Fabric For a kidney warmer

[kyrsyan]

Weather has been messing with my ability to get walking done and I'm about done with that issue. But there's another part to it. If I dress warmly enough for the weather, I very quickly overheat anywhere that is even halfway warm. So layering is risky. If I can't shed layers, or shed them quickly enough, I get very, very nauseous and my body temp gets high super quick.

I am considering making a kidney belt. Basically two layers of warm fabric that wrap the kidney area. I may include a pocket in case I need to drop a hot pack in it.

So has anyone done this? Would sweater material work? I may do one out of fleece but I'm super cautious with fleece because it can warm me too quickly.

My body is doing that menopause thing where temp regulation is a little wonky. At least with these, I can take them off without having to strip multiple other layers completely.

If it gives you a clue, I can't wear socks and a hat in the house at the same time. Add a jacket or coat to that and I better be heading out the door in less that 60 seconds.

 

[packyderms_wife]

When I’m in bed I have several polar fleece blankets over a comforter and flannel sheets flanked with a cat who snores and farts non stop.

 

[Cardinal]

If it gives you a clue, I can't wear socks and a hat in the house at the same time. Add a jacket or coat to that and I better be heading out the door in less that 60 seconds.

Menopause; the only time a woman can walk out into a raging blizzard and sigh with relief.

 

[kyrsyan]

Menopause; the only time a woman can walk out into a raging blizzard and sigh with relief.

I can, somewhat. But my legs and kidneys don't like it. My head, physically, loves it. Nothing knocks an bad headache or a starting migraine on its tail faster than a long cool walk.

 

[Carl2]

I have a small collection of vests that are handy for layering. Some are insulated, some are woven.

 

[Melodi]

An Elizabeth Zimmerman Pattern called The Rib Warmer might be perfect if you enjoy knitting. There's now a pattern you can download at Ravelry (or School House Press) that has it in different sizes. The original version is in several of her books. The pattern is straightforward. I haven't made one yet, but after this harsh Winter, I intend to.

The other solution is a simple vest. Again, Ravelry has several free patterns (the Rib Warmer is a paid pattern). A "vest" can be as simple as two garter stitch (plain knitting back and forth) rectangles to wear around the house. Sew together at the shoulders (leave a neck opening) and leave holes for your arms, then sew down the sides. It doesn't fit in any way, but it is warm.

In Scandinavia, they made all the children's winter underclothing in garter stitch because it was warm.

If you don't knit (or crochet), you can sew two rectangles of fleece or other warm fabric at the shoulders and do the same thing.

 

[ginnie6]

What about flannel? I think it would also hold its size better than fleece. Fleece tends to stretch somewhat. And as to walking out in a raging blizzard in menopause I could do that when I had kids. I never wore a coat till after menopause.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Menopause; the only time a woman can walk out into a raging blizzard and sigh with relief.

Truth!

 

[FireDance]

Crud. Just buy a small wagon to throw garmets into as you walk. I have never run across a good way to bypass this.

I suppose one COULD rescue very small kittens on the walks and tuck them into a bag on their body where needed, but then you’d have to feed them and next year about this time you have the same problem because you sure can’t use ‘em in Spring/Summer.

Give up. I did. Lol