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From: Dutchdebi
Date: 10-14-2003, 01:35 AM (1 of 46)
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Hi , I was wondering if I could use fleece to make rice heating bags (the kind for sore necks etc.)? I wasn't sure if it would be okay in the microwave. Any ideas? Thanks in advance Deb "Quilters make great comforters."
-author unknown |
User: Dutchdebi
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 12 
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From: maps
Date: 10-14-2003, 05:31 AM (2 of 46)
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hey deb, i'm not sure about that one, all of mine are made out of a heavy cotton, i'll be glad to hear the answers on that one!
Marge
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User: maps
Member since: 06-18-2003 Total posts: 152 
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From: dmoses
Date: 10-14-2003, 08:06 AM (3 of 46)
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I don't think that I would put fleece in a microwave. I suppose you could make them out of a plain cotton material, and then make a fleece 'sham' for the rice bag, to put it in after it has been heated... Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: sewnfrenzy
Date: 10-14-2003, 09:55 AM (4 of 46)
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I agree with Donna, I wouldn't put the fleece in the microwave. I'd make a removeable fleece cover for it so you take it off for the microwave. Trish 
So much Fabric, so little time.
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User: sewnfrenzy
Member since: 11-06-2001 Total posts: 39 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 10-14-2003, 12:45 PM (5 of 46)
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The microwave will probably harden the nylon fibers of which fleece is made. Like the other girls said, if you want to make a removable fleece cover to put on after you heat the rice bag. Otherwise, I would just go with 100% cotton for the actual bag that holds the rice, deer corn, or whatever you decide to use. By the way, I read on another board a couple of posts advising the use of buckwheat hulls in the heating bags. Not a good idea, the buckwheat hulls are kinda dirty. I have a couple of those buckwheat pillows that were supposedly so great for people with neck problems. They are absolutely terrible and dirty looking after about a year of infrequent use. They also give off a lot of dust. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-15-2003, 12:31 AM (6 of 46)
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I've a fancy to try making some of these as gifts - can you put lavender in them, will that microwave or should you just keep that for herb pillows?
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Dutchdebi
Date: 10-15-2003, 11:54 PM (7 of 46)
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Thank you all for you answers. I think I will not try the fleece for the bags after all. I have very painful Degenerative disk disease in my cervical spine, and I have to rely on heat for comfort frequently. What I do is put the heating bag on my neck and secure it with my fleece scarf. This keeps the heat in very well, and I can actually walk aorund the house while I am cooking(LOL) I would like to hear the answer to Magot's question about lavendar though. When you use the corn, is it the cracked corn that sells in pet food department? Thanks again. Deb "Quilters make great comforters."
-author unknown |
User: Dutchdebi
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 12
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From: plrlegal
Date: 10-16-2003, 02:34 PM (8 of 46)
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Deb it's the feed corn that hunter put out for deer when deer hunting. I understand that Wal-Mart carries it. I have one rice bag that was given to me by one of my sisters that I have been using for over a year now and it still works great. I mentioned the deer corn because I understand that it holds the heat longer than the rice does. I also have a back problem and often heat my rice bag and sit with it on my low back when I sew. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 10-17-2003, 07:36 PM (9 of 46)
| Today I saw these bags for sale covered in fleece with both microwave and regular oven heating instructions. There was no fiber content listed for the covers, which were not removeable. The things cost $20 a piece, were about 3x9, included herbs. I couldn't tell by feel what the filling was but it felt small and round through the thick, fuzzy cover. It didn't occur to me to write down the manufacturer's name but I think I'll do it when I see them again to ask about fiber content and heating safety. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: lara m
Date: 11-01-2003, 08:12 PM (10 of 46)
| I made one for myself and used brown rice. The bag, I used flannel. I love it and want to make more. I have ow back pain as well. |
User: lara m
Member since: 05-06-2003 Total posts: 65 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 11-02-2003, 06:18 PM (11 of 46)
