My go-to help is an ice pack. We had one of those gel ones, but it started leaking. I saw an idea for using a small rice-filled bag as both an ice pack or heat pack as needed. (Sorry I lost the bookmark where I saw it!) So, I decided to make one for each child.
I pieced the flannel tops from scraps that I had in a bag, trying to reduce my stash before moving. The backing was sewn right sides together on three sides. I turned the bags right side out, and then filled the bags half-full with plain rice...and a secret ingredient.
I added a chai vanilla spice tea bag, not that I drink tea. Rather because I dislike the smell of mircowaved rice. The type I bought had a small staple which I removed.
I then sewed the bag closed.
I now keep these bags in the freezer, ready for the next hurt, however minor. They will stay cold for about 10 minutes. If you have sore little muscles, you can heat the bag in the microwave for about 15-45 seconds, depending on your appliance. Test to make sure it is not too hot before you place the bag on yourself or your child. Thus, icy or hot, depending on the need.
What small things do you do to comfort your kids when they get the inevitable bumps and bruises of childhood?
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Linked to Under the Table and Dreaming, and House of Thrifty Decor.
I like how sweet they are pieced like that.
ReplyDeleteThose are really cute and so useful.
ReplyDeleteLOVE these!!! THanks for shaing!
ReplyDeleteKara
These are some of my favorites! We always have a few in the freezer and a few waiting to be heated. My Mother-in-law gave me the idea to have a cover over it so that if it gets dirty you can just wash the cover. TFS!!! PS - I love the material you used - super cute. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are sooo much classier than the plain-ol' bag of rice I keep in my freezer - no pretty cover, just the bag of rice as it came home from the store. I like your version with the tea bags MUCH better!!
ReplyDeleteI linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2010/09/icy-hot-packs-for-my-little-ones.html
--anne
We've made these out of flannel and filled with flax seed. Super easy project for the beginner sewer (kids). I like how you pieced yours together though....they're super cute! I also never thought of adding a tea bag. How long does it last?
ReplyDeleteI'm thing about making a slightly bigger one for the length of my neck. Would it. Work to put a zipper in the end so it can be emptied and washed and the tea bag changed as needed?
ReplyDeleteErika, I have made similar bags large enough to cover my sore abdomen after giving birth. You could make them in almost any reasonable size. For my larger ones, I actually made the bag out of muslin and then made a felt slip cover that I could remove and wash. I've also seen some made from a large tube sock, which would be the prefect size for necks. Good luck and if I can help any more, let me know.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I'm not sure how long the tea will last. I'm hoping for a while since it spends most of the time in the freezer. I had heard from a friend that it helped everything smell better so I decided to try it. I'll be sure to post an update as I experiment. I will say it's a bit strong, and would do half a bag for the smaller rice packs from now on.
ReplyDeleteThey are so adorable, and what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteVery cute. I could have used these when I had my knee surgery. Way better looking than the ones you buy at the store. I hope you can stop by my blog today for my Show Off Sunday Party. I would love for you to share this project with my followers. Thanks :)
ReplyDeletehttp://houseofthriftydecor.blogspot.com/
I've read somewhere that you should put a little bowl of water in the microwave because the herbs could catch in fire as they become dryer. Chai is a great scent thank you for the idea.
ReplyDeleteBrigitte
They are awesome - gotta make me some of them! Thanks for tutorial :)
ReplyDeletewow what a nice idea, they are super cute :-)
ReplyDeleteU should place your 'packs' inside of a sealed Ziploc bag then place in the freezer. if u don't u could b getting moisture in your 'packs' which leads to moldy rice (Not good!lol).
ReplyDelete