Funny you should mention this, I'm making several today for gifts for my MIL neighbors. They've invited me to their "Girls Holiday Party". I make mine about 4" wide (finished) by WOF with a 45 degree angle at the ends so it looks like a scarf when draped around then neck. I also sew channels across about 3 1/2" apart to keep the rice from bunching up. I've already made several as gifts for people and they always are appreciative. Thanks for the heads up on the flannel though, I was going to try making some from flannel and didn't even think about it having a problem in the microwave.