It's a Giveaway Kind of Day

Welcome visitors!  This is my first time participating in Sew Mama Sew's bi-annual Giveaway Day.  I'm so glad that you decided to stop by today and visit.

I started my blog almost two years ago as a way to record family happenings and keep a record of my creative endeavors.  Along the way I rediscovered my sewing machine and found out that I love quilting.  I participate in two online quilting bees (one with my daughter) and several blog hops (with Sew We Quilt) each year.  I've also hooked up with Quilts From My Crayon Box and done swaps and round robins with Michele.  I love the positive energy and flexibility of the online quilting community.

I try to sew a little bit every day.  Sometimes its only laying out fabrics for a new project or stitching a single seam, but I feel like I'm always working on ideas in the back of my mind.  While I enjoy piecing quilts and larger projects, I also like smaller projects that give me a mental break.  This year I decided to make hand warmers for all the nieces and nephews (15 of 'em) for Christmas.  We draw names in my family to make gifting easier, but I thought it would be fun to do a little something for everyone.  When I saw this idea for keeping in your pockets on cold days, I knew this was a winner.

I got the idea from Bee in My Bonnet.  I chose this version because she lined hers with flannel.  I feel like this added layer serves two purposes:  first, it acts as an insulator and helps the heat (or cold) last longer; second, it adds a protective layer between my skin & the rice and makes the temperatures more even.

For heat, I throw each pair in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.  They can go in pockets or at the foot of a cold bed a few minutes before you climb in on a cold winter's night.  I keep a pair in the freezer for soothing owies and stiff joints.  I've also been known to spike the rice with lavender buds or essential oils, but I didn't this time since they are for the kids.

I had a blast doing all these.  Sooo, for my giveaway, I'm offering two sets of rice bags.  To enter just leave me a comment telling me your favorite stocking stuffer or last-minute handmade gift.  I'll have my kids draw the winning number on December 13.  I'm willing to ship internationally, so don't let that hold you back.  Also, please make sure you're not a no-reply blogger.  I don't want to have to pass someone by because I can't let them know they've won :)   The giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  My daughter drew #27; I'll be posting details tomorrow.