I revisited the watersorb.com website looking for information on the heating/warming properties of the polymer crystals (they apparently can be microwaved for heating, I wanted to experiment with potential hand/pocket hand warmers for the coming winter).  They have expanded their cooltie information/patterns considerably, with several informative links, and even have instructions for helmet coolers now!  For anyone interested, check this out:

http://watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm 

Wow, perhaps I can finally post again.   I just wanted to mention that I learned to sew these things and they are very easy.   There is also a yahoo group which promotes sending these overseas.  I found it a good reference for these as well as helmut coolers:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheHugsProject/

bump bump bump...

Bumping this up!  Temps have been reaching triple digits for a while already, I'm sure our heroes are ready for a new supply of cool ties!  I've never made one, but am in the process of trying to fix (and re-learn how to use, after 10 years) my old sewing machine, so I'm finding all of the postings from last year really helpful and inspiring.

Any of you pros have any new tips, new info regarding the Watersorb, anything new at all???

Good bump! 

I'm still sewing, started in February this year, so have been able to make/send more (3,200 sent so far).  The need still exists, the troops are grateful to get them, and I hope there are lots of folks like myself quietly sewing and sending them.

Also, thehugsproject.org has more information, and patterns for other items to sew and send, including helmet liners.

Happy sewing! 

I recommend packing the cool ties in plastic bags for shipping to prevent them from getting wet in case the care package they are shipped in should get wet.  You can get about 20 neatly folded cool ties in a gallon ziplock bag.  Also, it was very humid here the last few days and the cool ties we had completed and left lying out absorbed some moisture from the air and puffed up!   We also tested these ourselves - I was curious to experience their effect - even in humidity, it helped a LOT!  In the dry climates of Iraq and Afghanistan, these cool ties wil work like a charm!

To the lady - SAINT!- who has sewn and shipped 3200 since last year - you make me feel like such a slacker!  We have only done 200 this year and I'm working with a friend who does the sewing after I cut out fabric.  Keep up your excellent work!

 Another bump....

200 is nothing to *sniff* at - that's great, that's 200 soldiers who have benefited from your efforts!

Lilly, you're absolutely right about them absorbing atmospheric moisture!  Last year I left a batch, half-finished, in the room next to my laundry room, did a load of clothes, and was amazed to find, the next morning, the polymer had absorbed moisture! 

I pack each one in a ziploc snack sack (make sure all the air is out of each bag when you seal them), with an instruction paper label, then pack a dozen pack a dozen in a gallon zip bag (again, press air out), and, in a #2 bubble envelope, they are relatively inexpensive to mail, first class parcel, $2.87-$3.21 (depends on what pattern you use, various dimensions call for more or less crystal, I cut mine 4-1/2", make 2  9-1/4" pockets, and put 1/2 slightly to moderate heaping teaspoon in each pocket).  That way, each soldier can grab one and go, and they'll be ready to use when they need it.  I also include a short note of support, and a self-addressed  anysoldier postcard, and ask the contact to return the card if they need more.

As for being a "saint", no, it's the feedback from the soldiers that keep me motivated.  I have gotten so many emails and letters telling me what a godsend these ties have been, so I know they are not only a comfort item, but tactical.  Last year one Captain wrote to me and said heat was the biggest killer, in that it distracted his men and made mistakes more likely, and said the coolties could be considered useful tactical gear because it allowed his men to retain their focus on the mission.  Another team wrote to say their coolties were the first thing they put on when gearing up for missions.

I'm just pleased lots of people are sewing ties.  Thehugsproject.org is approaching 500,000 sewn/sent in two (or three?) years, with chapters in cities all over the country meeting weekly, or monthly, for "sewing bees", which is another great option for helping to get coolties, aka "hugs", to the troops.

Cheers! 

Had to laugh.  Just saw on the QVC website (my first visit as I don't do QVC...lol) that they are selling cool ties "hand made in Australia [obviously better...LOLOLOL...but not 100% cotton...] which retail for two for $30!!!!  QVC price is two for 18.74 + 3.95 shipping and handling...!!!!  LOL  Of course you can chose pretty flowers or butterflies there!  Holy smokes!!!  And we are providing these free instead of raking in big bucks...LOL  I wonder what Australian is laughing all of the way to the bank!  BTW at the very end of the video they throw in a comment about the British government buying them and providing them for all their troops in the Middle East "as you know how hot it gets in Iraq"...  Pat yourselves on the back supporters!  You are doing great!

 FYI, for those of us who don't sew. . . Heat Relief Depot now has them for $1.79 each You can see them by clicking HERE or go to www.heatreliefdepot.com

 Question, for all of the people who are making these and sending them out.  I have literally hundreds of small bubble envelopes.  I don't know if they would work for the cool ties though, because the interior dimensions are only 4 X 7 inches.  Also, you're probably sending out more than one at a time. . . . BUT. . . if you think that this might work for you either for this project or for sending something else to soldiers, I would be happy to send you some.  First come, first serve. . . so if you're interested, please send me an email with your name, address and about how many you would like.  There is no charge.  I will try and remember to remove this part of the posting once they are gone.

 
George
 

 Not trying to change the subject, but I thought that some of the wonderful sewing people on this thread might like this info.  These scarves are something that another organization also makes, and I just wanted to pass along the info just in case anyone might be interested in making some. 

 Made of 100% knit cotton, Sand Scarves are used to protect wearers from the elements of the deserts of the Middle East. They keep sand from nostrils and mouth, and when tucked into the shirt, prevent sand from getting inside clothing.  They are simple to make, but extremely effective.

