The Cabelas mailer came today. Since they are one of my favorite outside-themed stores, I started flipping through the pages. I came to a screeching halt on page 3, where I saw battery-heated socks. Woo-hoooo, just what I need for winter camping, I thought at first.

Cabela’s (Photo credit: daveynin)

Then I looked at the price. $20? $50 $75? No, the price: $199.99. Now, that is the ultimate in consumer excess. I find it appalling that someone would actually pay 200 dollars for a pair of socks, no matter how warm. I realize that Cabelas is targeting the Christmas shopper, and that disgusts me even more. Christmas has come down to $200 socks, but I will not get started on that matter.

Now, I like the idea of heated socks, but only at a reasonable price.  I decide to check around and see if someone else makes affordable electric socks. Yes, I find a few, but even more affordable, I find a hat, baklava, mittens, and socks with pockets for old-fashioned hand warmers. I think I will buy the hat and socks before my winter camping trips. Or, if I have enough time, I will retrofit existing hats and socks with a little pocket.

A pair of air-activated disposable hand warmers, US quarter to scale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I just finished crocheting my first “draft dodger” for the inside of my camper door. I will put it on the floor in front of the door to keep cold winter drafts out. I used 100% wool yarn which I had left over from another project. I lightly felted the finished tube in the washer,  and then filled it with rolled quilt batting. Regular pillow stuffing would be easier, but again, I had the batting left over. Just to make sure everyone knows this is a “girl camper”, I added some flower beads. Steps:

Lightly felted crochet tube with one end sewn shut

Close up of closed end: sewed a line of yarn around edge and gathered, then stitched tight

Crochet tube and 5 layers of batting, tube is longer and fatter than it looks here. See final photo for size reference. The circumference is 54 stitches on an I hook with worsted weight wool. Felting affected circumference more than length.

Layers of batting rolled up, and put into tube

Filled tube

Closing up open end

Finished with beads! Tube is not quite as long as my ironing board. Some people use beaded eyes to make it look like a snake, but I don’t want snakes in the camper.

This project was quick and extra-easy.  I can imagine many other ways to make a draft dodger, such as rolling up flannel fabric and securing with ribbon. I used what I had, but may also try some other ideas to use along the outside edges of the pull out beds. Flannel sheets? Check out this link for another idea! I need to make some for my front and back doors at home, now.