Somebody’s feet are always cold in this house.

My mom always told me not to go to sleep with an electric heating pad because I’d burn myself, so I needed an alternative. My PT recommended a microwaveable/freezable version but that’s full of some kind of goo, and since I have kids and cats….well, let’s just say it’s not the kind of house where that seems like a good idea. There’s a kiosk that occasionally pops up in the mall and they sell heating pads full of rice, but their pads mostly have scents, which my family doesn’t like, and are stuffed too full to drape over whichever part of you is cold or sore. Fortunately, I have a sewing machine. If you don’t, I bet you have a friend who does and would be willing to make you one. I recommend a socially distanced porch drop-off of fabric, lentils, and treats.

What you need:

Cotton flannel – not polyester or fleece, it won’t hold up to the microwave – cut to about 13″ by 26″, and for goodness’ sake pick something cheerful, winter is dark enough without a plain navy blue heating pad.

3 pounds of cheap, dry grains or legumes – my family likes lentils best, they are a great shape to fiddle with through the fabric and we are all fidgeters. Anything larger than about a black bean is going to feel like tiny hot gravel. We live in Iowa so we tried easy-to-find feed corn as filling once, but it was too pointy. Rice works fine, split peas work too but smell like soup, and whole wheat kernels are pleasantly bready-scented but expensive.

Music to sew by: Button Up Your Overcoat

Time to sew!

Fold your rectangle in half, right sides together, and sew from one folded edge around the three open sides, to about 4 inches before the other folded edge.

Turn it right side out and pour in the lentils.

Fold the open seam allowance to the inside and sew it shut, close to the edge. I am a belt-and-suspenders type of seamstress, so I like to zigzag the edge as well.

To use: microwave for 2 ½ to 3 minutes.

My rule of thumb is about a minute in the microwave per pound of filling, but you may need to experiment with your own microwave and the particular filling you choose – the more you use it, the drier it gets and will start needing less time. Don’t get it wet, as lentil soup is more enjoyable in a bowl than in a flannel bag. With your leftover fabric, you can try making smaller bags for kids, or even smaller ones to put in your coat pockets as hand warmers on cold days. Use your imagination and buy extra lentils! They also make good cheap gifts, and we could all stand to be a little bit cozier this winter. Stay warm!