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  •  2 lbs. crystals make 125-150 cool ties (5+ / 0-)

    A lot of folks can't believe how little polymer crystals it take to make a nice cool tie.  The crystals hold 200 times their weight in water.

    Each pocket gets a full 1/4 teaspon, with a tiny pinch more.  Here's what 1/4 teaspon of crystals look like after an hour in 8 oz. of water:

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    If you put too much in, it will only swell and ooze out of the fabric.  Not toxic, just slimey.

    Also, that seam is in the middle to provide support evenly across the neck - it keeps the tie from stretching or rolling.

    Fabric starts out at 4 1/2 strip with 1/4 inch seams.  Cut the width of the fabric.  2 yards makes 15 scarves. Quilt fabric (100% cotton) is on sale at Joanns right now at 30% off.

    Believe little of what you see, and none of what you hear. Source it for yourself!

    by Ninepatch on Sat Nov 17, 2007 at 08:59:44 AM PDT

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