Heating Hug

Continuing the theme of handmade gift ideas here is one of my favorites.  Years ago my dad bought a handmade heating pad from a fellow firefighters daughter.   I ditched the corded heating pads long ago for this feed corn filled miracle healer.  It was heavy and provided just the right amount of pressure for any ailment.  I love the fact that you can make this any size you need.  Large for backs and hips or small for pocket warmer, elbows and knees.  Another gift everyone in the family received last year along with personalized photo canvases and photo canvas ornaments.

Supplies:
fabric
sewing machine
filler (barley, feed corn, or rice)

• First you’ll need to create the pocket.  Trim a piece of fabric to double the size of your final heating hug. Fold in half, wrong side to wrong side.  Sew along all 3 edges leaving about 2 inches at the end to flip right side and fill.  Make sure to use short stitches so the filling won’t fall out.  A zigzag stitch is the best.  A serged edge is even better.
• Insert a funnel or paper cone into the opening.  Pour your desired filling inside.
• Close up the hole by hand or  machine stitch.

Tips: 

Add essential oils for a therapeutic effect.

Create a muslin liner to hold your filling and cover with a permanent or removable decorative cover.  This is how my original one was made and it has stood up to 20 years or so of use so far.