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I was at a Craft Fair yesterday and there was a lady there selling them. She fills her's with flax. She says that rice and beans tend to get weevels(sp?). I have one that I bought in the mall like six or seven years ago it is filled with flax and herbs. It still smells as good as the day I bought it. When I was in Germany in labor with daughter #2 they used bags filled with cherry pits to put on my back. They hold the heat wonderfully. Better than my flax one and the the pits come with a built in scent. You can't beat that! I ma gonna do a search for cherry pits right now will let ya'll know what i find. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 11-03-2003, 08:00 PM (12 of 46)
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That's interesting about flax seeds and I can't wait to hear what you find on cherry pits. I never have weevils since I put my flour, rice, etc. in the freezer. Whenever there is extra room I tuck them in there, then store them in the cabinet when the freezer fills up. I would guess that putting the rice bags in the freezer occasionally would kill any weevil eggs. I wonder how rice bags do as cold packs? |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 11-03-2003, 08:25 PM (13 of 46)
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I did a search and found this: http://www.cherrypitstore.com/ I wrote and asked if their pits still have the cherry scent since they say they clean them real well. Will let ya'll know what they write back. If there is anyone in the San Antonio area who would be interested in going in on an order with me let me know. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 11-03-2003, 08:54 PM (14 of 46)
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I do believe that this is the fastest reply I have ever gotten from a company. Less than 30min. and I have my answer. This is what they said: Yes they do still have some cherry smell. It's a pleasant cherry almond scent. There's oil in the seed inside the pit so it lasts through all the washing and heating. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 11-03-2003, 09:39 PM (15 of 46)
| I don't see any info about shipping charges, do you know what they are? |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 11-04-2003, 10:54 AM (16 of 46)
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I just now ordered 4 lbs. of the cherry pits and the shipping is $6.67 for UPS Ground. The shipping charges are the only bad thing about internet ordering vs. buying in a store. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 11-04-2003, 12:39 PM (17 of 46)
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I just went through a pretend order to find out shipping. I do this all the time it is easier than searching the site. You just fill out everything like you were gonna order and then right before it asks for your payment it will tell you the total including shipping. I f you like the price finish the order if you don't just click the X or cancel and your order will never go through.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-05-2003, 02:18 PM (18 of 46)
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Just seen a Lakeland catalog where they sell hot bags made of velour filled with organic wheat and lavender, microwave for a couple of minutes. Maybe I'll give it a go - I'll let you know how I get on.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 11-09-2003, 08:54 PM (19 of 46)
| I made some of those bags a couple of years ago and used wheat in mine. I used fannel, but suggest if you are going to use fleece perphaps you should nuke a piece a few times to see what happens. The wheat did give off a odor at first. Also have seen bags made in different shapes and lenths depending on what part of the body you were using them for. The stitching on mine started to give away after a couple of years of use and had to go back and restitch in some areas. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-10-2003, 07:24 AM (20 of 46)
Hi Woodywoodpecker, welcome to Sew Whats New.   I used to live in Calgary about 20 yrs. ago MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: LeWeaver
Date: 11-10-2003, 08:46 PM (21 of 46)
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Hi all. I'm new but thought this was a good place to jump in. I bought a bag with cherry pits as the filling a few years ago at a craft fair and it has never smelled good or bad unless I mist it with water prior to heating. Then it smells kinda bad but goes away with the heat. As far as weevels etc...I would think when you nuke the bag it would kill any critters that may have gotten inside. Mine is made of cotton but the fleece cover sounds good. Think I'll try one of thoses myself. |
User: LeWeaver
Member since: 11-09-2003 Total posts: 12 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-11-2003, 09:26 AM (22 of 46)
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LeWeaver, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 11-11-2003, 11:24 PM (23 of 46)
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I make mine out of washcloths & fingertip towels. The are just the right size for most things & easy to make. If they get dirty I open 1 end dump out the rice & wash. When I refill I ussually add a little more fresh rice because it tends to dry out some. I have also made some small ones (1.5"x 3") out of the scaps from making hair turbans (to put on after the shower). They work well in the freezer for cold packs or heated in pockets as hand warmers. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Lupie Linda
