http://web.archive.org/web/20000516233011/sewing.org/project/rice_bags.html

Possible uses are as:

warmer for knees, ankles, backs and hands
bed warmers
lovies
bread basket warmer to keep food warm or cool

That's a neat idea...thanks for sharing!

These are wonderful! They give off a moist heat that really penetrates. I have one that I made in a long tube for around my neck, I made it long and it stays in place while I sew, on the computer, walking around. I have another that is about 12" square and every 3" I sewed a seam, it makes the rice stay in place and the whole pad will sit up nice on a chair back. I also have some smaller ones that I put into my pockets in the winter when I walk up to get my mail :D

I make tons of these every year. But I use organic raw buckwheat grouts instead for a filler. I go to our local 'Good Food Store' and buy them in bulk. 25 pounds at a time :) The main reasons I use buckwheat is it holds the heat better, it doesn't smell (and we've used a couple bags for years) and the buckwheat seems to hold the shapes better.
I purchased a 'shawl' this year that was filled with buckwheat, cinammon, nutmeg, vanilla beans, allspice, and nutmeg. You warm it in the microwave and place it across your shoulders and back. The dimensions are approx 24 x 24 inches. There are little pockets of the mixture sewn just like a patchwork quilt and it lays flat across your shoulders. The top layer is 100 % cotton and the backing is flannel. It folds up and you can heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, open it and refold it, then add 2 more minutes in the microwave and it is heaven! My dd and I made up a couple of these and there is approx 5 lbs of buckwheat in them.

oh i like the hand warmer idea, i have poor circulation in my hands, and am always trying to keep my hands warm, great idea!

Sondray, I bookmark almost everything you post. What a lot of great info! I've got projects lined up for the next 50 years, maybe more. :P

Leslee, welcome to the club! I bookmark just about every site I visit. Especially the free machine embroidery designs and quilt patterns. It's addicting for sure!

Yes, addicting but fun! And thank you again :lol: These rice bags could be made in oversized animal shapes, or out of those UFO blocks we all seem to have.

I have one of those I made a few years ago. I love it. My husband works nights and I can't sleep with cold feet. My mother-in-law tried it so I had to make one for her and her granddaughter found it and so grandma was making one for her last time I talked to her. ha ha Greatest invention in the world..
Connie

It's that time of year again :-D