- Apr. 8th, 2010 at 10:42 PM
After a lengthy conversation with a very good friend, I have decided to delve into my craft prowess. I will start my saying that I am the epitome of the cliché “Jack of all trades. Master of none”. I have been told by my more gracious family and friends that my “gift” is sight. See, most anything I see I can make. Somehow. I have done many random projects throughout the years and they all turn out well. I have done everything from diaper cakes, to wedding veils, to silver jewelry, then around again. I sew, I solder, I glue, I make, I build… I craft. It helps, and then is mostly to blame, that I was raised by an artist (Mom) and an engineer (Dad). My parents are amazingly supportive people whose only discouraging words were “I think you are capable of more”, so I try harder.
My newest project on the table is a little slice of comfort I like to call Hot Patches. Fundamentally they are simple. Literally they are a life saver. I did not create these wonderful things; I expanded an idea to suit my needs but kept it simple.
More back story… ready?
My son who is in treatments for ALL has had horrible leg pains since before his treatments began. These cramps were actually what helped us reach a diagnosis. Think growing pains on crack! During treatment he experienced what the professionals refer to as bone pain. He was given medication for this but it never really stopped until I rubbed his leg almost raw. He loved the warmth, it soothed the stabbing pain. So, I had a small rice and lavender pillow (real small- like 2”x 3”) that was bought at a local craft festival. I bought it for the base of my neck during a migraine, and for the scent of fresh lavender- I’m a sucker. I heated in the microwave and put it on his leg where he was hurting. It radiated heat for about an hour and he was able to fall asleep. Now, I am no pioneer to this idea, visit any maternity ward worth a shit and they have gym socks full of rice, wheat, barley, etc. ready for all your aches and pains. I just made it comfy.
I was sewing some receiving blankets for my sis and had some left over cotton flannel. I made my first Hot Patch. It was soft, warm, and just the right size, because I made it. I have since then made several, in all different sizes. Some people swear by certain home remedies, I come running with a Hot Patch.
So after recently finishing my degree I find myself with a lot of free time in the evenings after the kiddos go to bed. Why not fill it with random craft projects? I have given myself a mission. I ran to the local fabric store and it was like I won the lottery, all the lightweight flannel was on sale! I picked up tons of different cool patterned fabric and have put it upon myself to make Hot Patched for everyone. I chatted with the Child Life lady and she has decided this is a great project, not only for the Hem/Onc patients but for other places in the hospital. So… off I sew! Buy stock in rice, the Chinese are gonna love me.
I’ll post pics later and let you know how it turns out!
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