These are really easy to make and our troops over in the sandbox love them.  They cost $3-$10 to buy and only 35 cents to 90 cents to make.

"HUGS" Neckties work on the principal of evaporative cooling, there is a pocket sewn into the center of this 45 inch tie that is filled with a polymer (non-toxic gardening crystals). Once the polymer is hydrated, the fabric surface of the necktie draws the moisture from the polymer to the fabric surface, which evaporates resulting in an effective body cooler. Super absorbent polymers hold up to 400 times their density in water. The "HUG" can be refrigerated for a colder tie, or soaked in hot water to make an effective warm compress for sore muscles.  The polymer takes on the temperature of what it is exposed to.  They can be gently microwaved and placed into a Ziploc, then into the pocket as a hand/pocket warmer this winter.

To use a cool tie, soak in water for 15-30 minutes. Please note hot water speeds the hydration process. As the polymer granules absorb the water and begin to expand "squish" them around gently so the polymer spreads out equally along the tube. Please remember, never squeeze tightly, the polymer can be "oozed" out via the material if you do.

Once hydrated, "HUGS" can be stored in a Ziploc bag (but air out daily so it doesn't mildew) or hung to dry. Once dried, they can be re-hydrated again for use over and over. During use, when the cool tie reaches body temperature, simply soak in cold water, place in an ice chest, placed in front of an a/c vent or toss into a refrigerator to cool it off again rapidly.

Cool Ties are lightweight and unbreakable. They are a perfect item for care packages for our troops.  They can be shipped easily, slip one into a greeting card for a useful surprise. Soldiers are using them tied around their necks, and they are also using them as a headband worn under their helmets.   One of my young Marine friends told me, “everyone would love to have two but some guys don’t even have any.  We’ll gratefully use all you can send us”.

There are several different ways to make them and several websites with directions.  Since I don't know which one YOU will like best...I'm sending you all the info I have.  You decide what works best for you and please let us know if you come up with any tips that work great for you.

One lady I was talking with recently says she sometimes finds sheets at garage sales in cami patterns and anything over 200+ thread count should work well to make these.  150+ thread count fabric wears out too fast.

http://www.watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm  

I like the wider size of the Military Pride ties but the above website has polymer you can order (cheaper than Wal-Mart) and it has helpful pictures for people like me who haven't a clue where to start.  I suggest if you use the watersorb pattern, you cut fabric 5" or even 6" wide and use just a bit more crystals.  That way they have more fabric touching their skin.

http://www.p2designs.com/ShipCooler.htm

Good diagram of "hugs" construction
http://www.martinworks.com/hero/hugs.html

I'm sorry for the excessive length of this but when I get excited, I tend to ramble...and, I'M EXCITED.  I told someone that what we're doing to thank our brave service people is making me so happy that I would actually pay for the experience.  My sweet husband, Ray, thinks what we're doing is wonderful, that's one reason I love him so much.  He doesn't even mind that I spend most of my paycheck each month on batteries, vitamins, food, socks, etc. plus postage.  What a guy!!!

I want to thank you once again for sharing in this great endeavor.   My dear Grandmother always paraphrased the Bible when she quoted, "Cast your bread upon the waters and it will come back.....buttered".  I started this project on a Monday and on Thursday my supervisor told me, "out of the blue", that I would be getting a 5% raise retroactive from 1999 to 2000.  What are the chances of something like that happening?  I guess it's really true...my Grandma was right. ;o)  Guess who will be benefiting from the extra money???  It couldn't have come at a better time.

I think you all are going to be blessed for helping, in ways you never dreamed.  And, that is my sincere wish for all of you who are so generously giving back to our Marines and Service People.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

                    Karen

       thehugsproject@cox.net

P.S.  Please feel free to forward or give this information to anyone and everyone you can.  We can always use new "recruits".  This is a great project for a church ladies group, quilting circle, friends, relatives or co-workers at your office.   Please post a little information about what we’re doing on your favorite Internet bulletin boards and feel free to list my email address as thehugsproject(at)cox.net   Please list it just that way as a real person will know how to fix the address so that it works but a info gathering device can’t use my email to spam me.