Christmas Stockings for Troops

[Georgiapeach]

Iowagal, I'm using the full size pattern from Christmas at Bear's Paw Ranch now, and I haven't enlarged the free pattern on here to that size, so I don't know what percentage it'd be to do that. Oasis posted the measurements for the size I'm using. I would LOVE it if someone who's better at these things than me figure out the % to enlarge the pattern so it'd be the same size as the one in the book!!! Yes, it'd be great if they were all made the same size. If anyone can figure the percentage to enlarge the free pattern and post it I'd be ever so grateful! Thanks!

[SusieQ51]

I don't have a Cool Tie made yet but on several websites, especially the one I mentioned earlier, you will find pictures of them. I guess these have been around for a long time but haven't been talked about much. The whole thing is made from a strip that is 4"x 44" fold and stitched. When I get one finished, I will put a picture where everyone can take a look. Now, that means I better get busy and really make one instead of talking about it.......

[grammy65]

so what is inside of them? My friend had one on the other day and she said it was filled with some kind of little crystal things that expand when you put them in water.

[SusieQ51]

They are basically filled with the same particles as disposable diapers. Only these are the ones used for planting flowers. The crystals absorb about *10 times* their own weight. I am getting ready to do one today. I need to get the crystals and put one together. I also found a pattern for helmet pads. They are made in a circle and appear to be extremely easy.

I was wrong. They absorb *!400 times!* their weight.

[Cathy32078]

For these Stockings are you putting the Hanger Loop on them?

[CindyB]

Good question, Cathy!!!!

The bigger size will make it easier to put the cuff on!!!

I'm going to have to get off my butt and get pictures uploaded of how I make the stocking!

[SusieQ51]

I know this doesn't really belong here so maybe I should start a new post, but here is what I did yesterday. I made the helmet liner and used 1/2 tsp of the crystals. Now, we all know how much 1/2 tsp is but, holy cow, talk about enlarging the little things. When I soaked them in water, the little things grew to be about a full cup or more! (A little too much of the crystals.) So, I made one more and only used 1/4 tsp (you could almost count the crystals.) Much better but maybe not enough. I will be making more today because these are EASY!!!! You use a 7" circle of fabric (2 of course). Put right sides together. Sew around the outside edges with your 1/4" seam. (Leave about 1 1/2 - 2" for turning and putting the crystals through.) Turn it right side out, put in the crystals, sew it shut and you are finished. Soak for about 15-30 minutes. The crystals hold a lot of water. When you first remove it from the water, it is dripping. After it stops dripping, it is nice and cool. When you are finished with it, hang it up. The crystals will dry and return to their normal size. DD came home after being outside with marching band practice and soccer practice in 90+ degree heat and 80% or more humidity. About 1 A.M., she gets really sick with a headache, etc. I gave her one of these things that was still damp. It really helped with her "hottness". (Is that a word?);

[grammy65]

Georgiapeach...do you know where you will be sending the stockings yet? My friend's son's unit is in Afghanistan. Just wondered if you have decided for sure.

[SewSew]

Georgiapeach, count me in. Do we have a cut off date? I will try to enlarge the free pattern since I do not have the book you are using.

SusieQ, thanks for the info on the helmet liners. I work out in the yard almost every day and it is hot and humid. I think I will make one to put under my hat as I work outdoors.

Are we making these to send to the troops also?

Ann

[Georgiapeach]

Sorry, haven't meant to ignore ya'll's questions. Our employee/friend's spouse has been in the hospital ICU for the past month, and he passed away Thursday. Yesterday we went to his funeral. The past month has been extremely difficult for her, as you can imagine, and we have been trying to run the business without her during her absence and have been very short-handed. We haven't had a chance to get all the info finalized about the stockings yet. SharonMamaw's son is stationed in Ft. Stewart, Ga. and he is home on leave right now, but said he would get a contact for us to call when he returns. Also, we have a couple more people we want to talk to about this, as well. So, I don't have a cut-off date for making the stockings yet, either. I've been told that the desert gets very cold at night in the winter, so that may influence what stuffers we use, too, since their needs will be different than they were in Iowagal's stocking project. Like those hand warmers, for instance. I thought since a lot of you were already making stockings, that I'd start this without all the specific details just so we could get a move-on with the sewing part. Please bear with me on this, I hope to have more definite info for you within the next two weeks. It's been absolutely crazy busy at work and hopefully things will ease up soon! Oh about the stocking loops, I've been putting them on mine, but I'm going to leave that up to ya'll to do as you please. Thanks ladies, I appreciate your patience with me on this.