Date: 11-15-2003, 11:30 PM (24 of 46)
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I made some out of rice a few years ago. I used hand towels for the bag (two from a hand towel). There are some adorable handtowels on the market. It is thick enough that it does not burn anyone. Someone mentioned that they used brown rice -- how did that work out? Brown rice goes rancid, and I was worried that it may not have lasted long. My cats hate the smell of the rice heated up. They act scared of the hot pad, I have always wondered why, and if another smell would allow me to give them a hot pad in their bed on a cold morning when they no longer have human heating pads. Grin. Any suggestions? Linda |
User: Lupie Linda
Member since: 08-22-2002 Total posts: 15 |
From: brendalou
Date: 11-16-2003, 01:47 PM (25 of 46)
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I'm going to order some of the cherry pits to see how they do. I personally cannot stand the smell of the rice bags.... I'm also going to walmart to try some of the feed corn. -Brenda ==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 11-17-2003, 03:05 PM (26 of 46)
UPS just dropped off my cherrie pits. I had my bags sewn and ready to go. So I filled one up and threw it in the microwave. It gives off moist heat. I was kind of shocked by that. It smells like I've been baking spritz cookies. Now I want cookies.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-09-2003, 12:24 PM (27 of 46)
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So how did everybodys bags turn out? I made some from cherry pits and some from flax with lavender and eucalyptus to scent them. The flax ones smell so wonderful. I plan to use them for the little ones when they get stuffed up this winter. My son loves the cherry pit ones but I think that is because I made them from leftover Pokemon flannel. I have decided to make mine in different shapes as people ae getting tired of the old rectangles. I sold a triangle one at the last craft fair I did. I' been thinking about other shapes that might work. I am going to make some eyemask shaped ones next.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-09-2003, 01:54 PM (28 of 46)
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Originally posted by Pudge99 So how did everybodys bags turn out? I made some from cherry pits and some from flax with lavender and eucalyptus to scent them. Gina, When you say lavender, do you mean 'oil'? I was searching for something to give lavender scent to something, but couldn't find anything? What did you use, and where did you get it? Thanks! Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-09-2003, 02:29 PM (29 of 46)
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http://www.wildroots.com/default.php/cPath/28_29_170 Here's where I got it. I bought the cheapest stuff they had as they said the only difference between them was color quality. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-09-2003, 02:32 PM (30 of 46)
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Sorry they carry oils too. I bought the lavender flowers. I put a big pinch in each bag so a little goes a long way. I think I bought a 4 oz. bag and it should last me for awhile.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-09-2003, 03:02 PM (31 of 46)
Thanks, Gina.  Another question, or two, or three  ...I take it they are dried flowers...does the item have to be heated to release the scent, and do you have any idea how long the scent would last? Is this something that would have to be used within a certain period of time(unlike our fabric stashes...LOL)
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-09-2003, 03:11 PM (32 of 46)
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I assume they are dried. No you don't need to heat them to get the scent. I could smell them as soon as I opened the door for the UPS guy. I don't know how long the scent will last. I have a heat bag that I bought 5+ years ago and it still has scent. It wasn't made with lavender but other dried herbs. Sorry I can't help you with that question. I can't see why the scent wouldn't last though.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-09-2003, 04:57 PM (33 of 46)
Thanks again, Gina. You've been a great help. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Magot
Date: 12-29-2003, 01:59 PM (34 of 46)
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I finally got round to making my rice bags. I added a small handful of lavender to eack neck pillow and they smell fabulous. Heat for 1- 2 mins and spray with water occasionaly to stop the rice from becoming too dry. I don't know how long the scent will last but it was lavender I harvested from the garden this year.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: KayTee
Date: 12-29-2003, 04:19 PM (35 of 46)
