Hand Sewn Hand Warmers!

I've been sewing!  that might not seem like much of a big deal but to me it's quite an achievement.  It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I find it incredibly difficult. So when I saw this little Hand Warmer project over at Cozy Things and the thermometer here was showing -15°, I knew it was the moment to get out my miniscule sewing set, and get busy!

Whilst waiting for some old woolen sweaters to felt, which took a surprisingly  long time, I practiced on some old corduroy material.  After carefully cutting out two rounds, I then used, what I believe is called a running stitch - more of a stumbling uncontrolably stitch in my case, around the edge.  Once turned the right way out my rounds were a little misshapen to say the least!

As my wool sweaters were determined to remain sweaters as long a possible, I reset the washing machine on HOT and decided to continue on with my 'test piece'.   Had to get out my Collins Complete Guide to Needlework and attempt to fathom out the blanket stitch!! - are you starting to get an idea of my sewing abilities.
To my pleasant surprise felted wool is far easier to work with than corduroy.  I employed a slightly different technique to sew my rounds together, by keeping the right sides facing out and doing a sort of invisible stitch.  The work stayed much rounder!! my blanket stitch still needs a bit of practice but all in all I'm very pleased with the result.

each warmer is filled with beans and heated 60-90 seconds in the microwave.

Once heated in my m.i.l's microwave (we don't have one and she lives next door) these little warmers, whether worn inside gloves or used with hands in pockets, should stay warm for the walk to school and back.