Cool Ties

I think I'm going to try my hand at some of these this Summer. If they work out OK, I'll make some to put in our care packs. It's hot over there and I want to help in way that I can. Our Texas Marines probably have a leg up on dealing with the heat. It was about this hot last Summer here(much cooler this Summer though). Here's the 5 day forecast for Iraq:

Wednesday
105°F (41°C) | 81°F (27°C)

Thursday
110°F (43°C) | 84°F (29°C)

Friday
112°F (44°C) | 86°F (30°C)

Saturday
111°F (44°C) | 87°F (31°C)

Sunday
112°F (44°C) | 87°F (31°C


How to Make a Cool Ties or Bandanas:

There are several ways to make Cool Ties. Cotton fabric will work best, as it has superior wicking properties. Let your imagination be your guide. One method is to take an ordinary bandana and make a Cool Tie by simply folding over the wide edge about an inch or an inch and a half and stitching the "hem" down to create a tube. Complete the bandanas as with the following instructions for the ties:

Materials Needed:
Scissors
Tape measure
Serger/sewing machine
4" strip of fabric 45" long (actual length will depend on personal preference)
Two teaspoons of medium Rainsavers Aqua Crystals


Directions to make this project:

1. Cut one strip of fabric 4" wide from a fabric that is at least 45" wide. If you want to have a bow to tie use a 60" wide fabric.

Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise (the piece should be 4" by 22 1/2"). Mark the fold. This is the center back of the neck band. Open up the fabric and measure and mark 7" on each side of the center back.

2. Fold the fabric right sides together the width of the strip (the piece should now be 2" by 45".) Using a 5/8" seam, stitch between the marks. (There should be 14" stitched--7" on either side of center back.)

3. The tail ends may be rounded or slanted to give a more finished look. Finish the
edges and ends of the rest of the band by serging or turning and stitching. Press.

4.Turn tube right side out and press. At one end of the tube, stitch to close, then double stitch for strength. At this point you should have one end of the tube open.

5. Carefully pour the polymer granules into the tube (about two teaspoons). Stitch
the tube closed. Reinforce with another row of stitching.


To use the cool neck band, soak in water for a 15-20 minutes (hot water speeds the hydration process). As the polymer granules soak up the water "mush" them around so the polymer spreads out equally along the tube. Tie around your neck for a "Cool Band."



TIPS--

The polymer granules are used in gardening soil for water retention. (Use Rainsavers Medium, 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon)

The cool band can be refrigerated so it is more refreshing on a hot day.

It can be soaked in cold water and used over and over.

If too many polymer granules are used in the tube, the polymer will ooze through the fabric tube. Two teaspoons is all that is needed.

Store in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator, or hang dry. The polymer will rehydrate again using instructions in step 6.

SOURCE