Wednesday 17 December 2014

Quick and Easy Stocking Fillers








I got this fab idea from Kristie on her lovely Blog, her instructions are at http://journeynorthof49.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/simpleton-sewing.html  I used to have a wheat heat bag but I had never heard of them being made with rice.  I decided to make mine smaller, 6  inches square made from scraps, some old jeans and fabric leftover from making a blind, both of which are nice and strong fabrics.  Sew around the sides leaving a small gap for filling then turn the right way out.  I then sewed around the edges again to make them extra strong.  They were then filled to about 2/3rds with supermarket basic range rice, then the gap machined up. I kept my bags plain but you could add a bit of embellishment if you wish.











All you need to do is pop it in the microwave for 1 minute to make them lovely and warm.  They are just the right size for hand warmers or I find them really good as little heat pads that can be put under my clothes onto aching muscles and joints.  Bliss.

I have made several for my family as stocking fillers.  Thank you to Kristie for the lovely idea.

Chickpea xx

Welcome to Rebecca, Chel and Ariel :)

15 comments:

  1. What a simple and most clever idea. Well done to Kirstie and well done to you, they look a real treat.

    Jean
    x

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  2. Lovely idea, your fabric is gorgeous. Handmade is always a special gift.

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  3. Lovely! I wonder if you could ask Santa to put one in my stocking? Have a nice rest of the week. x

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  4. Oo I love this idea. Thats just what I need. Does it need to go in the microwave with some water like my old wheat bag. I read the wheat ones can explode. Thanks x

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  5. What a great idea as a stocking filler! Happy Christmas! xx

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  6. These are so wonderful.

    cheers, parsnip

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  7. those are so cute, love that they are pocket sized x

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  8. Very cute :) I don't have a microwave, so I have to warm seeds / rice / beans in the oven and then pop them in a bag before velcroing closed.

    Wonderful gift idea :)

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  9. I went over top read the original and am impressed, I am going to try to make a large square, I may divide it into quarters, and use on my hip and knee when they play up. I t will mean filling from 4 sides but that way the rice will stay evenly distributed. Great idea, thank you for sharing.

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  10. Haha I will have a word with Santa Christina :)

    I can't find anything that says it has to be with water hazzy.

    Happy Xmas to you Amy xx


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  11. What a great idea and they look fab. I must have missed that post of Kristie's because I follow her too, so glad to have seen it on yours. Does the rice not degrade after heating? Can you keep on using it? CT x

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  12. I suppose it would degrade after a while C.T., so you would either empty the bag and replace the rice or just make another bag. You can also freeze them apparently and add essential oils. :)

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  13. I like your variation on my rice bags! It was a great idea to make them pocket sized. You were also smarter than me. You used sturdy fabric. I worry sometimes that my flannel ones are going to get a hole in them, and what a mess that would be. :-)

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  14. Thank you for the idea Kristie x

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