Keeping your cool

One of the things we have discovered around here is that we are not getting any younger, and that working on the computer can produce some weird aches and pains.

Last summer, my daughter developed a problem with her shoulder which was classed a repetitive strain injury. She needed physiotherapy and part of her healing involved having to ice her shoulder for 20 minutes at a time all day long. It's not so easy to do. The ice pack kept slipping. So, Mamma to the rescue.

Measure the flannel

I made her a cold quilt. I also made her college room mate a cold quilt. Then, I developed an RSI from sewing :-( Then I made myself a cold quilt.It's easy. Here's how:
Find some reusable hot/cold gel packs.

Mine are from Shoppers Drug Mart and measure 5" wide by 10" tall. The long cold quilt (for shoulders/back) uses four of these. The smaller headache version uses two or three.

Measure some good-quality flannel two accommodate your cold packs.

Make a pocket

You will need two pieces.
With right sides together, sew the two short, and one long sides together. Turn right side out. pressing out corners.
Measure the width of the cold pack, and the top stitch a pocket for each one.
Slip the cold pack into the pocket. Slip stitch the pocket closed, encasing the cold pack.
Place in the freezer.
I store ours in a plastic bin so I know where they are.

The big challenge is making sure they go back in the freezer so they are ready to soothe aches and pains. The flannel is soft and feels weirdly comfortable, even when cold.
If you need to wash your cold quilt, you can do so by hand in warm soapy water, and allow to dry outside completely on the line or clothes drying rack.

Slip the gel packs into the pockets