Directions to Make a Neck Cooler

If you keep your neck cool, it'll help you feel cooler all over. So here are some instructions for you to make your very own reusable neck cooler.
Read over all the directions before you start. (See picture below.)
If you are going to make a quanity of them see the 10/12/05 post.

1. Start with a piece of prewashed cotton fabric that measures 4 1/2" wide by 44 1/2" long. The ends can be tapered and rounded off a bit.

2. Make a 1/4" seam along the length of both sides and ends, pressing it with an iron, then fold the whole thing in half meeting your seams and press it in place with the iron.

3. Starting at one of the tapered ends, sew down 13" to the middle, and then across the width twice. Do the same from the other end.

4. You will have created one long pocket in the center. Start sewing from where you ended off. Before you close it off, put a rounded 1/2 teaspoon of Schultz Moisture Plus Watering Crystals (or equivalent) found in the plant and garden section, into this center pocket you have created. Stitch back over the entire length of the "pocket" so it has been double stitched closed.

To use your neck cooler: Soak just the center section in cool water for 5 minutes or so. This will turn the crystals into a gel. Gently blot off the excess water. You can squish the gel evenly over this center section. Place the gel part around the back of your neck and loosely tie the dry ends. (or a snap or velcro could be placed where you want them to meet)
If you're going to reuse it again soon and want it cold you can put it in the refrigerator. DO NOT FREEZE. Allow it to air dry and the crystals will reform. Use it over and over again!

To clean: Wash by hand in slightly soapy water, rinse, blot, and allow to air dry.