Select your three small fabric pieces (4 x 5 inches). Determine the arrangement you like best. Place two pieces together, right sides facing, and sew them together along one of the 4-inch sides.

Pin the third fabric piece to your joined pieces, right sides facing, and sew along the remaining open 4-inch side of the middle piece. You should now have a long strip. Press all seams open with your iron so the fabric lies flat.

Place your newly created patchwork front piece on top of the long backing piece (12 x 5 inches). align them so the edges match and the right sides are facing each other. Pin the two layers together to hold them steady.

Sew around the long sides, but be careful with the short sides. You need to leave a 2-inch opening on both of the shorter ends. Once sewn, turn the entire piece right-side out and press it flat with your iron.

On one of the open short ends, tuck the raw seam edges inside. Press with the iron to create a crisp edge. Topstitch down the entire length of that short side to close it completely.

In a bowl, pour in your uncooked rice and add the 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Stir well to ensure the scent is evenly distributed throughout the grain.

Using a funnel or a steady hand, pour the scented rice mixture into the remaining opening of the pillow.

Once filled, push the raw seam edges of the opening inward and press with your iron (being careful of the bulk). Push the rice firmly toward the already-closed side of the pillow to keep it away from your needle. Sew down the length of this final side to seal your pillow.