Slippers and patches

I've made some lovely pamphlets - thought you might like to see them! Apparently, if you "click" on them they'll get bigger...hope that makes sense. We've got advice on patching shirts, how to darn holes and, best of all, how to make your own slippers!

Penny wise

Here in 1943, we have something called a Fuel Saving Scheme – we’re encouraged to switch off our lights when they’re not in use. And the focus isn’t just on our homes; we’re encouraged to turn off lights at work as well. It makes a lot of sense – our boys on the front line need the fuel for battle more than we do for reading.

The museum in 2009 has sent me a list of things that often get left ‘on’ in your time – if you don’t know what any of these are, don’t ask me! I’m just repeating what I’m told. Heaven only knows what a “computer” is, it sounds very confusing! And as for washing machines – they sound wonderful!

• Computer – the older they are, the more power they use when in standby mode. Turn off your home and office machines when not being used.
• Printer (often left on standby)
• Television (often left on standby)
• Lights (at work and at home. If you’re in an office and don’t have control over the lights, ask management)
• Phone chargers (they still draw a charge even when the phone isn’t connected)

And here are some other helpful tips:

• Use energy saving lightbulbs
• Use a kettle to boil water that’s going to be used on the stove – it takes less time and is more efficient
• Consider whether you could wear your clothes more often between washes. If they don’t smell and don’t look dirty, think twice! And try to only do full loads.
• Electricity usually becomes cheaper after 9pm – save jobs like using the washing machine until late in the day. Some washing machines have a timer so their cycle can coincide with the start of the next day.

Hope you find those helpful!

Communal sewing

The lovely people – and they are lovely, trust me! – at the Imperial War Museum have asked me to let you know about a special sewing event taking place there over the next few days. Apparently, if you arrive between 11am and 5pm, from today until Tuesday 14 April (inclusive), there’ll be a communal sewing activity! What fun!

To celebrate, I’ve passed them some of my handy tips and these will be passed on if you can make it.

And it’s completely free to get in!

Don’t be fuelish!

Today I’ve got just one simple idea for saving on fuel. You’ve probably heard it before, but it bears repeating!

Here’s the tip: walk or cycle short distances rather than taking public transport. Not only does this get you fit, and maybe save you money, but it also makes space on the buses and trains for people taking longer journeys. Less people means less need for more vehicles burning fuel.

Also, if, like me, you live in wonderful London, you’re missing all sorts of lovely attractions as you zoom around town in buses or trains. We’ve got so many wonderful buildings, many of which bear closer inspection as they’ve got lovely architectural flourishes around the roof and pillars. Try taking a few different routes between regular destinations and see what you can find!

Top tips for children

Here are two wonderful posters showing what children can do to help the war effort - every little helps! (Click to enlarge)

Make Do And Mend!

I’ve already mentioned the ‘Make Do And Mend’ video in my telegram about Recycling Clothes. Well, here are some more tips!

Try making the most of your existing wardrobe by customizing or adapting clothes to fit current trends, and repair items that are in need of a new button or zip. And if you’re ready to clear your wardrobe, why not organise a clothes-swapping party with your friends? As a last resort, you could see if your local charity shop will take them.

If you’ve got clothes that need mending, make sure you do this before you wash them – washing can often make damage worse.

Don’t throw your clothes down in a heap when you take them off – they’ll last longer if you shake them well and put them straight on hangers, as well as keeping their shape! The thicker and rounder the hanger, the better. Make sure any buttons are done up too, before you put them on the hanger.

Never let clothes get really dirty, as dirt damages the fabric – clean or wash clothes as soon as they get dirty. Dirt attracts moths!

Hope these are helpful – more tips to come!

Five Inches of Water

Hopefully everyone knows how much five inches is! I’m told that the Imperial War Museum in 2009 has an exhibit showing what a home of today looks like, including a bathroom showing a bath with 5” (12cm) of water – it isn’t much! But it’s just enough to get clean I suppose…

Here’s a lovely video that helps explain.