Preparing for Winter

lm07

nicki wrote: »

My bathroom used to be freezing (no heating) so I made a blind using 2 cuphooks, a garden cane, a bathsheet sized towel, some ribbon to tie it up (kind of a roman blind but not as neat :rotfl: ) and some patients. Its easy to tie-up every morning, keep the room warmer and once a week I throw it in to wash with the towels I'll have to see if I can get a picture taken and on the computer when I get in tonight - I'll put it up here when I have.

I've also made another blind for my daughters room - she has a blackout blind but due to the shape of the window there was still light coming through, so I've hung a single quilt from some wardrobe wizard things (using safety pins), tied on some white shoe laces, and it now hangs behind her curtains on the block bits which attach the curtain rail to the wall....like I said before I'll take some pictures :rotfl::rotfl:

Your idea for the blinds sounds great. I have the same problem with the light. I'd appreciate it if you'd get a chance to put those photos up.
I'm still wearing a fleece most evenings anyway as my lounge doesn't get much sun all day!

jb5

I'm about to start the hunt for some thermal underwear, & I'd like to tap users knowledge for GOOD quality thermals.

In the past had some Damart long-johns. They were OK, but DSO put them in the tumble dryer & they shrank!

Bought some from M&S - they were fine but not as good as the Damart ones. However, easier to look after. On their last legs now though, hence my new search.

Bought some from Aldi last year, & they look a little worse for wear now (after only one winter).

So far looked at Damart & British Thermals
Just wondering if there are any others I should be looking at, or whether any offers about at the moment.
(Thought there might be some deals on at the moment, as it's summer, but not seen any yet!)

Thanks.

Frugalista

Last year I got some really good thermals from Matalan - they were about £4 each. I did buy the mens though, as they are thicker and I work outside a lot in the winter. Have not seen any yet this year and I know that last year they sold out quite early on. HTH

PS They wash really well and still look as good as new.

larmy16

Hi all

For Christmas last year - I asked for a small camping gas stove, mini kettle and saucepan, complete with gas bottles. Well it beats perfume and jewllery I will never wear. I am convinced that one day I will need it!!!

We are all electric here so if there is a power cut - I am prepared.

I am kinda looking forward to the colder weather. I never have been a Summer gal!:)

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

jb5 wrote: »

I'm about to start the hunt for some thermal underwear, & I'd like to tap users knowledge for GOOD quality thermals.

In the past had some Damart long-johns. They were OK, but DSO put them in the tumble dryer & they shrank


Thanks.

I used to work for Damart and the amount of people who do put their thermals in the dryer is ridiculous.(especially as if they're spin dryed,will dry in a matter of hours)
It tells you not to dry near any heat source and that means the dryer or radiators even.The thermal property does'nt lend itself to heat and shrinks.
They are warm though and I can't get through the winter without them however we don't have a shop near us anymore and I just don't like ordering from them.Their service is just terrible.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Just wanted to say I have looked around the house and can't find ANYTHING that needs doing or buying for the coming winter.
I'm a bit disappointed realy as I enjoyed preparing for last winter.
I followed everything on this board last year and think I was a bit too enthusiastic.I have so many throws,underwear,food stores and insulated bits and pieces my husband thinks I've gone mad.
I suppose I'll find an excuse to need something so just keep throwing your ideas in ladies.

westcoastscot

I love my damart thermals, they are cosy and pretty as well - I agree the online service is a little slow but i've always found it reliable. My son wears M & S ones year around - he's a deep-sea fisherman - they need a good hot wash every day but are holding up beautifully.
Pauline :-)

Ken68

The best thing I used last year to beat the cold was an electric blanket throw.Steal a few hours a day without putting on the central heating.
Read about it on here or this forum.
Can't say that the firebrigade were very enthusiastic when they did a fire check. But they did agree that they are auto cut off and those sold for being on all night must have passed Health and Safety checks.
Anyway kwh's down by 2000 so a big saver tho not for everyone.

lm07

kittie wrote: »

I second the crochet blankets and throws. I made a large one last winter and 2 small ones, which are ideal to pop over the feet. They are all very useful, even now on a cooler evening.

We did well last winter and saved loads by getting a wireless thermostat for the gas boiler, we keep the thermostat in any room we want and it talks to the boiler. Keeping it in the lounge with us and keeping the door closed worked wonders

I almost fell off my chair when I read about your wireless thermostat! That's a great idea! Where did you get yours from or was it part of a new boiler?

[Deleted User]

You buy them and fix them. We got a local boiler/electrician to do it but any competent person could do it themselves

It must be one of the best and most cost effective things we have ever done. Once the temperature in the room built up, with the door and curtains closed, it stayed at that temperature for the whole evening, with just the tv and body heat maintaining it. We must have wasted so much energy in the past by relying on the boiler thermostat and rad thermostats

We got the simplest most basic one we could find ie no timer and we just adjust the temp on the transmitter as we want it and it co-ordinates with the existing boiler timer. You can get singing/dancing ones but we didn`t see the point

I think the total cost incl fitting was around £70 and we must have saved that last winter alone