|
|
Post by aftermidnite on Dec 6, 2015 1:11:42 GMT
Years ago my Mom made a rice pack for me .. You know the kind you put in the microwave .. It has been used and used many times over the years but she didn't make a removable outer cover for it ! Since I have at least one fella on my Christmas list as well as my dear sweet neighbor who I always make something for ..I have decided to make rice packs with a removable cover .. I have an abundance of material ...so the removable cover wont be a problem at all .. I have 2 huge bath towels that I have never used that I have been saving and now have a plan for them ! I intend on using Velcro for the outer covering but will sew the inner pack closed ... I found some Dale Jr material in my stash and some beautiful floral material for dear sweet neighbor ..
Any hints ..or thoughts about making these reheatable packs 
|
|
|
|
Post by feather on Dec 6, 2015 1:35:07 GMT
AM, I'm against rice packs and the wheat packs and the baked potato bags, all are microwaved. We had a fire a few years ago, from that, very unexpected. If you search 'the other place', I wrote about it and I don't go there anymore so I don't have a link for you. I have also searched those items on craft forums and news stories about people dying in fires from them too. Sorry! They are popular in the UK. I found the link: www.homesteadingtoday.com/country-homemaking/sewing-quilting/480711-baked-potato-bags-discussion.html |
|
|
|
Post by aftermidnite on Dec 6, 2015 16:15:23 GMT
I remember the discussion but am unable to view the link ..they want me to sign in and I refuse to ..
I understand your concerns and will be sure I attach a warning on each that I give ..
I may research a way to buy the materials for the packing for the heat aspect because I think both of my friends will benefit from having this type of non electrical heating packs ..
|
|
|
|
Post by Maura on Dec 6, 2015 17:16:32 GMT
Yes, a good idea to include instructions so they know how long to heat it. Assume the microwave new and heats up fast- microwaves deteriorate over time.
I made those one year. The following summer SIL told me how much it helped her back pain. I would make the bags small enough to set over your shoulder. Not too heavy. Use a heavy fabric, like denim. Double seam. I like the idea of making a cover.
eta: I found it best to create channels, like they do with down comforters and coats. Create the bag, leaving one end open. Pour in 1/3 of the rice, then sew two close lines to close that off. Pour in 1/3, sew two close lines. Pour in remaining 1/3 and sew shut.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2015 3:39:28 GMT
I have used a good, plain cotton. Muslin would work. I use a rectangle, about 6x18 finished size. French seam so no raw edges. Sew 2 lengthwise topstich lines, dividing into 3 long channels. Fill each channel with..1/3 to 1/2 cup rice, sew across. Repeat 3 more times. Fold over open end and topstitch shut. Make a cover out of a cute flannel - it can either be open ended like a pillow case, or have the open ends overlapping in the middle, like a sham closure. Microwave warning: these are heavy, and can muff up the way the glass plate sets on the carousel gear, causing it to falter, bump & grind. DH says I burned out the carousel on our microwave.  I love mine for around my neck and shoulders. I made smaller ones for my parents, they love them. A coworker told her dad. He made one by putting rice in a tube sock and knotting the top. He loves it! You can use dry rice (grocery store), corn, buckwheat, really, any grain. Heck, I bet birdseed millet would work! Cheap, too. Definitely put a little tag about heating for 1-1.5 minutes. I have also heard these work great as an ice pack...of course, you'd have to chill for longer than 1.5 minutes! |
|
|
|
Post by gracielagata on Dec 10, 2015 18:47:00 GMT
The velcro won't be going int he microwave, right? I didn't realize how sensitive it was and made some bit warmers with it.. Had to change my design to use ties instead.  We love our microwave things. Haven't ever had a fire issue, but then we don't micro for too much at a time and stay with it. I think the idea of making it into channels is a great one, because I hate when the rice moves to the wrong spot. Also make sure in the process that it can sorta waterfall down the shoulders- none we have cover the shoulders very well, and that is frequently where I would rather have the heat. I am making thermal totes for 9x13 casserole dishes. I didn't like any patterns I found, so I made my own... each one is getting successively better.  |
|
|
|
Post by aftermidnite on Dec 14, 2015 3:13:55 GMT
I never thought about Velcro and the microwave .. I will be changing my idea to use ties instead ..
Thank You All!!! |
|
|
|
Post by farmchix on Dec 14, 2015 10:06:51 GMT
I have always worried about those things drawing moisture when it is humid outside and sprouting. Has anyone experienced this?
|
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnmore on Dec 14, 2015 10:49:34 GMT
Once you've microwaved it once, you've killed the germ and the seed can't sprout - it's dead. So, farmchix, no worries.  |
|
|
|
Post by calicokatie1 on Dec 15, 2015 2:36:17 GMT
I'm always looking for easy things to make for gifts so after I saw this thread, I started looking for patterns. One that I found was for a potato bag but what I found interesting was the person who did the article said you shouldn't use polyester thread because it will melt. I didn't save the link as I was just browsing but I later started thinking about the comments here about fires being caused by these microwave bags. I wonder if the type of thread used could be a factor. If I do make any of these, I think I'll be extra sure to use 100% cotton thread just in case. I also wonder if you could heat these in an electric dryer instead of a microwave. Do you think that would lessen the risk of fire?
|
|
|
|
Post by manygoatsnmore on Dec 15, 2015 6:03:51 GMT
calicokatie1, I'd be afraid the rice bags would take an awful beating in the dryer, and possibly even pop. As I am still finding feathers from the "Great Pillow Explosion of 2015", where a down pillow ripped open in the dryer, I don't know if I'd want to try putting rice bags in there. I suppose you could warm them in a slow oven before use. I've been using rice bags in my microwave for years without a problem. The important things are not to heat them too long, and to let them rest and draw in some humidity from the air when it seems like they are no longer providing a moist heat.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilith on Dec 15, 2015 15:33:38 GMT
patterns?
