soft cotton fabric that easily frays.

I used cotton dish towels, but you can use unbleached cotton muslin fabric, also.

You can find flour-sack dish towels Here

I tea-dyed the cloths first to give them a vintage look, but this is optional.
You can find directions for tea-dying Here.

You will also need an assortment of stamps with a 'moth' design,
script stamps, and alphabet stamps.

I also used a floral stamp that I thought depicted 'Tansy'.

I used a Walnut Stain Ink pad, to give it a 'vintage' look.

Embroidery thread in a natural color,
wooden buttons, brown thread,
and a tiny bit of cheesecloth (optional) complete the supplies.

Begin by tearing off the hemmed edges of your dishtowel.
Simply take a snip with scissors and then rip.

Alternately, tear off the selvages
of the muslin fabric the same way.

Save these torn edges,
as they will be used as 'hangers' for your sachet.

Next, tear your fabric into the size that you want your sachets.

I made mine 8 inches by 8 inches.

Fray the edges a bit.

Now the fun begins!

Use the script stamp first to create the 'background'.

Then stamp your 'Moths'.

Make a little 'label' out of frayed scrap fabric
and stamp this with the word 'Moth'.

I used  a tiny bit of cheesecloth cut to size
 to back the label, giving it added 'shabbiness'.

Sew the label to the sachet using embroidery thread
 and simple, rustic stitches.

Sew a backing to the decorated fabric, using 'messy' seams,
 about 1/2 inch from the frayed edges,
leaving a 3" opening on the side for filling your sachet.

I went over the 'messy' seams several times.

Add decorative buttons or charms at this point.

If you would like to add a hanger,
 simply cut your torn fabric edges to size
and sew in place using buttons or embroidery thread.
 (I used large X's instead of buttons on some sachets)

You can also add a bit of color to your design
using crayons! Here I added a bit of blue to the 'label'.

Fill your sachet using the 50/50 mix of dried Tansy and Lavender.

A paper funnel and the eraser end of a pencil
to push the herbs through works well.

Pin the opening and sew closed.

Now you have a sweet and 'shabby' scented sachet to repel those nasty moths!

I had lots of fun making these.
This one has a separate 'tag'.

This sachet has 'X' stitches for the hanger.

A pink label sets this one apart.

I left the hanger off a few to tuck into drawers

These will stay effective for several years.
To reactivate the scent, massage the sachet with your fingers.

They make useful gifts, too.

Perhaps with the gift of a pretty sweater
 or some lovely wool yarn for someone who knits or crochets.

These sachets can also be used in the pantry.

I hope you will consider adding Tansy to your herb garden.

A useful and beautiful herb!

xoxo


Hello, Dear Friends, I hope you are well and happy to start your new week.
This is a post that I originally posted a couple of years ago
and then took it down to 'save' it and add to it later. There are a few comments
from that time, so if you see yourself already in the comment
section - well, there you are! :)

We are expecting a storm today with heavy rain and high winds,
so I may lose my electricity.
I will try and visit you all before then, but if I don't,
that is why.

Thank you for all of your lovely visits.
You always brighten my day!
xoxo