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On the sensuousness of wrapping up warmly

(59 Posts)
FlicketyB Sun 03-Nov-13 11:31:23

We have many serious and practical discussions on keeping warm, house insulation and carbon cutting. I thought it was time we had a thread on the sensuousness of warm clothes.

I am not a summer person. the first signs of autumn make my heart sing and I cannot wait to get my winter clothes out of storage, but on a really cold day the sensuous warmth in the light fluffiness of a thermal vest or the comfort of light looped thermal socks that wrap your feet in warmth like a shawl is cannot be beaten.

I recently bought a sweater in Sainsburies, multi coloured in shades of autumn and pinks. It has a loose knit and a cowl collar. It makes me feel warm just to look at it and it is deliciously warm when worn. I also have a magnificent wool sweater I bought in Iceland, its warmth is overwhelming unless temperatures outside are below zero and you are outside too, but in those conditions it keeps me so warm and to be outside in a cold wind yet aware how warm you are is a fabulous feeling.

Aka Sun 03-Nov-13 18:02:38

I hate winter. I detest dark mornings and early nights. Cold, wet, windy weather depresses me. I look 10lbs fatter in winter clothes. My skin gets pale, I get hungry all the time. My fuel bill goes through the roof. The dogs come back from walks with muddy paws. The grandchildren get stir crazy if i can't take them out. Colds and viruses run rampant. Christmas is a fat fest and a money eater. I hate turkey. January and February are miserable months and I can't stand Autumn Watch and Bruce Forsyth.

I JUST WANT TO HIBERNATE sad

Ariadne Sun 03-Nov-13 17:27:36

Lots of thin layers for me, when I have to. I can, unfortunately, imagine myself in a padded coat only too well, and Michelin Man comes to mind!

I like warm weather, not too hot, not cold, and not too wet. Good job the weather wasn't a factor in choosing to live here...

penguinpaperback Sun 03-Nov-13 16:35:34

Hi JessM I'm ok at the moment, thank you. flowers It took a bit of getting used to but it's a small dose and I'm pain free.

gracesmum Sun 03-Nov-13 16:26:00

Galen - "Iceland" as in "Mum's gone to Iceland" grin

alternativegran Sun 03-Nov-13 16:25:49

For janeainsworth.

Stayed on a sheep farm in the lakes some years ago and was told that Herdwick wool was hard wearing and used in carpets. I haven't tried Eucalan myself but hope it works, your sweater should last for ages.

JessM Sun 03-Nov-13 16:19:17

Layers are indeed the answer for those with an unsteady thermostat - whether the cause is hormonal or pharmacological.
Gosh penguinpaperback the only time I have heard about that drug was on a programme re it being a big illegal problem in the far north of Canada. I hope that your condition is stabilised.
It is 8 C here and Snowdon has its first sprinkling of snow on its summit. A chilly wind as well but a lovely sunshine and shade afternoon. DH came out in his shorts and claimed not to be cold.
I love my merino tops, some short sleeved from Gap, some from NZ. In the winter I normally wear 2 layers on my legs outdoors (e.g leggings and trousers) and that really helps me to stay cosy. Why is it do you think that hot flushes are an above the waist phenomenon?

positivepam Sun 03-Nov-13 16:16:37

Thanks penguinpaperback I think you are right, I just put the fire on and I am boiling now ha ha!! Oh the joy of pain, I am on quite a high dose of slow release at the moment plus the liquid stuff and the strong co-codamol. It is funny because DH has always been the cold one and now we have totally swapped! I am hoping to reduce considerably all this stuff as soon as possible, but for now, the fire it is. grin

penguinpaperback Sun 03-Nov-13 15:49:18

positivepam hi, it may well be the Morphine making you feel cold. I'm on a low maintenence dose of Oxycontin (bone pain from breast cancer secondaries) and have wildly fluctuating body temperature.

positivepam Sun 03-Nov-13 15:35:49

Hmm, I get a bit confused because I love the heat of summer but, don't like showing parts of my body that possibly would be better hidden away. Then I do not like being cold, but, love winter clothes, the jumpers, boots, coats, gloves, berets aaah the list goes on and on. Hmm so, do I prefer winter or summer?? I don't really know now. I just seem to be cold all the time lately, ever since I had my back op at the end of May and have been taking Morphine ever since, I am cold. Has anyone else had this at all or is it just me?.

