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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Happy Hand Warmers

Happy ❤️ Hand Warmers 
©OwlTellYouSew


I have been pondering ideas for easy, handmade items that would make great gifts, and that I could make in bulk in a short amount of time. Bingo! 

I found this cute tutorial on Pinterest and thought it would make a great gift for my Mom. She is always cold, loves to walk outside, and is always looking for the microwave! She could throw these little warmers in before going out for a walk and be all set. PS. We Live in Michigan....It's freezing.

Here is what you need:

Rice 
Fabric Squares
Sewing Machine
Pinking Shears
Thread

We have a membership to Costco; so we have a HUGE bag of organic, brown rice that could feed a family of 100 people. Not kidding! Don't you ever wish Costco wasn't bulk, but still had great prices? I mean who needs that much rice anyways? *Read more about types of rice-filling at the end of this post.

The fabric I am using is called Hugs n' Kisses by Red Rooster Fabrics. They are perfect squares, that could easily be cut and matched up to make a perfect pair.
It's sew pretty!

I really love the warm blues, pinks and greys...with a homey-outdoor theme. I found this fat quarter at the local quilt shoppe for less than a $1, and I figured I could make at least 8 sets of two for friends and family. I usually never go to the fabric store knowing what I want, it's always random! Like this patchwork fabric, I didn't know it would make the perfect hand warmers?!? You never know when inspiration will hit. 

Step 1-
Cut out two squares and place the wrong sides together. "Pretty side up" and sew 1/4 seam around the outside. Remember to leave an opening to add the rice.

Remember to back-stitch at the beginning and end to secure the opening. You can see I left a 1.5" opening at the top of this pouch. 

Step 2-
Use something to fill the pouch with rice, about 3/4 full. I just grabbed some paper and used it as a funnel. 


Once you have the rice filled, pin the opening and sew it closed using the same 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 3-
Grab your pinking shears and trim around the edges to prevent fraying. 


That's it!

Once you are finished with both hand-warmers, find something cute to use for wrapping. Print off the FREE instructions and use it as a label for your perfect warm and cuddly, Happy Hand Warmers. 


If you zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, you will be able to enjoy these little babies for at least 30 minutes! This would make a great beginner project, or something you could do with your children to make as gifts to help Mom stay warm this winter. 

I have used organic, brown, long grain rice to fill my pouches. Don't use instant rice...and look for long grain.

I've done a bit of research for these heated pouches, and people have used corn, beans, and even flax seeds!? You could add a touch of lavender or essential oils for a scented version. Sometimes the scent can be super powerful and overwhelming. Unless of course...you placed in a sock drawer or something? The possibilities are endless, just have fun! 

Thank you - Enjoy!
XO


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