Hops have been used for centuries to help induce sleep, and this little pillow should speed you on your way to dreamland. If you prefer a sweeter smell, use a potpourri mixture in the pillow.

Size: 
  
The finished size of the pillow is 13 x 10 ½ in. (33 x 27 cm) 
  
Materials: 
  
3 ½ oz (100 g) hops (available where beer-making supplies are sold) 
3/8 yd (.4m) of 36 in (90 cm) wide medium-weight polyester batting 
24 ½ x 14 ½ in (62 x 37 cm) rectangle of printed fabric 
6 x 4 in (15 x 10 cm) rectangle of loosely-woven wool fabric, 18 threads to the inch (2.5 cm) 
1 5/8 yd (1.40 m) of brown and beige furnishing insertion braid (with canvas edge), or cording 
Stranded embroidery floss in medium and dark brown. 
  
On the batting, mark a line 10 ½ in (27 cm) from one short edge. Spread the hops evenly over the smaller rectangle below this line. Fold the long end of the batting over the hops and make a second fold to form a double layer of batting beneath the hops. Overcast the edges of the batting to enclose the hops. 
Cut the printed fabric in half to make two rectangles 14 ½ x 12 ¼ in (37 x 31 cm). In one piece of fabric cut out a rectangle measuring 3 ¾ x 1 ½ in (9.5 x 4 cm). Clip into the corners and press under a 3/8 in (1 cm) hem all around the hole you have cut. 
On the rectangle of wool fabric, embroider “Sweet Dreams” in cross stitch, following the chart given, using two strands of medium brown stranded embroidery floss. Center the embroidered panel under the hole in the printed fabric. Sew it in place using running stituch. Using one strand of dark brown floss, work whipping stitches into the running stitches. 
Press ¾ in (2 cm) hems to the wrong side all around both pieces of printed fabric. Baste the insertion braid to the wrong side of one fabric piece. Baste the two printed fabric pieces together with wrong sides facing and the braid protruding between the layers. Work tiny running stitches close to the fold on three sides of the case. Insert the hop-filled batting so that the double layer of batting is next to the underside of the pillow case. Close with running stitches. 
 

Submitted by Lady Shadra