Make a Soothing Eye Mask

What you need:

  • 2 contrasting fabrics (one should be silky or satiny feeling)
  • matching thread
  • scissors
  • pins
  • sewing machine
  • pattern template
  • your choice of essential oil
  • 2/3 cup flax seed
  • measuring tape
  • 13" of 1/2" or 3/8" elastic
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Step One

In a small bowl, pour flax and 6 (or as many as you want) drops of essential oil - I used lavender.  Mix and let stand so that the moisture evaporates and doesn't create oil stains on your fabric.
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Step Two

Using template, cut out two from each one of your chosen fabric.  Matching contrasting fabrics, put right sides together to form 2 masks; an inner mask and an outer mask.  Pin one mask as needed.

Step Three

Stitch inner mask together leaving a 3-4" opening along the straight side, clip curves, and turn right side out.

Step Four

From the silky/satiny fabric, cut out a rectangular strip 2" by 18" for the strap.  Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the length to make a tube.  Turn right side out and press flat.

Step Five

Thread 13" of elastic through the tube.  When elastic reaches the edge of your tube, stitch back and forth to hold the elastic 1/8" from raw edges.  Continue threading elastic through, stitching back and forth 1/8" from the other raw edge to secure elastic.
Sorry, I completely forgot to take a picture of the elastic threading.  After turning the strap right side out, I was DONE with straps! :)

Step Six

Take front piece of the outer mask and place it right side up. Place the strap on top of this piece, untwisted and centered from top to bottom and with raw edges matched.  You MAY now decide to stitch the strap to the front mask to hold in place. OR  You can place the back piece of the outer mask on top of the front piece, right sides together and pin in place, making sure the strap is untwisted and tucked 'inside'. 

Step Seven

Stitch together outer mask, leaving a 3-4" opening along the straight side as before.  Again, clip curves, turn right side out.

Step Eight

Pour flax into opening of the inner mask.  Using a 'hidden stitch', stitch opening closed.  Learn how here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Slip-Stitch

Step Nine

Feed finished inner mask through opening of the outer mask.  Straighten and stitch closed outer mask opening.  
AND...

Viola!  Finished!

Embellish this mask with embroidery or applique or leave it simple.  It makes a great relaxation gift for the person who has and does EVERYthing!
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