This sounds like a great solution to my what to get the new fiends debate! There have been so many people help me out this year and get settled in my new location that I sincerely want to do something for them, but am lacking funds to go buy a gift basket or something generic. Besides, that is just not my style - If someone is worth giving a gift to, it is worth putting a little effort in. Nothing bugs me more than than a gift that is thoughtless. IE: my ex-husband's family got me a shirt shortly after we were married that said "My boyfriend thinks I am at the movies" Really? I'd have rather not gotten a gift at all than something that clearly showed how thoughtless it really was.
|
|
|
|
Post by gracielagata on Dec 15, 2015 15:42:34 GMT
I'm always looking for easy things to make for gifts so after I saw this thread, I started looking for patterns. One that I found was for a potato bag but what I found interesting was the person who did the article said you shouldn't use polyester thread because it will melt. I didn't save the link as I was just browsing but I later started thinking about the comments here about fires being caused by these microwave bags. I wonder if the type of thread used could be a factor. If I do make any of these, I think I'll be extra sure to use 100% cotton thread just in case. I also wonder if you could heat these in an electric dryer instead of a microwave. Do you think that would lessen the risk of fire? You're right I bet, the polyester could be an/the issue.... And I too think the dryer might not be such a great idea since they will get so beaten up. Even if you used the shoe rack, I think the amount of time needed is too high. Cotton material, cotton thread, and close watching until a good time frame is learned I bet is sufficient. |
|
|
|
Post by gracielagata on Dec 15, 2015 15:44:13 GMT
patterns? This sounds like a great solution to my what to get the new fiends debate! There have been so many people help me out this year and get settled in my new location that I sincerely want to do something for them, but am lacking funds to go buy a gift basket or something generic. Besides, that is just not my style - If someone is worth giving a gift to, it is worth putting a little effort in. Nothing bugs me more than than a gift that is thoughtless. IE: my ex-husband's family got me a shirt shortly after we were married that said "My boyfriend thinks I am at the movies" Really? I'd have rather not gotten a gift at all than something that clearly showed how thoughtless it really was. Hehe... really?! That shirt is rather lame!! If you want a little bit of help starting the pattern, i wonder if pillowcases wouldn't do it? In making my casserole covers, I realized I am making pillowcases that I put Insul-bright into, so I could have cheated and started with the cases, though I like the material I chose... They would certainly have been cleaner stitched. lol |
|
|
|
Post by Maura on Dec 15, 2015 22:27:13 GMT
I never thought about the thread. I think I only have one spool of thread that is not cotton.
|
|
|
|
Post by calicokatie1 on Dec 15, 2015 23:58:57 GMT
The only thread I buy is Gutermann's 100% cotton in grey or ivory. I use it for both machine and hand sewing. When I get a mailer from Joann's with the 40% or 50% off coupon, I stick it in my purse and if I drive by Joann's I stop in and use it for the thread. It really keeps the cost down.
|
|
|
|
Post by aftermidnite on Dec 16, 2015 14:28:20 GMT
Thanks for reminding me to make sure my thread is 100% cotton !!!
It is thankfully ...so I am good to go with it and the material I have chosen for both my gifts ..
I need to get to the store for my rice and hope to do so in the next few days ! |
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 9, 2017 22:13:15 GMT
Would make cute gifts  |
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 9, 2017 22:16:50 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 9, 2017 22:20:22 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 30, 2017 3:24:40 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 30, 2017 3:28:25 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Aug 30, 2017 15:12:57 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Sept 7, 2017 19:40:37 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 17:11:19 GMT
I really like this! I bey you could get dollar store potholders and do this- instead of making them from scratch- Thanks for posting this idea! |
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Nov 3, 2017 17:18:34 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by grannyg on Nov 3, 2017 17:21:11 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by tenbusybees on Nov 3, 2017 18:44:46 GMT
I LOVE the owl TP holder! A remote control caddy the hangs on the arm of the chair have been appreciated by the men folk in my family. |
|
|
|
Post by feather on Nov 3, 2017 19:45:15 GMT
I like the food ideas, no surprise there. I like the silicone spatulas idea too. I really like all the different sizes of silicone spatulas, but they don't last forever, and also of bamboo spoons and utensils for cooking, they last forever. Once you have these things, you never want to be without them. Cotton white lightweight, dish towels, and lots of them because they get stained, and they can be bleached, they dry quickly.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2017 20:10:18 GMT
I have always worried about those things drawing moisture when it is humid outside and sprouting. Has anyone experienced this? Instant rice crop. Don't see a downside. |
|
