craftgrrl | Epp! poping the corn in my corn pillow

Okay grrrls I need your help!

I've done everything the directions say. I bought whole Kernel feed corn from the local feed store. (I made sure NOT to buy cracked corn)

I cut a pocket out of an old pair of jeans. filled it halfway with corn and sewed it shut.

Put it in the microwave for 3 minutes and before 1:30 I was hearing popping! I thought no way that can't be... but I cut open the bag and I have two or three actually poped peices and several that cracked.

Should I try and dry the corn out by heating it in the oven for a bit?
I was going to give these as gifts and I can't give out sewn up bags of popcorn!