rice bags
I know we've discussed making rice bags, but what were the caveats about using certain grains inside? I'm on another list (unrelated to quilting) where they are asking about using flax, corn, etc., and I wanted to give them good info if there's something they shouldn't be using. Thanks!!!
posted by Beth in TN @ 6:05 AM
7 Comments:
At June 4, 2007 at 5:41 PM ,
Bunny in IL said...
Beth, there are any number of sites that give instructions for rice/grain bags. I'm sorry, but I no longer have them bookmarked. I still use the original instructions from the WWQP, but usually make them a little larger. I do remember reading that flax has more oil(?) and was, therefore, considered to be more volatile/flammable. Before I read that, I had tried the flax, but ready didn't care for the aroma (smell!). I have used cherry pits. You can buy them on-line, but they are expensive. I bought some because I needed a gift for someone who had everything and it fit the bill. The aroma is definitely more pleasing than flax! Besides, flax is somewhat expensive. I have never made a bag with corn, but I think some people like to use corn. There was some thought regarding where you buy it - what type of corn, but I can't remember those details. I think people heat it at a certain temp for a certain time in the oven or microwave in order to kill any latent bugs. Frankly, I like the good old rice bags. I use mine all the time. Bunny
At June 4, 2007 at 6:32 PM ,
Beth in TN said...
Bunny, thanks, that's what I needed to know, some were cautioning about using flax but didn't know why to steer clear. I think the smell factor would be enough for me!
At June 4, 2007 at 6:43 PM ,
Beth in TN said...
Bunny, thanks, this is what I needed to know! Some in that group were hesitant to use the flax but weren't sure why to avoid it; I would think the smell factor might deter them. And worth mentioning about the critters in corn, too!!!
At June 4, 2007 at 6:45 PM ,
Sara in Florida said...
Warmy bags:
My GF and I made dozens of bags for Christmas gifts this past year. We used "deer corn". Bought it in 50 lb. bags at a feed supply store. I believe Walmart sells it during deer hunting season, whenever that is.
We used 7 cups of corn to 2 Tablespoons of whole cloves. After the bags are sewn shut, microwave each bag for 2-2 and 1/2 min. on each side to make sure no critters are in them. We did it assembly line fashion in 2 mornings, and made about 30 of them. I think 1 50 lb. bag makes 12-15 of the warmy things, as we called them. Just recently gave one to a neighbor who has neck disc problems, and she thought I was wonderful. Not a cure, but she could lift her arm over her head for the first time in months, as the warmth helped the muscles to relax. The cloves make it smell nice.
My GF said that you don't want to buy the 50 lb. bag of corn more than a day or so before using it, as the corn can get old and have bugs in it. It's cheap, like $4.00 or $4.50 for the 50 lbs.
Sara in Fla.
At June 4, 2007 at 7:07 PM ,
Beth in TN said...
Sara, even more good info! I LOVE the smell of cloves, so that would be an added benefit!!! Thank you!!
At June 4, 2007 at 8:37 PM ,
Jane in NC said...
Beth, my massage therapist has some warming bags that are filled with brown rice. For some reason she preferred that to white rice. I would also recommend making compartments in the bag to keep the contents distributed evenly rather than have it all slide to to the lowest point. I have several neck warmers from several people on the board over the years and I use them often especially after sewing a lot or working at the 'puter. Bye the way, you can always put them in the freezer and use them as a cold pack for a muscle pull. Much better for a new injury than heat.
Jane in NC
At June 5, 2007 at 7:33 AM ,
Beth in TN said...
Jane, I like the compartment idea. Otherwise you might end up with a beanbag kind of thing rather than a nice tubular shape. I wonder if the brown rice might have a better scent??
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