Making Your Own Rice Sock Buddy

With the Arctic Blast on its way, I thought it was about time to make another Rice Sock Buddy.

I first saw the idea of a Rice Sock Buddy on the old Home & Family show several years ago. The idea is, you take a new tube sock, fill it with dry uncooked rice, and sew up the top.

To use it, you zap it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until it’s warm enough for you.  Then hug it, and enjoy the portable warmth.  No batteries, no cords, no electro magnetic fields.

I have been using mine like crazy this winter!  I zap it to toasty warm and carry it with me when I go to put deer corn out or get in the mail.  I have another one warmed up for Mr. Man when he comes in from the cold.  They just feel heavenly against a frozen face or *nose*.

I keep it in my lap sometimes, carry it around the house like a little baby, or even put it under the covers with me.  It’s like having a faux pet in your lap while you watch TV!  And it is especially good at keeping my fingers from turning into icicles.

So, having made these out of tube socks in the past, I decided to go whole hog this time and make one out of fabric.

I wasn’t sure I had any cotton or linen fabric.  Not that I don’t have an embarrassingly large fabric stash, especially for someone who doesn’t sew anymore.  But I’m an old Stretch-and-Sewer, so most all of my fabric is knit.  Thankfully, I found some woven in there after all, so made this cute little guy.  Ooh, pretty!  Maybe I will use knit fabric next time.  Wouldn’t one made outa fleece be delicious?

Now if you’re making it out of fabric, of course, the size is up to you.  The tube sock isn’t the most attractive thing in the world, but it works really well.  In fact, after awhile it gets kind of floppy, which is perfect for tucking around your shoulders or neck for some extra TLC.  So really, it has its place, too. I like to knead mine.

Now, I have also used flaxseed instead of rice, and have found that the rice gets and stays hotter.  But I guess it’s just which you want to smell.  I’ve never wanted one with lavender added, but you may.  Me, I just use cheap rice.

And I have truly used mine so much lately that I don’t know how one manages without one!  And even for one who doesn’t want to ever sew again, it really is easy.

Just use a funnel and fill up a new tube sock with cheap rice, secure with pins, and sew across the end. In fact, I sew 3 seams across the end, just because the thought of a busted seam and rice going everywhere is just too crazy for me to cope with. So why not 3 seams for a little peace of mind.

So, I hope you try making your own little bit of warmth and comfort.  With the temperatures headed for single digits this week, you may be really happy you did.

XOXO,
Lucky Dog
♥