Okay, I am ready for all of your help in preparing for our move to a cold climate. I love the ideas you've given me already through your comments. I'll tell you what I have already, or have planned, and then you can tell me whatever else you think would be helpful.
First of all, the weather in Estonia is mainly rainy & windy. It does snow, but I've been told to be more prepared for it being wet. The temperatures there don't get as low as some places, such as Minnesota, Canada, or even neighboring Russia or Finland; something about a gulf stream warming things up a bit. But compared to what we're used to, this will be extremely cold! I believe the average temperature for the winter is between 20 - 28 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer we'll be lucky if we see the temperatures reach the 70's. To let you know how unprepared we are for this..... this week the weather here in Jerusalem finally dipped into the low 70's. I put flannel sheets on our beds, turned the heaters on, and my feet feel like ice cubes! This is going to be a huge adjustment for us.
Now, onto the clothing. Buying a winter wardrobe for our family is costing us a small fortune. But, praise the LORD, he has provided for all of our needs. We all have warm, waterproof coats, hats, gloves, and scarves/ neck gaiters (which I made out of old sweatshirts-- if you'd like a tutorial for this; let me know!). I have on order: thermal leggings and boots for us all. Boots are a tricky thing to order online because you can't try them on first. I've already had to send one pair back because they weren't right. My biggest concerns are for the modesty of my daughter and myself. I can put my son in snow pants to play outside (or just for their warmth), but what do I put on my daughter? I have a plan for her that might work. I've ordered some waterproof material, like you'd use in a light jacket, and I'm hoping to make her some culottes with elastic cuffs that can be tucked under the hem to block out water and wind. She can have on her warm layers underneath the culottes; their sole purpose would be to keep her dry. Have any of you seen something like that before? I'm debating either to use that idea, or purchase her some snow pants and use the waterproof material for an overskirt to go on top of the pants; sort of like a really long skort. Which do you think would be better? Any ideas for warm clothing for me? A couple of you have mentioned corduroy, so I hope to find time to make a corduroy skirt or two before we move. I'm also planning on making some warm slips for my daughter and I; maybe out of flannel. I know that I have a lot of the bases covered, but I feel like I'm missing something. Any ideas or advice would be great! Thanks :)
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7 comments:
We lived for many years in frigid Wisconsin. GVS is a catalog that has knee-length under clothing for a good price. It will help keep you warm under your skirts. I think you can find them on-line.
After a few years of living in Estonia, your blood will thicken up and 70 degrees will feel warm to you. In Wisconsin it wasn't unusual to see people shed their coats when it got into the 40's!
Hope you have a good move.
Blessings,
Victoria
I live in Pennsylvania and have made extended trips to Alaska and Chile, and my brother and his family lived in Finland. It sounds like you have thing pretty well covered! The best advice I can give you is to layer, layer, layer. Even in the midst of snow and ice in PA, I don't wear winter coats that often. Rather, I wear a sleeveless shirt, two or three shirts, a sweater, and then a jacket. I find that lots of little layers are warmer than a couple thicker ones...and then it is easier to stay comfortable when you come back into a warm environment (like someone's house you are visiting).
When I was younger, I used to wear snow pants with very full culottes over top. I'm not sure if that would work in a rainy place though.
Sounds like you are doing quite well already in prep for the trip.
On my recent trip to Washington State...it was in the 30- 40's... when we stopped on a mountain tour...I was the warmest in my SKIRT! I was wearing a long denim skirt,nylons(didn't have any tights) but also wore knew high thick socks...slip on shoes...a longsleeve t-shirt- furry lined sweatshirt jacket, scarf and brought along my fleece gloves. I was able to be in SNOW and warm as a bug in a rug! By the way..then it was 31 degrees. You will eventually adjust to the weather. At first you will be cold to the bone so layer as suggested.
One thing that will help. Make warming rice bags all sizes..and heat in micro. Then place next to you for instant warmth like a fireplace! IT WORKS! You could make a "secret" pocket to place one in your clothing! Heat if needed at a friends house too!
I was tickled by your comment about cold feet. I have just the opposite problem. I am NOT a warm weather person so living in Hawaii has been a real challenge for me. After school time, the 'school room' is my sanctuary because it has a seperate air conditioner that I can turn w-a-y down. I know the temperature is perfect when my toes are cold!!!!
Regarding your cold weather atttire, I know Land's End has both silk and synthetic leggings that are warm but not bulky. LE isn't inexpensive but I've never had a problem with quality and their return policy is exceptional.
I would also suggest their squall jackets. They are great for 3 season wear. I bought my first 2 squall jacket when my oldest was 5 and my second was 3. I liked them so much that when they outgrew them I bought the next sizes. As we added more kids, we added more jackets. Prior to moving to Hawaii (all of our jackets went into storage) my youngest (6th child) was wearing my 2nd daughter's first squall and it still looked great 14 years later.
I'm praying for a safe and exciting transition to your new home.
I found you through Bound for Portugal. I live overseas too and have lived in places where there is no heat at all. It gets very cold in our apartment. We wear lots of layers, definitely have the thermals. We can actually buy colored thermals here that are a beautiful fashion statement worn under other garments. And make sure you ask the local people what they do, they can help alot (like the people here wear hot water bottles under their clothes!) :)
Thank you for your encouraging words.
I love the maternity dress, you are a wonderful seamstress. I will be praying for you during your upcoming move.
Carrie
I am happy for your chance to be near friends in Estonia, but...a little sad it wasn't Asunción. I'm not any help on cold weather.
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