Preparing for Winter

Butterfly_Brain

newlywed wrote: »

Originally Posted by newlywed
1. Build up extra on GAS meter
- new bank account opened and money started there so I get interest
2. Hot water bottles
- plan to make rice bags instead - thanks for the tips
3. Throws for beds
- got two for our bed - need to get two navy ones for the boys.
4. Thermal linings for boys room
- found some reasonable priced ones in Dunelm Mills but just need the money and to get there
5. Look at thicker curtains/thermal lining for front room.
- looked - and looked at the price for floor length curtains. That one will have to wait

Maybe replacing any (non-dimmer switched) bulbs with energy saving in the meantime.

Done the 4 x 50W GU10 in the bathroom for energy saving ones and replaced the 4 x50W GU10 light in the hall for a normal 18w bulb.

Must try harder.

Still got more to do.

Try using cheap fleeces from ikea to line your curtains - I have done this and it works a treat also put blinds up at the windows and OH is going to build some secondary glazing from acrylic sheet

pinkangorasweater

Hi,
I used to use two scuttles of coal per evening by lighting my fire in the usual way, paper, kindling, possibly fire lighter and coal on top.
One day while in a hurry I decided to just use a fire lighter, but being distracted, threw most of the coal from the scuttle into the grate and then realised I hadn't put the fire lighter in, so I put it on the top, put some small pieces of coal over it and lit.
The fire burnt down the middle and then slowly up the sides and I didn't need to top up with coal.
I literally made one ton of coal last two winters instead of the usual one simply by lighting the fire from the top always!
:T
This may be useful for others this winter.

ksh123

ksh123 wrote: »

As I don't sew or know anyone who does do you think that that the cost of paying to have door curtains made, then poles put up etc etc is justified by energy saving and just plain feeling cosier? (My front door is a double glazed model but still feels cold to the touch.)

Bumpety bump

Gabriella_2

elliewild wrote: »

i'd love to be able to make a patchwork quilt or knit - can anyone teach me in time for xmas? ive been inspired at thread and am going shopping for jumpers, de-icer (car), socks, quilts/covers and maybe material for draught excluders - them i can make! would it work to re-line your curtains - to make them thicker and keep heat in? i havent got a carpet at the mo which is making the house cold. i seem to get massive draughts from the kitchen - the back door and no radiators. - any suggestions?

i bought some of that draught proof slips for door frames from B&Q not sure if they work - i suppose evry bit helps

I bought a load of eyelash wool from Ebay (very thick and fluffy wool) in different shades of cream and brown (to match the decor in my lounge) and knitted squares in different colours on large needles (every row plan knit) and then stitched the squares together (you can make it as big or as small as you want) to make one fabulous luxurious and incredibly warm quilt.........(I had to knit another one for the cat as she was always trying to commandeer mine) !! I would say the cost was around £10 but well worth the outlay for a one-off designer throw !!! http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__eyelash-knitting-wool?SubType8517b2e7=Eyelash164a341b&_nkw=eyelash%20knitting%20wool&_dmpt=UK_Crafts_Knitting_Crochet_EH&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282&Colour78a3a9ec=Brown3d79116

sammy_kaye18

right mainly my task today will be

finishing off the clear cling film stuff on the windows as Ive only managed to do 5 of 7 windows in the living room.

Hoping to do front door afterwards.

will be putting fleece under little ones bottom sheet for him - we were night training but its so cold lately that its not helping so have resorted back to nappies with him for now over the cold weather - will try again after christmas i think.

will sort dogs bed - have an old pillow and fleece blanket that i want to make into a doggy cushion for his bed so he has somethign to snuggle into.

mardatha

ksh, try bubblewrapping it maybe? might be enough and with a door it doesnt matter that yopu cant see out..
Gabriella, thats what I was thinking of doing...you can get fur wool at Kemps for 39p a ball --I just got loads for scarves.

mardatha

Can anybody suggest something to keep my cat cosy ? He's a big ginger stray who adopted us. Somebody has been bad to him because he has no teeth at all on one side and is very wary, esp of men. It's taken 2 years but now he is very cuddly and will lie in the porch in the sun, and roll around to be tickled. Won't be picked up though.
The husband doesnt liek cats and wont let me bring him inside--plus he sheds hair like nobodys business and he wont come in anyway, so all I do is feed him far too much and made a wee bed on an old rug inside my stick box. I have got him proper cat beds but he wont go inside even in snow and howling rain - he seems to need to be free and open where he can see all round and do an escape if need be.
The stick box is big, almost 5ft high and 4ft wide --so its not cosy . We took the sticks out for him LOL. Would hay do for him , or hamster bedding ? I tired old jumpers but they get damp quick .

Ken68

judy_ wrote: »

Call me mad if you wish....but I have had what I think is a great idea....although mad...

Am thinking of erecting a greenhouse within my dining room...so can keep lovely and warm ..can sit on my comfy sofa with laptop infront of me..an only heat a space of 10x8... lol ......told you I was mad

Not mad Judy....they have one of those in Ely Cathedral , used by the shop staff and guides. You in good company !!

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

elliewild wrote: »

since i havent got a carpet i also took the opportunity of buying damp proof paint for the floor. we have damp problems but cannot afford anyway of solving them. so far the paints working well (b&q) hope it still makes a difference when the carpets down!

boyfriend wants to get velcro on edges of windows so that theres no gap between window and curtain - might keep some heat in - maybe slightly unsightly though!

any tips of damp/crumbly houses - let me know!

We don't have carpets down stairs we have wood and in the kitchen we have an old slab style stone floor so it can be cold.Our house is late 1800s and it would be very musty if we did'nt allow adequate through ventilation and I know I've mentioned them before but I swear by those damp crystals.I have them in everyroom.My house would rot in it's own juices otherwise.
I even have a little pot behind the cutains either side of my bay windows and overnight I can get about 3 or 4 tablespoons in each pot (and that's with very efficient double glazing) which would otherwise be absorbed in the curtains.
With no ventilation though you'll never be rid of damp and musty smells.Ventilation is the key realy.

annie123

ksh123 wrote: »

As I don't sew or know anyone who does do you think that that the cost of paying to have door curtains made, then poles put up etc etc is justified by energy saving and just plain feeling cosier? (My front door is a double glazed model but still feels cold to the touch.)

cant see anyone on here paying someone to make a door curtain and then paying someone else to put it up not moneysaving but if you dont want to have a go buy something like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110293078592

then buy 2 cup hooks,a 3' piece of bamboo (garden section of diy store) and some shower curtain rings from diy store.
put cup hooks in wall above door...not difficult
put shower curtain rings on curtain.....same as sewing on a button
put pole through rings
put the whole lot on the cup hooks.....
job done