In this class, you will be guided in the basics of embroidery in creating your own heart-shaped scented dream pillow/sachet. The class begins with an introduction to basic embroidery techniques, including different stitches and patterns. Participants are provided with all necessary materials, such as needles, threads, and fabric squares. Under the guidance of our experienced instructor, Brenda Vynalek, you will gradually master these techniques and gain confidence in your abilities.
Dream sachets or pillows, also called comfort, sleep, or herb pillows, have been used for centuries to enhance relaxation and promote restful sleep. Creating your personal herbal dream pillow allows you to personalize your sleeping experience. We will use locally sourced wool for our filler, as it is a natural fiber with hypoallergenic properties and is resistant to dust mites, making it ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Next comes the fun part - choosing your botanical blend with fragrant herbs that you find pleasant, calming, or relaxing. We will have a selection of locally grown herbs charged under the January full moon for you to fill your pillow. The act of choosing and blending herbs is not merely a random selection but rather a thoughtful process. Each herb carries its own unique properties, energies, and symbolism. By carefully selecting and combining these herbs, we are able to create a powerful blend that aligns with our intentions.
Once your herb mix is prepared, we will write our dreams or questions on bay leaves. Bay leaves have long been associated with wisdom, protection, and divination. By writing our intentions on these leaves, we are infusing them with our desires or inquiries.
Tucking the bay leaves into your pillow/sachet adds another layer of intentionality. The sachet acts as a vessel that holds our hopes and aspirations close to us. Sewing it closed symbolizes sealing in these intentions so they may manifest in reality.
This practice serves as a reminder that our dreams and questions are not mere fantasies but seeds waiting to be nurtured. The act of blending herbs, writing intentions on bay leaves, and creating a dream pillow/sachet is an active participation in shaping our destiny.
Herbs for Dreaming
Lavender is renowned for its calming effects on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and peaceful sleep
Chamomile can help alleviate stress and anxiety and is said to keep bad dreams away
Rose petals add peaceful thoughts to dreams and bring warmth and love, and may be used to evoke romantic dreams
Lemon Verbena is uplifting, used to add “lightness” to dream blend
Cloves bring warmth and an exotic feeling to dreams; add only 2-4 per pillow
Hops help with relaxation and bring peacefulness to your dreams
If you have dried herbs from your garden that you would like to incorporate into your embroidered pillow, please feel free to bring them and any charms, crystal chips, etc., you would like to add.
What You Can Expect
The class will provide you with all the necessary materials and guidance needed to create your own embroidered dream pillow/sachet. Our instructor will be there every step of the way to answer any questions and offer helpful tips.
All materials needed will be provided and are included in class cost.
Light seasonal nibbles and an herbal tea will be served throughout the workshop. Please feel free to bring water or snacks to share with the group if you would like.
Connection with like-minded women.
No experience necessary!
Limited to 12 women
$45 pp
This class is non-refundable
About our Facilitator: Brenda Vynalek has been weaving and creating since childhood. She loves incorporating natural fibers in her work—everything from horsehair and feathers to leaves and vines. Using natural fiber sources and their energies, with intention, creates not only a beautiful object but one that can bring you peace and harmony in their making and in their enjoyment.