Keeping Cool

My three oldest boys (Taylor, Carter and Jackson) are going sports camp every afternoon this week. It's just like the $5 art camp they went to a couple of weeks ago. With temperatures reaching the upper 90's plus humidity, I've been worried for them. So over the weekend I sewed a few neck coolers (a.k.a. "cooler ties") for them to wear to stay cool.

They are sewn with "pockets" and the pockets are filled with watering crystals (I used Schultz Moisture Plus, found at Home Depot for $8), which after soaking in water, absorbs the water and turns into a gel, like a disposable diaper.

I made one at first to test the amount of watering crystals. I used too much the first time (1/2 tsp. per pocket). It kind of looked like fat sausage links. This is Mason modeling the first neck cooler:


And then I made three more (Mason wanted one of his own) with about 1/4 tsp. per pocket.

This is the "Mom-I-have-to-go-to-the-bathroom" look.

I made these just in time, too, because all of next week Taylor and Carter are attending an all-day cub scout day camp. Last year it was the hottest week of the summer.

(A few notes: The neck coolers retain the water very well. They are still cold and wet after several days. And they are re-usable. Just dry them out and dehydrate to store. You just soak them to rejuvenate them, even if they are still moist and haven't dried out completely. If you use the watering crystals they suggest in the tutorial, they say you can also heat the neck cooler in the microwave after it's been soaked. I haven't tried it yet with my brand.)

Comments

laura capello said…
ooooo! very cool!

tee hee. that had a double meaning.
beki said…
Hmm, I think I need to make Matt one of these to use during football practice.
Anonymous said…
My mom's church group made them to send to Iraq. I just wish they'd had those when I was a kid at camp. :)
Anonymous said…
90's with humidity... girl welcome to my world!!! That is normal for here.
I had Coleman move his herb container out of the sun.... his basil was so sad and having a horrible time "recovering" from the heat... looking out now, they are looking perky again!
African Kelli said…
you are so darned smart! that is a great summer project. love it!
Berber said…
Good Mom! What a wonderful idea!
Anonymous said…
wow, i've never heard of those before - interesting! i'm sure my kids wouldn't keep them on, though!
Zoe said…
cool project! I found your blog via Kirsten's! I am so happy to see that you have your one little girl! I have three boys myself and I hope to one day get a little girl!
Anonymous said…
how clever. i think i need to make a few of these
Heidijayhawk said…
brilliant darling. simply. brilliant.
Anonymous said…
What a good mom you are for making those!
Anonymous said…
What a great idea!
Me and Him said…
Very Cool!

Love the many faces of Mason.
FinnyKnits said…
I wonder if those would be at all inappropriate for my dog?

She likes to cook herself in the hot sun and it concerns me.
Unknown said…
Ok, it's me again, not Logger.

Those coolies are amazing!!! We use them all the time for geocaching/hiking. If they get warm we just dip them in the nearest creek or lake and they are good to go again.

I couldn't see the photos, but I'm sure they are awesome!!!! (dial-up)

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