Molly Bo: 2011

I want to share with you how to make your very own heating pad. Simply microwave pouch for two minutes and place it on your sore muscles. There is nothing quite like it.

Skills:
sew a straight line
make a tube and turn it out

Supplies:
sewing machine
thread
5 cups rice (I like jasmine but any white rice will do)
12"x26" rectangle of soft decorative fabric (this will be the outside)
10"x24" rectangle of liner fabric
3"x24" strip of thicker durable fabric (I chose corduroy)

Step 1: Cut fabric.

Step 2: Fold liner in half lengthwise and sew one short end and the long side, be sure to leave one short side open for stuffing.

Step 3: Fill your liner pouch with 5 cups of rice.

OPTIONAL: Stir 16 drops of your favorite essential oil into the rice before filling. I used lavender this time for a calming, sleepy sensation. Another favorite of mine is jasmine or vanilla.

Step 3: Fold over the open end and sew shut.

Step 4: Fold your handle strip in half lengthwise and sew into a long tube. The hardest part is to turn this tube right side out. I use a long dowel/stick or a pair of needle-nose pliers to pinch and pull the fabric inch my inch.

Wheew! That was tough - now cut your little tube wormy in half.

Step 5: Curl each segment into a ring, pin and sew onto the two ends of your rice sack, cinching the lining fabric a bit as you go. Use a good amount of back stitching as you want this joint to be sturdy and you won't see the stitches in the end anyways.

Step 6: Fold over by 1 inch the two short ends of your decorative fabric and hem. Next, fold in half lengthwise and pin 1 inch from the edge. *Remember to leave your seams outside for now as we will be turning this inside out in a moment. * Sew down the length.

Turn inside out. You should have two open ends on your sleeve. This is your chance to embellish your cover. I chose to silk screen an original design on to mine. Some other options could be embroidery, buttons, beads (keep in mind you will be microwaving this later = NO METAL or things that might melt.) Think of soft, cuddly things.