• Protect face, neck and ears from dust, sand, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, etc.
• Assist with breathing in blowing wind, and protect from sand and other debris
• Good for all weather climates
• Great for sand, desert and wooded environments

Fabric should be 100% cotton knit t-shirt fabric. Sometimes it is a little hard to find 100% cotton knit, but please do not use latex or synthetic blends (90-95% cotton). Synthetic blends could cause burns to the soldier.
•
The fabric often comes rolled on a long cardboard tube and is 60 inches wide. I recommend folding it in half first (selvage to selvage then cut a 14 inch strip). Therefore, the scarf is 60 inches by 14 inches.
•
You don’t need to turn the edges under, merely zigzag (with a regular straight sewing machine), or serge the around edges with a serger sewing machine. The point is to keep the edges from fraying.
•
Because supplies of fabric are not always available in some colors, stay with solid sand color/tan/beige or sage green. Sand is the most popular and normally blends with camouflage uniforms for all services. Army has been the only service that can use the sage green, however the Air Force and Navy has introduced camouflage

My entire unit sends their thanks as well. We received the shipment last night and immediately put the sand scarves to use. It was a blessing being able to work on our aircraft without eating sand. I would have never thought of this resource had you not mentioned it, so again I would like to thank you for all you have done to make life a little easier while we are away from home. On behalf of my unit and myself, we truly appreciate everything you have done for us.

George 

I had this same dilemma about fabric colors, and finally asked a co-worker who had been stationed there.  He said stick with desert cammo - no black, no white - both give too much contrast to the desert and are easily seen by the enemy (as are other bright colors).

We logged on to anysoldier, and he said just use the colors in the background on the Where To Send page.

He did add that he was very familiar with cool ties, and LOVED them.  He said they are like gold, and would sell for upwards of $18 a piece in the PX!  He said his typically lasted about 4-6 weeks of regular use, and he was always ecstatic to get replacement.  I guess you just can't send too many.

He was a combat medic, and he kept them in his cooler on ice.  He said they always found a use for them - even if he received one in Hot Pink fabric, and couldn't "wear" the tie, it went to good use in the cooler for emergencies.

Oh, and he also said that NOTHING stays it's original color for very long over there, anyway.

 

 I was told by my Army Medic friend, YES, it should be 100% cotton for 2 reasons:

#1 - Synthethic fibers melt to the skin if exposed to heat & flame.  Cotton isn't impervious to flame, either, but I believe it takes more exposure with cotton.

#2 - Synthetic blends do not have the same powers of absorption as cotton.  The cotton gets wet, and stays evenly wet, where the blends don't.

I got some 100% cotton broadcloth at Hancock Fabrics in a "boring beige" solid for $1.88/yard this week.  They are all cut and marked, and I plan to stitch them up this week.

There is an on-line distributor of "regulation" cammo print fabric, but I am not sure how heavy/coarse it is for this purpose.  If I can find it again, I will post the link.
 

 Okay, this is the supplier that I found.  I found it in a comment on the Gator Project instructions for cool ties (thegatorproject.org).  He mentioned that 100% cotton desert camo is $1.25/yard and poly blend fabric is available, too.  The comment was just posted May 25, 2008.

Magna Fabrics

www.magnafabrics.com

2600 72nd St

North Bergen, NJ 07047-6449

201-868-4000 

Larry Fink

info@magnafabrics.com

Widget:

I've been looking for 100% cotton desert camo and no luck locally. I see lots of desert camo in blends, and some sites say that's "regulation" fabric. So does the fabric need to be 100% cotton?

I'm anxious to hear what Ginny can share, but she's probably 'quietly sewing' her heart out right now!  My lifetime production total is about a third of what she's completed this year alone.  I'll share what I think I know for now.

My ideal cool tie fabric would be 45" wide lightweight 100% cotton in Digital [Army and/or Marine].  I'd probably pay a finders fee to whoever could lead me to it.  About twice a year, I spend much time searching online [and good ol' fashioned leg work] with no luck.  When I find these patterns on fabric, it's always the same:  If it is 100% cotton, it's a lightweight denim, twill or ripstop; all are too heavy.  If it appears lightweight enough, then it ends up being poly/cotton blend or the infamous 'contents of unknown fibers'.  One company, Cranston Village, is a big supplier to Hobby Lobby & WalMart, and they do have one that comes oh so close to being perfecto, but . . . but . . . the print is 'woodland'.  I'm sure you've all seen it and probably used it, as I have.  I've written to them and suggested that a print like ACU would be such a big hit with the sewing supporters of today's military.  There's probably something in the bigger picture about licensed prints that I have yet to learn, but I'll keep looking.

Moxie, your suggestion to match the colors of the AS background is the easiest and safest way to go!!!!  Last year, I bought a full bolt of $1 yd 'sage color' that looked OK . . . until I got it home . . . blechk!!!  But like you also said, nothing stays it's original color for long, so I will eventually use it.  [I'm a bit anal about this as you can probably tell].

I gave up on trying to find camo.  I have purchased different shades of tan and sand and beige.  I have even purchased small print in brown and tan that would blend.  From what I have learned the cool ties do not stay the original color too long after the first use.  Imagine 120 in the shade, sweat, sandstorms and just plain old dirt.  I don't think it matters as long as it blends in with their uniforms.

It has to be 100% cotton.  The cotton will just burn it doesn't melt like synthetics.  Many of the burn injuries have been complicated by soldiers wearing synthetics that melt into their skin.

If Magna Fabric has the fabric for $1.25/yard, I say go for it!  That is a great price as long as the shipping is reasonable.