Keeping warm in winter

[Betty the Chook]

Yes, I know it is summer over there, but I am from Australia and am freezing in my shed at the moment. So the question is, how do you experts of cold weather do it?

I have tried the heater on, but this seems a little more than wasteful when I have a window open and an exhaust fan going full bore. I have tried tying hot water bottles to myself but they go cold. I have tried rugging up but my feet still get REALLY cold. Todays attempt at keeping warm will involve ancient ski pants (which, being highly flammable, I will have to cover with a little wool blanket as I have been know to find small bonfires raging on my lap in the past).

[Sarah]

Oh Betty that's quite a picture!

By the time I have my kiln, torch and heater on I'm toasty warm even when its below zero. The challenge then is getting from the shed to the house!

My shed is insulated so that might help you long term?

Sarah
xxx

[squirsygirl]

During the past winter's snow I just toughed it out.

So, no help there, I'm afraid. 

Kirsty

[Betty the Chook]

I am getting the picture that I am a big sooky pants and that I should start garaging my beads rather than batch annealing them. By the way the ski pants, Ug boots and three jumpers kept all but my toes warm today.

I would never survive SNOW!

[SallyR]

Woolly hat

Big fleecy scarf tied round my hips/lower back to cover the bit where jeans and jumper inevitably pull apart

OH's heated waistcoat that he uses on the motorbike - runs off a battery pack - mmm, toasty


If nothing else, try a hat - it makes a real difference 

[dinah46]

Definitely a hat, I wear a lovely crochet woolly one that I brought back from Peru, I figure they know about staying warm up in those mountains

Then, a vest, 2 t-shirts, cotton jumper, scarf, sweatshirt and tights under the jeans, doesn't it paint a lovely picture  I'm hoping that when I move from garage to a shed that I can shed (sorry for the pun ) a few layers

I also have a little halogen heater which is pretty good.

[sparrow]

In winter, I've got a radiator (thanks Kaz!), a halogen heater, two layers bottoms, four layers on top, knee-high sheepskin boots...and I'm *still* cold. Just bought myself some fingerless elbow-length woolly gloves to try next winter....although I have to say, the boots made the biggest difference!

[Lush!]

Winter?


Ugh ... not gonna think about it 

[★★Terri★★]

Feet keep nice and snuggly in Damart thermal socks.  I got these.....OMG!...30 odd years ago.  I used to go fishing at Dungeness with my ex hubby at night, in winter (romance eh!).  Still got 'em.  Still in good nick.  Used them when me and new and super hubby used to have bikes, toured around europe a bit and they kept my toes toasty warm.

I am sure you can still get Damart stuff.  The ones I have were called 'Double Force'  They are dark blue with a fleecy interior, look really chunky but are really comfy to wear.

I also use thermal undies - from M&S.

Terri

had a quick look online - found this site in Australia that seems to be the said socks http://www.ilcaustralia.com/home/search4.asp?state=WA&page=6&MC=12&MinC=46

The UK site does not have a lot of info but does list this type of material.  Might be work giving them a ring if you are interested.

[jammie]

my toes and the tops of my legs get coldest, I got some furry bootie slippers in the sale in next and am looking for thigh warmers for winter. I used a mini hot water bottle  before the weather took a  turn for the better. A halogen heaters great. I  turned into a namby pamby after coming home to Scotland having lived in Greece for 6 years and I hate the cold even more than I used to now.

[Betty the Chook]

Ok, the heated waistcoat has sent me into a complete spin. That is the most toasty, wonderful idea I have heard of in a very long time. Even better than a hot water bottle on swimming mornings (my daughter is insane and I am the idiot who gets up and drives her there). As for those socks they could be quite useful inside the Ug boots and made in NSW too. The hat idea is going into use tomorrow too.

[noora]

A warm cap or hat is the most important piece of clothing in winter. You'll be surprised how much difference that can make.

Several layers of clothes is better than one thick layer, so get those thermal undies. They do wonders

Keeping your feet warm is a challenge. Wear thick fluffy socks and shoes or boots that are loose enough so that you can wiggle your toes to keep the circulation up.

And bring something warm to drink. 

[Jay9]

I'd go with layers just like everyone else.  I haven't needed to resort to a hat yet but there's still time! 

I wear thick snow boots and thermal socks.  The boots are designed so that the soles are thicker and have more insulation against snow underneath (great for a cold floor) and they are large enough that I can wear more than one pair of socks or can wiggle my toes from time to time.

I wouldn't bead without them in the winter, I'd only last an hour! 

[GaysieMay]

My sympathy, the cold and lack of lighting in my garage beat me this winter.  Could only get to the torch on a weekend for an hour at a time but then spent the next 3 or 4 hours trying to thaw out in the bath!  My feet were like blocks of ice.  I'm trying to talk my other half into turning gargage into a proper workshop for me and daughter, but not sure it will happen!  Might have to invest in boots like Sabine and the heated waistcoat sounds cool too.  Any tips for cold fingers?  Mine get so cold I can't turn the mandrel, which creates some interesting results!

Good luck hun,

Gay x

[Dragonfire Glass]

I hate the cold and was still on double layers when everyone else was in cropped trousers, short sleeve T-shirts & sandals.
My feet feel it the worst so this winter I am doubling or tripling on socks.
The heated waistcoat sounds wonderful  and I never thought of wearing a hat - as I work in a conservatory, but I'll give it a go!