Super Easy Rice Heat Pack

I used to have two microwavable rice packs {great for cramps!} but then we didn’t have a microwave for a while so I tossed ‘em. But now we do have a microwave, and I happened to have some pretty blue flannel damask. So I whipped this up. It’s a really, really easy project as in, so-easy-it’s-probably-an-insult-to-your-intelligence-that-I’m-giving-you-instructions. Nevertheless, here they are!
You need:

• a small amount of flannel
• rice
• the usual {thread, sewing machine}

Step 1: Cut two rectangles of flannel {I find that 9 inches by 6 inches is a good size}.
Step 2: Sew the rectangles together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Don’t sew all the way around. Leave a small opening. Snip the corners then turn the pouch you’ve created right-side out.

Step 3: Use a funnel to fill with dry rice {I used 2 cups}.
Step 4: Sew all around the edges, starting at the opening {fold the opening edges in first}. You can use a contrasting thread color {I used white} or a matching color. This is probably the hardest step simply because you’ve got to move the rice out of the way as you go.

Voila. Just nuke that sucker for 1-3 minutes on high and you’re all set to go!

Sewing Machine Cover

The first project I completed {successfully} with Viggo was a variation of the sewing machine cover tutorial by Sparkle Power. After all, my new love deserves to be cared for and protected from dust. I used one less fabric, and I forgot the second set of ties. But it gets the job done. Viggo is a somewhat awkward shape so it looks a little funny on him. But I don’t think he minds.

Don’t you think he looks cozy in there? 
He did come with a hard cover, but it’s quite large. And I’d like Viggo to actually be able to fit in the nook I’ve reserved for him on my craft desk/shelf combo {picture to come of my work space as soon as I get it clean}.
Now, a question for anybody reading this, when was Viggo made? He’s a White 954 but neither the manual nor Google can tell me when the 954 was manufactured. I’d really like to learn a little bit more about my machine so if you have any leads please leave them in the comments.

An Introduction

The first post on a new blog is always so exciting. But this post seems even more so. I suppose it's because I'm feeling so electrified by my "heliocentric sewing" project. I've had my new-to-me machine, Viggo, for a mere four days and already I've completed two projects {though, one was a FAIL and needs to be done again} and I am about halfway done with another project {a Christmas gift}.

By the way, Viggo is a bad. ass. Seriously. He's a sturdy sonuvagun. I have a theory that the heavier the sewing machine the more reliable it is. Well, Viggo is definitely not a lightweight. I heart him so much, and we've only known each other such a short time. But what we have is magical, special, destined to last.

Anyhow, here's some semi-important information for you:

*This blog is still very much under construction. But as I've already started my 365 days I didn't want to postpone getting started on the writing aspect. So hang in there while I work on design, organization, social media links, getting a button, and whatnot. {But please, in the meantime, there's no reason not to start following this blog.}
*I like swear words. And I will use them on occasion.
*I'm a novice. So if you're new to sewing you'll probably be particularly interested in watching my progress over a year's time. And if you're a seasoned pro I'm sure you'll enjoy giving me your sage advice {or laughing at me - that's fine too}.

Anywho. I guess that's all for now.

Oh, PS, in case you don't already know me...my name is Holly. I also blog on Domestic Dork. <--I fixed the link!