It's my birthday so my gift to myself is to relax for a few hours and make a tutorial that I've been wanting to share for a couple of years. We're used to the scorching heat here in Arizona but I know a lot of states are being hit by record high temps right now so this might help those of you who live in other places.
If you need to be outside in the heat or if you don't have a/c in your car (something we've been dealing with here) then this little neck chiller is an absolute life saver. The cold and moisture on your neck just makes everything else feel better. I'm sure there's a medical reason for it but I don't really need the details, I just need the relief.
Take a piece of fabric 11" x 15" inches and cut one piece 8" wide. With the rest cut two pieces 3.5" wide each.
On the big piece hem each long edge by folding under 1/4" twice and pressing. Stitch each hem. Fold the neck ties in half, right sides together, and sew the sides and one end using 1/4" seam allowance. Clip the corners and turn right side out (this is a good time to use the corner tool from my last tutorial). Press well.
Pin the neck ties on the right side of the main piece about 1/4" from the top edge. I've outlined the ties on this picture to show the details (the raw edges of the ties will be pinned to the raw edge of the main piece).
Fold the top edge (including the ties) over 1 3/4". Repeat this step so you're basically rolling the main fabric up with the ties inside of it. Move your pins so they go through all the layers now.
Sew across each end using 1/4" seam allowance. You'll sew through all the layers, including the ends of your neck ties.
Now flip your whole neck chiller right side out and open the folds completely. Fill with enough ice to just run the length of the inside.
Fold back up and give it a couple of gently shakes to settle the ice evenly inside.
Wrap around your neck and tie in front and you're oh so cool now! They layers of fabric will absorb the water as the ice melts and keep you comfortable for a long time. Just re-fill it throughout the day and you'll have an easier time with the heat.
These make great gifts especially right now when people are really feeling the effects of the high temperatures. My heart really goes out to everyone who lives in places where you're just not set up to handle the heat and not used to having to deal with it. I hope this helps! (I'll have a printable pdf up here soon!)
