This isn't really a crafty, DYI blog, but some friends have asked me how I made the kids' pocket warmers...so here's my first "how-to" post! I did try to take the easy way out by searching Pinterest for a ready-made blog post, but they were all getting pretty fancy with their additional felt between the layers and shapes and measuring and pinning, etc. Oh, how I LOATHE measuring and pinning, and basically any kind of pattern and instructions in general.
So here's my simple, no measure, only use one pin example (not instructions, because you know I don't like those!)
I bought this really cute pack of fat quarters a while back and have been looking for the right project to use them. After the cold walk to take the kiddo to school this morning, I decided THIS was it!
The quarters had been folded in such a way that when opened up (still folded in half) there were eight "back pocket sized" rectangles. Of course, I didn't measure them, but they were about the size of my hand. Cut out two of those rectangles, making sure to cut through both layers of fabric so you end up with two sets that are the same size...
you'll want to make two warmers, so go ahead and cut them both now.
Grab one of those sets of rectangles. Leaving them with wrong sides together, sew around three sides of the rectangle to form a pocket.
Then, trim the fabric pretty close to your stitching all the way around.
Using something you've got handy (like your "fabric only" scissors...you've got those, right?) turn the pocket wrong side out and push your corners out. Be careful not to push so far that you shove your tool all the way through...yes, this did happen the first time! Remember...it doesn't have to be perfect, after all they're going to be hidden away in your pocket!
Now, with your pocket inside-out, sew around the three edges again. Keep as close to the edge as you can without sewing through more than two layers.
Now you should have a pocket that looks like this!
Repeat the process for turning the pocket and pushing out the corners.
Fill your pocket about 2/3 full with rice. Here you can see those beautiful seams you've created that will be forever hidden inside your pocket! :) I decided to make the seams this way because I thought it would likely keep them from fraying longer since the edge is hidden away. Will that really work? I have no clue, but it's easy and it sounds like a good idea!
Now, fold your fabric to the inside. Use your best judgement for how far down to fold it. Keep in mind that you'll need room for the presser foot when it comes time to sew this part shut and your pocket is pretty full of rice. I folded mine down about half an inch.
Pin your pocket closed about 2/3 of the way across. This way you won't have to worry about losing any rice while you're setting your presser foot and helping feed the pocket through.
See? That pin is far enough back that you have some space to sew and it's still keeping all your rice from spilling everywhere!
Sew a line pretty close to the edge of your pocket. Be sure and remove the pin as you get closer, then sew the whole side closed.
Voila! You now have your first pocket warmer! Don't forget to make two...you'll probably want to keep both hands warm on that cold walk!
**Microwaving!
Depending
on the size you end up with...pop these in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. I wouldn't do more than
25 seconds if you're giving them to little hands. My kids don't like
them too hot.**
