For Christmas, I wanted to make more homemade gifts. I think I did pretty well, and everyone seemed to like their homemade gifts (which is always a fear). Now that the holidays are over, I’m going to share what I made. I couldn’t do it earlier because many friends and family members read the blog.
Hopefully, some of you can find inspiration for future gifts or for yourself (which is really my style – I made one of everything I’m sharing for myself, too).
Today, I’m showing the hot/cold corn bags that I made. These were only created because of my lovely friend, Laura. She wanted to make these as gifts and I decided that I did, too. I made something like 15 or 16 of these for coworkers and friends.
I used a really inexpensive but pretty nubby fabric (the same used on our pillows). I found this fabric months ago, loved the texture, and loved the $2.99/yard price.
You can make these bags any size, which makes this a great project for scraps. I filled an inner bag made out of white fabric with feed corn. The finished size was approximately 12×5 inches. Then, I sewed it shut. The outside cover is a bit larger than the inside pocket and is similar to an envelope pillow. Just hem the ends and sew it, right sides facing. (You can also fill the bag with flaxseed or rice, but I live in the Midwest, so corn it was. Just make sure to use feed corn so it doesn’t pop in the microwave.)
Here are how a few turned out. I also hand monogramed names/initials, which I think turned out nicely.
You can freeze these bags or heat them in the microwave. They feel great draped on your shoulders after a long day.
I added a tag with the following poem that my friend Rebecca and I wrote:
Christmas can be busy,
stressful and quite trying.
But this corn bag will calm you down,
it’s truly stress-defying.
So, warm me up or cool me down.
I’ll sooth your aches and pains.
Here’s to a relaxing new year.
I hope this will keep you sane.
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Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
I have heard of rice but never corn. Very clever! I love the embroidery!
Shanade says
These are so great. I use them too except when I make them I use rice instead.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
The monogramming totally makes them – I love them!
Nicole Peterson says
Oh I love it. Can;t wait till I get my sewing machine. Since I already have joint problems these would be excellent.
christi says
corn, huh? i’ve made rice ones but never tried corn. does it smell like popcorn when you heat it up? adorable bags, btw.
left you a little something something over on my blog.
http://www.greyumbrella.com/2010/01/shout-outs-meme.html
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laurenmakes says
These are awesome! I love the monogramming. Such a nice homemade touch. That makes them so special Kim!
p.s. i’m stealing the idea and your poem for next year, k? 🙂
Leigh says
haha so funny- I was just thinking of making something similar for my mom and sister as v-day gifts. I picked up essential oil this weekend, and found some great scrap fabric. I love your touch of adding the names/initials.
Nick and Cindy says
Oh my gosh, love it! They look fantastic, and I think I could really use one right now!! mmmm, warm.
Adge says
i love my corn heat/cold bags. it is better than using a bag of peas
Freckles Chick says
This Iowa girl LOVES her corn & that includes snuggling up to it on a cold winter’s night.
Then you had to go and majorly rock my world by monogramming them. I almost injured my back all over again. =]
Kelly says
LOVE IT!
longbrakeliving says
Too cute!
I know your family will get a lot of use out of these — I know I would!
Stephanie says
Way cute. Way.
Jen says
Very nice, and thoughtful gift! What a soothing way to relax after shoveling a trillion times so far this winter!! 🙂
Mrs. Adventure says
I love them… I need to make a body pillow size.. lol! I love that you can hand embroider, I want to learn!
Shannon says
You just HAD to go and be awesome and monogram them. I love them and need about 5 to 6 of them. I’m always complaining about something hurting. I’m a joy to live with 🙂 But seriously, that is a pretty sweet gifty.
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Super cute. Love the fabric that you used, and the fact that you can hand embroider. You rock!
Mom says
GREAT IDEA. They really turned out cute. And another good idea to make one for yourself. That’s something that mom always said she wished she would have done when she and Don made all their Christmas gifts. Good job!