Winter 2022 what are you doing to get ready

[jeebus]

I've bought the kids an oversized hoodie/blanket each so that they can keep warm while still being able to use their arms and get around to play etc.

I've also had a bit of an audit of my 'power cut preps' and will fill any gaps there.

Other than that it's mainly looking out for things I need so that I can get them before the temperature drops and they sell out everywhere. Hot water bottles seem a bit overpriced at the moment so I'll keep my eye out for a deal. I'm also after a bed tent for each of the kids. And a relative swears by those microwavable teddies.

[GillyBee]

I was wondering whether to make a couple of adult size "oodies". The eldest son would certainly live in one. There is a free pattern available here for anyone who sews.
Adults: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... g-pattern/
Kids: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... e-blanket/

One thing is certain. I am NOT sewing fleece in this heat!

[jansman]

I was wondering whether to make a couple of adult size "oodies". The eldest son would certainly live in one. There is a free pattern available here for anyone who sews.
Adults: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... g-pattern/
Kids: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... e-blanket/

One thing is certain. I am NOT sewing fleece in this heat!

I’ve just shown that to Mrs J. She said the same, “ Yes,I can make that,but not today!”

[jeebus]

I was wondering whether to make a couple of adult size "oodies". The eldest son would certainly live in one. There is a free pattern available here for anyone who sews.
Adults: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... g-pattern/
Kids: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product ... e-blanket/

I must learn to sew. Any tips on where to start for a complete beginner?

[diamond lil]

Hip was sore, so I was up from midnight until 3am knitting socks...

[GillyBee]

Hi Jeebus.

There are lots of online resources to get started or there are adult education classes (if you feel rich) and some areas have sewing clubs.
Tilly and the Buttons has some guides to get you started here https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2019 ... ewing.html

Other than that, having gotten a young friend started, my tips are as follows

Start by making things that dont need to be perfect Drawstring bags are useful round the house and as gift bags. For clothes, try pyjamas. Then graduate to simple clothes. Kids clothes are good as they dont need much fabric and the kids rarely fuss about minor faults.

Do find a local fabric or sewing supplies shop if you can. They will know who is doing lessons or clubs, can offer advice if you get stuck and should be able to offer things like sewing machine serviceing/repairs as well as sales.

Don't spend a fortune. It is easy to get sucked into the "crafting money-go-round" and spend a fortune but this is not necessary. You will need some basics. Good scissors, some hand sewing needles, some pins or clips, some thread, some fabric A sewing machine is good to have but it is quite possible to make things (slowly) without one. Reuse scrap clothes, bedding, etc for practice instead of throwing them out.

Do use Youtube to look up how to thread your model of sewing machine unti lyou an do this easily.

If funds are tight do ask older friends and relatives if they know anyone with an old sewing machine going spare. As long as it has a round bobbin is is probably possible to get it useable. If you have a mechanical mindset you can find out basic servicing and restoration for those old Singers onine and the sewing machine shops will also service them for a fee.

[Arzosah]

Brilliant recs, GillyBee, thank you.

Jeebus, having just made my ridiculous nightie out of a sarong, there's one piece of kit I strongly recommend if handsewing: a needle threader https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/heml ... e-threader, £1.09 for 3. Faffing about trying to get your thread through the eye of a needle is immediately done away with!

[jeebus]

Thanks GillyBee for the detailed reply. I'm very much against having 'all the gear and no' idea so I will start off cheap as you suggest. Currently I just want to know enough to be able to repair things as it is a very useful skill to have for both everyday life as well as if SHTF, so I'll check online for a basic sewing kit and go from there.

At the moment I don't even know how to sew on a button or fix a hole in a sock! It'd also be nice if I could learn how to make cushion covers within a decent amount of time as I've been looking at replacing some outdoor cushions on my patio set and cannot believe how expensive they are.

Thanks for the tip re: the needle threader. Seeing the picture in the link really takes me back to seeing my mum's ones lying around as a kid and wanting to play with them!

[Happyhatter]

Jeebus if you decide to get sewing machine go for basic one to begin with as some can be expensive Gillybees covered everything so can't really suggest anything else, start with the basics sewing on buttons etc practice makes perfect

[Jerseyspud]

I'm currently on the mainland and as part of my preps I've bought fluffy bed socks and primark oodie for middle child. Back to primark tomorrow to get an oodie for eldest and youngest too. And another hot water bottle so we have one each