Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Cozy Valentine

We call them Cozies...


Our dependence on Cozies began in 2009 when I made a bunch of microwaveable corn-filled flannel bags and gave them to my family and friends for Christmas. You can read the original post here.

Well. Two years later...the whole family and many of my friends are addicted to the warmth of Cozies. They really make winter more bearable.

We use them to take the chill off of a cold winter afternoon, to heat up our beds at night...


And to warm up our hands and toes...


I know that I have a few friends and family member who need new ones. For Valentine's Day, I thought I would try making them in the shape of hearts.


I made them in the same way as last time and I used one of those big hearts that you buy at the craft store as a pattern.


I double sewed the two flannel pieces together and filled with feed corn.


Now, it's time to spread some warmth this Valentine's Day and give them away.


Have you heard of the movement to convert the commercial nature of Valentine's Day to Generosity Day? Here's the man who started the movement with his "Generosity Experiment". And a very interesting talk he gave on the subject here. I've decided to try a 30-day generosity experiment myself from now until March 14.

In the meantime, I have some warm hearts to deliver.

Here's hoping you celebrate something or someone you love today.


See you next time!

19 comments:

Rachel said...

Cozies are great for aching backs or upset tummies, as well as simply making winter more bearable. We have three in regular use (old, cold and draughty house...)!

WandarArt.Stitch said...

Hi Susan, heart, love, friendship, plays a leading role in the life for me but not enough so we go in life, in general, but your hearts are beautiful, and everyone will like,
many hugs ........

Sonja said...

I love cozies and yours are particulary lovely. May have to invest in some flannel.....

Jen said...

Wow, what a fun project! I'm going to bookmark this for next year's Valentine's day (or maybe make Easter egg cozies)!

allie aller said...

Sweet!
You sure know how to make your dear ones feel loved....and warm!

Catherine said...

So sweet! And you have solved a mystery that a friend and I wer talking about the other day. We'd like to make some of these cozies as you call them, but didn't know what type of corn ~ obviously you don't want to use popping corn!!

Teresa said...

Love the heart shaped cozies. You will have some very warm and cozy friends.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Suztats said...

Oh, I could use a few cozies myself, so thanks for sharing about the filling. Now all I need is a microwave! Guess it's the hot water bottle for me......
Lovely hearts to share love and warmth.

gracie said...

What a great idea...cozies!

Heather M. said...

Hi Susan,

I had to throw out one of those last month - it burned in the microwave. Now I have to make a new one. What exactly is feed corn?
I've seen these with rice or flax in them as well. Not sure what's best.

BTW, I mentioned your blog on my blog the other day. Thought you might like to know.

Susan Elliott said...

I think I have owned every kind of microwaveable bag...filled with millet, rice and corn. Corn is by far my favorite. It holds the heat the longest...make sure it's feed corn. Trust me, it won't pop when you microwave it.

Just make sure you double-sew your seams for added strength...The corn is heavier than you might think.

I sew 13" squares (though my SIL makes rectangles for around her neck at the computer) with 1/2" seam allowance. I use 10 cups of feed corn. After you finish sewing the bag together, make sure you microwave and let cool three times in order to kill any critters that might be in the corn and to help the moisture in the corn evaporate. Over time, the cozy will become a lot less damp as the corn dries out. I start microwaving at 3 minutes and work up from there depending on the strength of your microwave.

Hope that helps...
Susan

Sarah Sequins said...

What a wonderful project! I use a microwavable heating pad, but these sound much more fun.

Maybe Mr. Sequin will make me a couple out of the flannel Halloween fabric he bought. He's the sewer in the family. :)

Wendy said...

These are just beautiful and will be well loved by the receivers. I have made these for my mom who has trouble with nerves in her neck. Never thought about them for warming up cold feet. Thanks for the inspiration...

Ángela said...

Cozies are great.Very nice things...Your blog is very very beautifull and it´s a great work.I´m going to be your follower and I invite you to see my blog.
Greetings

Linda H said...

What a lovely idea Susan. The recipients will love such a warm thoughtful gift!

Linda H said...

What a lovely idea Susan. The recipients will love such a warm thoughtful gift!

Liz Bugh, Gypsy Feather said...

Hi Susan! Love your idea of heart cozies for Valentine gifts. I'm sure your kind gesture was well received. Had to laugh reading your post ... my family calls them "Bed Buddies". I rarely head to bed without one at my feet. Happy belated Valentine's Day!

Liz Bugh, Gypsy Feather said...

Hi Susan! Love your idea of heart cozies for Valentine gifts. I'm sure your kind gesture was well received by your loved ones. Had to laugh reading your post ... my family calls them "Bed Buddies". I rarely head to bed without one at my feet. Happy belated Valentine's Day!

Miriam said...

Heart shaped cozies are a great idea!
I like the idea of Generosity Day. In the last few years here in Australia, the celebration of Valentines Day has become increasingly evident in our shops. It is a pity all many people see is the commercial side of it.

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