My old one had 'sprung a leak' but after months of faithful service it was time to release it and make another.
First a browse through some of the handkerchief collection; the blue one my father sent to my mother from 'Overseas' during the Second World War; the others were thrift store finds or 'souvenirs' from places I have been and much enjoyed (New England) but brought back by tourists other than I.
The lovely top one has a red and blue stain on its hidden side which perfectly matches the flag colour on the French handkerchief. Note to self – when washing hanky collection in a fit of spring cleaning do not lay them to dry one on top of one another on counter without careful attention to possibility of dye running.
Get the pillowcase from the closet where it scents the air with the dried potpourri of many gardens, bouquets, street combing of urban orchards, gifts, scented leaf falls etc. and the bag with recent acquisitions which have dried but not yet been added to the pillowcase.
Take the time to let the fingers and the nose choose …..
Place the plant material on the chosen handkerchief…..
……. secure with a length of handspun yarn…..
…… put it on the pillow beside a lavender sachet made by DIL Samara.
Squeeze and sniff as wanted or needed. It works on daydreams as well.
I have given many of these over the years; they have been well received and cheer me in the giving . This gift to self has both aspects, of course. And I am reminded once more to dare to dream.
The old one has been placed on the deck so the sun and wind and moon and weather can spread it back to the earth. Then the handkerchief will be 'planted' when I dig my next garden.
I do this with the old linen dishcloths as well. It feels fitting.