BAnanas Sun 03-Nov-13 15:13:03

Yes shysal I'm still having menopausal symptoms and your post resonated with me. The very thought of a roll neck sweater brings me out in a sweat. I never contemplate buying anything woolen anymore I prefer cotton t shirt layering, long sleeved ones for winter. Although I do need a coat for really freezing weather.

janeainsworth Sun 03-Nov-13 15:07:08

I don't know Penguin but I've just googled it and it might be worth a try smile

penguinpaperback Sun 03-Nov-13 15:00:33

For janeainsworth I'm doubtful as I type this confused but for a patch test and thinking it may relax the fibres as it's a no rinse product would Eucalan help?

shysal Sun 03-Nov-13 14:58:27

Although way past the menopause I am always too warm, even in winter, so don't possess any thermal wear. The only change I have made is to wear my cotton T shirts with long sleeves. All year round I sleep in a cold bedroom with a only a cotton sheet covering me. It must feel wonderful to snuggle under a duvet and wear warm clothes, I don't even have a coat other than a lightweight waterproof.

tiggypiro Sun 03-Nov-13 14:52:44

I love my Merino wool long sleeved vest bought in NZ.
Saw one half price in Mountain Warehouse a few weeks ago reduced to £25 from £50. Absolutely disgusted when I got it home and found the very small print on the back - 80% merino wool 20% polyester. Nowhere else did it say anything about polyester. I have looked on their web site and likewise nothing about polyester.
I took it back. But seriously £50 for something with polyester ?? They must think we are all idiots.

penguinpaperback Sun 03-Nov-13 14:49:31

I (almost) can't wait for a chance to wear one of my 3 new berets.
2 of them are from Sea Salt and have matching gloves, the other is home made.
I'm knitting some scarves and shawls in a lovely merino, silk mix at the moment (Christmas presents) and even looking at the skeins makes me feel cosy. smile

BAnanas Sun 03-Nov-13 14:44:12

I realise after many years that I don't actually like really hot weather which doesn't bode well because we are going to South America in December where it's going to be hot and sweaty. Autumn can be truly wonderful on a day like to day, which is sunny and windy where I am. Autumn is a great time for appreciating trees and all the wonderful colours, possibly a heightened pleasure as you get older. I hate the winter when the temperature really drops and the winds are raw and it feels truly freezing and although snow can look good I don't like the way it sometimes makes everything grind to complete standstill Crisp sunny winter days are welcome though.

I'm you in reverse Flickety B, I like getting my summer wardrobe out and putting away boots, coat and tights.

janeainsworth Sun 03-Nov-13 14:43:01

I felt cold, and miserable too, yesterday, thinking about Carol.
I got out a pair of black velvet trousers that I haven't worn for about 10 years, but which now fit me again, and old silk blouse with a comfy vest underneath, and wrapped myself up in a new cashmere-blend long cardi that I've just got from Uniqlo.
The sensuous feel of the fabrics definitely had a comforting effect.
Looking forward to getting my down-filled coat out next week.
But a cautionary note.
I once knitted an Aran-style sweater out of Herdwick wool. It was a lovely pattern and I was very pleased with the result. The wool is so oily it's probably waterproof too.
But I can't wear it without at least 4 layers underneath, to protect me from the prickliness of the wool!

sunseeker Sun 03-Nov-13 14:24:36

Sunshine for me every time! I hate having to wear thick layers. I really feel the cold so hate the winter (my father always said I had ice water in my veins because I was always complaining about being cold).

Galen Sun 03-Nov-13 14:16:58

I bought pearls and blue lagoon shower stuff in Iceland, but thermal socks in Norway. I shall wear them when I visit new DGD tomorrow my daughter and I differ as to what constitutes an adequately heated room!

gracesmum Sun 03-Nov-13 14:11:42

Flickety I had to laugh. I didn't know Iceland sold clothes too!!! Then I thought again Duh!
I wish I thugh t. I looked sensuous in my thermals - more like a Michelin man I am afraid. But who cares if you're warm!

Bez Sun 03-Nov-13 14:06:14

I enjoy the changing of the weather - love the freedom in the summer with flip flops, cut off trousers and T shirts but equally when cold as long as I am layered up I am fine. I found last year that a pair of footless tights under trousers made a wonderful difference to cold achey knees.
Yesterday I was looking in the coat section of L.End and very taken with the down filled coats - after what you have said think I may need to pop back!! Thank you for the consumer info Glamma.

MrsM Sun 03-Nov-13 13:59:48

Am sitting here cosy and warm (it is only about 12Cthough, so hardly Arctic) in my newly purchased sheepskin boots. I don't like the look, never have done, but mmm, mmm, the cosiness of bare toes cosseted by real sheepskin has to be good!

So, being warm trumps looks! smile

alternativegran Sun 03-Nov-13 13:58:18

Health wise not keen on very hot or cold weather. This autumn has been great, wet but also warm, still have flowering plants in the garden.

Wear my late husband's old wool jumpers when its cold, nothing like wool, but so hard to find now at a reasonable price

tanith Sun 03-Nov-13 13:57:31

I much prefer warm weather can't stand being bundled up in layers... but needs must in this country . I guess I'm just a warm morsel as OH is always moaning to put on the heating when I'm happy in a t-shirt.

Nelliemoser Sun 03-Nov-13 13:52:48

I have just tried the fleece gillett on. That's me for the winter!!

My spell checker has gone!????