Cashmere Pocket Hand Warmers

Felting old wool sweaters you aren't going to be wearing anymore is a great way to recycle and repurpose materials. I am a hopelessly horrendous knitter, but using felt allows me to create "knitted" items easily and without any unnecessary knitting needle-related injuries! It's incredibly easy to felt a wool sweater. If you're like me with laundry, chances are you've done it once or twice already completely inadvertently. 
                         
How to Felt a Wool Sweater

You will need:
- several 100% wool sweaters (no acrylics or blends)
- washer and dryer
- laundry soap

Directions:
- Wash the sweaters along with a load of your regular laundry on HOT setting with a COLD rinse. Use laundry soap/ detergent as usual. The friction provided by the other items in the washer help the felting process. Don't use too much water. The more friction, the better.
- Dry the sweaters along with the rest of the load on HIGH.
- Test the sweater is felted by cutting a snip into the fabric. If it frays, toss it back into the washer for another cycle or two. If it holds a crisp edge, you've got yourself a piece of felted wool.  

These Felted Cashmere Pocket Hand warmers would make an excellent teacher, hostess or thank you gift. As a teacher, I can attest to how much they are appreciated on those blustery January yard duties. Include a pretty tag explaining how to use them, and you're done!

**Repeat the entire process with the other hand warmer**

Heating and Use:

Heat in the microwave on HIGH for 30 second intervals until desired temperature is reached. Do not exceed 2 minutes or rice may burn. Place one warmer in each pocket and enjoy the warm, toasty experience as you brave another chilly Canadian winter.