when you have growing kids, jeans are a wardrobe staple. after they've served their second term as cut-offs in the summer, i turn them into these scented lavender cubes. here's how: make a cardboard template of about 5" x 5". cut out 6 squares for each cube, include details such as pockets and grommets if you can. attach the squares with a dense zig zag machine stitch (use a heavy denim needle on your machine), with the stitching facing out. first you make a cross pattern, then you stitch the sides together to form a cube. finally you attach the "lid" of the cube. when stitching the last seam, leave half of it undone. make a funnel out of paper and fill the cube with dried lavender. the rest of the seam will need to be stitched closed by hand, as it is hard to use the machine once the cube is filled. these cubes looks great when grouped together on a coffee table. they are very sturdy so can easily be tossed around in any wardrobe, sock drawer, coat closet, you name it, to keep things smelling fresh. in order to revive the scent, just squeeze the cube every once in a while. lavender also has a calming, soothing effect, so they make great bed companions for rowdy, energetic kids who have trouble settling down at bedtime....
