SUMMER 2019 NECK COOLERS FOR OUR TROOPS IS NOW CLOSED FOR REGISRATION!

Thank you to all of our Angels who have participated.

Summer Neck Cooler Project

Hello Angels....

It's time to bring some relief to our deployed Troops during the hot summer months. Our annual Neck Cooler Project is kicking off and we need Angels who can sew. One thing we know for sure is that our Neck Coolers have been very popular by our Troops! Check out this special sewing project and feel free to share with fellow seamstresses! All are welcome!

To help you get started, please check out our links, directions, and resource suggestions. Check them out and see which one works best for you.

RESOURCES FOR OUR PROJECT:

1) Check out this YouTube video for easy to follow visual instructions.
DIY Neck Cooler

2) Directions that may be helpful:

Needed for 8 coolers:
1 yd 100% cotton fabric (at LEAST 42" wide)
prewash the fabric to remove any sizing
1/2 - 1 tsp polymer granules per cooler
sewing machine or serger
Helpful: rotary cutter and mat (makes for quick cutting)

1. Cut or tear strips 41/2" wide by the fabric width (selvedge to selvedge). I usually use 45" wide fab, so I just cut them the width of the fabric -- 45" should be the max.
NOTE: If your fabric is too wide (or not wide enough), purchase 1 1/4 yards and cut in the direction of the selvedge (from top to bottom)
instead.

2. Fold in half, right sides together, on the long edge.

3. Sew/serge the long seam and turn. Iron. As shown above, the seam has been placed in the center back, rather than at the edge. Now you have a tube about 2" wide and 40 - 45" long.

4. Mark the center of the long edge and stitch across it.

5. Drop in a scant 1/8 tsp of crystals on each side of the seam.
NOTE: This pattern tested with Watersorb® crystals. Make a test tie with the brand you're using to be sure this isn't too much/too little after it's soaked.

6. Mark 4 1/2" from the center seam and seam again. Now there are 2 pockets with crystals.

7. Drop in another scant 1/8 tsp of in both sides and seam like before (41/2 inches from the first set of seams). You should have a total of 4 pockets.
NOTE: Some people make 2 pockets that are 9"/10" each, and some make just one 18" pocket. For longer pockets, adjust the quantity of granules accordingly.

8. Serge ends (or fold in raw edges and sew across) to finish.

3) Additional Links for Instructions:

http://www.watercrystals.com/nscarf0704.htm
http://www.p2designs.com/ShipCooler.htm

4) Polymer Crystal Sources Available on Amazon:

Soil Moist

1 LB Water absorbing crystal,polymer

Miracle-Gro Water Storing Crystals, 12-Ounce

5) Material Resources: See samples of neck coolers created by previous Angels below for fabric options.

Hobby Lobby has some suitable fabrics for our project. They have coupons you can print for online and in store savings!

Be sure to check out JoAnn Fabrics, too! They have coupons as well!

5) Directions for Using Neck Coolers. Please include a care label.

immerse in cold water approx 60 min, until crystals
become gel
tie around head or neck
regenerate by soaking 1-3 minutes
do not freeze
dehydrate to store
hand wash only, mild soap
ties can be heated (briefly) in a microwave. Take
care when removing as they will be extremely hot!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE & PROJECT GUIDELINES:

100% Cotton fabric should be used. Camouflage, tan, sand colored fabrics are best to preserve the safety of our Troops.
All "Neck Coolers" will be shipped to me in the states via USPSI I will include them in my summer boxes to the Troops along with any special message you may have for the Troops.
Deadline for receipt of "Neck Coolers" is Friday June 28th or sooner. A newsletter with shipping information will be sent to you shortly after your registration to our project.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I'm looking forward to working with you and thank you for considering this special Angel Project!