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Pudge99, Speaking of other shapes for rice (or whatever else!) bags, I made some for my kids roughly in the shape of a teddy bear. We called them bed buddies, warmed them up before they went to bed. I made them out of a heavier cotton but the one I'm using for myself right now is made out of flannel. I have trouble with my hands so I also made a shape much like an oven mitt so that I could sit and put my hands in them - works really great. I've tried both the wheat and the rice and much prefer the rice bags. The wheat seemed to have an unpleasant odor to it when it was warmed up. |
User: KayTee
Member since: 12-06-2002 Total posts: 98 |
From: plinko
Date: 12-29-2003, 11:31 PM (36 of 46)
| I made two kinds this year, both with flannel. First, a long neck wrapper using buckwheat hulls, very lightweight, and a square one meant to be sat on, and I used corncobs for it. It was much heavier, and I'm not sure about the smell, it's very corn-y, but corncob nubbets are used for animal bedding so a truckload of this stuff is about two bucks. |
User: plinko
Member since: 08-06-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-07-2004, 08:59 PM (37 of 46)
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Okay, it's been a year since you made your 'therapeutic' bags. How are they holding up with regard to fabrics, fillings, and scents? Have you found that some shapes are better/more versatile than others? I finally bought some supplies to make some...I was thinking about using a 'satiny' polyester(pretty oriental pattern), but am not sure if that would be a wise choice. I wouldn't want a meltdown in the microwave. I tried one out at the mall...a large shoulder wrap(like a large collar)...and it felt wonderful. It had channels sewn into the cotton fabric, and was very heavy, but it felt soooo good!  That particular one contained wheat and flax, and had various herbs in it.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-08-2004, 09:36 AM (38 of 46)
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A year already? My Lavender and Eucalyptus still have their scent and have held up to some pretty heavy use.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-08-2004, 09:58 AM (39 of 46)
Thanks, Gina.  So, I guess the ones with the cherry pits have lost their 'zing'?
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-08-2004, 10:04 AM (40 of 46)
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Actually I don't know for sure. Since I made them from kid fabric they dissapeared. Probably became Barbie bean bag chairs. Will see if I can hunt one down and let you know.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 12-11-2004, 11:34 AM (41 of 46)
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Hi everyone, I was wondering what kinds of fillings were found to be most successful? I'd like to make some as gifts and since I live in the city, finding livestock feed is sometimes a challenge... We don't keep much livestock around town... 
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User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: Magot
Date: 12-11-2004, 01:17 PM (42 of 46)
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The ones with lavender in I gave away so I don't know if they are still smelly. The one I filled with budget rice for DH is still going strong and being used even though some of the shine is worn off the fabric (they were a bit chintzy though not floral for my old boy)
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-12-2004, 10:45 PM (43 of 46)
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I've been using the same rice bags for almost 2 years now and they're still going strong. I've used cherry pits, feed corn and rice and I like the rice the best and the people I've given them to also like the rice the best. Cheap white regular rice. [Not instant -- won't work] Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-13-2004, 07:53 AM (44 of 46)
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Thanks, Patsy. I bought a big bag of rice, and some lavender, and I will make some today!...at last.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-13-2004, 03:44 PM (45 of 46)
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Donna where did you get your dried lavender? Also, Donna, once I get a bag made, I heat it and let it cool at least a couple of times to get some of the moisture out. At first, the bag will feel wet when you heat it. My rice bags still give off moist heat, but not as much as they did at first. By the way, the longest I've ever had to heat one is 2 minutes 35 seconds on high in my microwave. However, remember that microwaves vary in temperature due to their different wattages. My microwave is only 900 watts, so if your microwave has a higher wattage, you'll want to decrease the heating time accordingly. When you get them made, do a test heat so you can advise the person you give it to as to how long they should heat it. My sister in law burned a hole in one I have her. She set the time too long and walked off and left it. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-13-2004, 05:16 PM (46 of 46)
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Thanks for the good advice, Patsy ...I wondered about heating times. I got the lavender flowers here: http://www.wildroots.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Lavender+flowe rs They have lots of interesting stuff. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
|
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