Your questions answered

Yours says Jileon specialises in wide-fit wellies for men, women and children up to a 53cm (20in) calf.

Q

My friends and I are practical folk and we often get frustrated by today’s throw-away culture. Is there some way we can pass on our skills and help our community to not be so wasteful?

Richard, King’s Lynn Yours says People forget that they can repair things themselves and sadly, society doesn’t always appreciate people who have this practical knowledge. International movement, the Repair Cafés, encourages visitors to bring in broken items to repair with volunteers’ help. Even if you don’t have anything to repair, you can always help with someone else’s repair job and enjoy a cuppa.

■ Visit www.repaircafe. org to find your nearest cafe or set one up with friends

Q

I need to drink from a straw, but single-use plastics are being phased out. Can you tell me where I can buy a reusable one?

T Martin, Rochdale Yours says This collapsible stainlesssteel straw is reusable, sturdy and environmentally friendly and it comes with a cleaning brush inside a colourful storage case.

■ Available from Amazon.co.uk

Q

My friends and I love knitting for charity. Can you suggest a project?

Joy, by email Yours says How about knitting a mini hat for the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit campaign? For every hat-wearing smoothie sold,

Age Concern receives 25p which goes towards helping to fight loneliness among older people. You can knit or crochet as many as want and be as creative as you like.

■ When completed, pop them into your local Age Concern shop, or send to Big Knit, Innocent Drinks, 342 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5BU before July 2019.

■ Download a pattern from www. thebigknit.co.uk

■ All boots come with a 12-month guarantee and are available in ankle, mid- and full-leg styles and come in a range of colours and patterns. Prices vary. www.jileon.com 01488 647253

Q

My husband has trouble sleeping and I’ve been told a weighted blanket could help him. What is this and where can I buy one? Mrs R Rogers, Durham Yours says Individually made according to your height and body, a weighted blanket is quilted with glass micro-beads which are evenly dispersed throughout the blanket.

They are supposed to give the sensation of being hugged or embraced, which in turn release happy hormones for a restful night’s sleep. As well as sleep disorders, it can also help with anxiety, restless legs and stress, plus ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

■ Prices start at £149, buy at www.gravityblankets.co.uk