I made one of those heating pads that you can heat up in the microwave. I cut a design from cotton fabric. Placed and pinned the right sides of the 2 pieces together. Sewed the two pieces together...leaving a small portioned unsewn. Next turn the pieces inside out. The small unsewn opening is where you pour rice, flax seed or spelt into it. I used spelt. Spelt is a grain found in Germany and when heated has an earthy smell to it. It also retains heat and moisture. It's great for an ear ache because of the hint of moisture it produces. Hand stitch or machine stitch the small unsewn opening and presto....you have a heating pad! Place this pad into the microwave for 1 minute and use it for a heating pad or place the pad into a Ziploc plastic bag and put it into the freezer and use it for a cold compress.
After using my new heating pad several times...I thought it would be nice to have a cover for it so I can launder it. I got a little creative and made this cover to go over it. I made it out of fleece and in the back I put a Velcro closure. I now use the original heating pad as an insert for this cover. I put the insert into this cover after heating it in the microwave or cooling it in the freezer.
An apple a day will keep the Doctor away! The great thing about this is that you can make this heating pad into any shape and size. Make it smaller as a 'boo boo buddy' for a child. Kiddies have also been known to cuddle up with this and take this warm pad to bed with them at bedtime. Easy Peasy. ~amy
