3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Microwaveable Mink Neck Warmer

Microwaveable Mink Neck Warmer
After reading wrique's excellent instructable  on making mitten warmers, I decided to try making a neck warmer.  I wanted something that could be microwaved and then sit around the neck, to keep someone warm during cold winter walks.  I came up with a design that was very popular with my girlfriend, and my mother asked me to make her one too.  The second time around, I took pictures of the process so that I could make this instructable.  Here is what you'll need to make your own!

Materials:

* Scissors
* A thin, round-ended dowel
* Paper and tape (optional)
* Some kind of soft fabric (a square yard should be plenty)
* Small scraps of a second fabric for the front of the ears (technically optional, could use same fabric)
* Sewing machine with thread, sewing pins
* Needle, thicker thread for embroidering face
* Two roughly brick-sized packages of red beans (sorry, I forget the exact size)
 
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1Blank Step

I don't like how instructables puts the first step on the same page as the into, so this is blank.  Go to step 2.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
9 comments
Dec 26, 2011. 3:43 AMMissCatsMeow says:
so clever!
Mar 18, 2011. 7:32 AMHollyMann says:
Very cute! I have been making rice pack warmers for a while now! I love them in the winter - and my son does too. This is very cute!
Jan 26, 2011. 7:27 PMdrewSaysGoVeg says:
Neat idea! And far kinder than a real mink scarf. :)
Jan 25, 2011. 7:42 PMWayneBuckhanan says:
Great twist on the standard warmers.
The kids will be clamoring for these if I let them see this i'ble!

Re: Microwave times.

Longer microwave times shouldn't hurt the beans, but might hurt the wearer.

We started with similar, but not nearly as fun shaped, rice filled warmers. The original one came with a warning to never microwave more than 80-90 seconds. The terry cloth covering helped to keep the hot rice slightly distanced from the skin but they had big burn potential if over cooked.

We also have larger cotton clad "corn cuddlers" filled with about a quart of field corn. When they are new they get really hot after 90 seconds on high. As they age, they take more time (2+ minutes) in the microwave to come out a reasonable temperature (I'm assuming from the corn drying further with age and continued microwaving).

The point is, start with a short time and check it before wrapping a potentially scalding tube of fire around your neck!

You can always stick it back in the microwave for another cycle before heading out for a walk, but it'd suck if you had to delay a walk while the critter cooled down.
Jan 24, 2011. 4:20 PMChrysN says:
Cute!
Jan 24, 2011. 11:04 AMjessyratfink says:
This is adorable! Great job!

I too agree a little tail add-on would be excellent. :D
Jan 23, 2011. 10:56 PMCrLz says:
Nice design. Good tip on the red beans!
Jan 23, 2011. 8:29 PMaeray says:
Excellent work. A bushy tail would be a good addition, now that I think about the original configuration of some of the "family" stoles (inherited) that are semi-repulsively moth eaten, but "can't be disposed of". Googly eyes would be appropriate as well (we aren't a very classy family).

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
15
Followers
8
Author:thegnome54