Perchance to dream

Sometimes I get migraines. I know I am not alone. Usually mine happen when my routine is altered and I’ve simply not had enough water in the day. I know the preventative action, but these are days when my attention is elsewhere and my usual reminders are absent. Carrying a bottle of water doesn’t make it to the list. It should.

Anyway, when the dreaded headache and sick feeling hit, I need to lie down. Preferably in a dark room and to sleep. Hoping that a painkiller will help and I’ll wake up without the agony.

Why am I sharing this? Especially as I am a firm believer that when people ask me how I am, they really don’t want me to list my complaints. Unless its obvious. Like a broken leg. Saying “I’m fine” in that case would be ridiculous, but hopefully you get my drift. I try not to bring every ache up in casual conversation. Although I will offer genuine sympathy to others that do, but I’m just not one to share.

This time I’m sharing as it sets the scene for my latest sewing project. Last migraine, I just couldn’t escape light without covering my face with something. Uncomfortable at the best of times. Amazingly, as I hid my head under a pillow, I had a creative thought. I needed a sleep mask, but not just a run of the mill kind of sleep mask that airline’s handily supply. I needed a pretty sleep mask that smelt gorgeous. To lift my spirits when I needed it the most.

Yesterday, I sketched, cut and stitched a sleep mask in pretty pink, with sweet little flower garlands. I covered the elastic at the back with more of the same fabric to make it more comfortable and to hide the bland elastic. The part that covers my eyes consists of a double layer of fabric. Before I finished stitching them together, I lightly stuffed it with lavender and chamomile flowers from the garden. Just enough flowers for the fragrance and to hide the light, but not enough to press too heavily on my eyes when I wear the mask.

I haven’t got a headache at the moment, but oh my, does this mask feel good to wear. The light is cut out completely. The fabric is cool to touch which will also help, but its the fragrance that makes all the difference. It… is….. just ….. perfect.  BL kindly offered to model the mask. So taken with it, she placed an order for one. I was lucky she didn’t fall asleep there and then.

This year we are growing more chamomile in the garden. It gives me plenty of opportunity to use it in the kitchen and for its fragrance. I am loving the combination of lavender and chamomile. Adds a smooth, sweet, buttery note. The bees and hoverflies love it too.

So next migraine, I’ll test out my sleep mask. How I love to use something that I’ve made, but for once, I really can wait.

(Just had to add that we loved the Olympic opening ceremony last night. Brilliant.)