Lissa's World

This pattern is what you will use to make your very own microwaveable rice neck soother!
You will need:
a Manilla folder
measuring tape
a pencil

Step 1:
Take a manila folder and, keeping it folded measure 7" up from the bottom of the folder. Make a small mark.
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Step 2:
From the fold of the folder, measure 4 1/2 inches out. Make a small mark.
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Step 3:
Take the two marks and draw an arch to connect the marks.
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Step 4:
From the outside of the arch, measure 4" and make a small mark. Repeat all the way up the arch every couple of inches until you have what looks like a connect the dots of another arch above the first.
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Step 5:
Connect the dots. Cut the inside and outside of the arch out. Unfold the arch to get your pattern!
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These rice soothers retail in the stores for around $20.00. Make it for next to nothing!

Materials:
2 - 20 x 13" fabric rectangles (I used an old pillow case- recycled and free!)
7-10 cups of rice (depending on how full you want the rice soother)
10-15 drops scented essential oil (optional)
fabric pencil

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rice and drops of essential oil scent of your choice. Toss with your hands.
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Step 2:
Place the fabric rectangles one on top of the other, making sure that the side that should show faces each other. You will want to see nothing but the underside of the fabric if you look at either side. Place the Rice Soother Pattern on top of the fabric rectangles and trace with a fabric pencil.
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Step 3:
Pin the inside of the arch so that the fabric stays put. Cut around the arch.
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Step 4:
Sew around 3 of the outside edges of the arch, leaving the 4th side (one of the ends of the arch) open. You will want to sew as close to the edge as possible (1/4" in).

Step 5:
Take the pins out. Take the fabric, and turn it outside in so that the pattern is now showing. Fill the fabric arch with the rice. The amount of rice you add depends on how full you want your rice soother to be. I used 8 1/2 cups of rice for my soother.

Step 6:
Fold the 4th end in to close up the soother and sew the edge. Your homemade microwaveable rice neck soother is complete!
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To use:
Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes to 2 minutes. Place on your neck and enjoy the wonderful heat and aroma. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and relax!