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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Darn It!

Sorry to use such strong language, but I have no choice, because this… is a darning egg. A practical sewing implement that was used to repair holes in socks, stockings, gloves, silks, wools… everything! A darning egg was placed beneath the fabric and a matching shade of thread or yarn was used to finely stitch the frayed material back together. It was less visible and a much better match than a patch.
This darning egg is wood with a silver handle from the late 1800s. Sewing was a key pastime ands a practical skill that all young ladies were required to have. That said, you can find sewing implements that are quite ornately carved or embossed and made from precious materials such as ivory, silver, gold, or jade. Sewing scissor holders, thimbles, needle cases and other chatelaines were monogrammed and given as gifts.
This sweet darner is for darning gloves, hence the long shaft with double ends of different sizes. Darling!
This black wooden darner has a gorgeous silver inlay piece. This would add a bit of style without the price of a full silver handle.
I found this fun and novel darner (and the cool box!) when I was on vacation in Kansas City. A figural darning egg of a lady made of porcelain with the message “Darn It” at the bottom. Aren’t the little blue feet precious? The box with the verse was just so fun I has to have it too!
This darner is made from blown glass. I’ve not run across another yet. I thought one in every color would make a nice bouquet in a glass vase, right?
Darn it, I hope you found something of interest in this post that might cause you to “darn it” too. Hmm… like a milk glass bowl of them displayed in your sewing or crafts room perhaps? Just saying!
Hugs,
Patti

And thank you all for participating in our
 "What's It Wednesday"  linky party!
Don't forget to grab a feature button.

Ivy and Elephants

Here are this week's features:



73 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I have tried darning a sock and it isn't easy. I didn't have a darning egg but I still think it takes some skill and practice. I found your post very interesting, Patti!

Thanks for featuring my grasshopper Squares :)

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Wow! You have so many wonderful collections.

Thanks for hosting the party!

Dee

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

You always have the most wonderful collections. I've never seen one with such a pretty silver handle. I just linked up and appreciate you hosting. Hugs, Sherry

Bliss said...

I remember my mom sewing holes in my socks (eggless) and when I had kids it seemed the thing to do.... till I had another kid, and another, and another, etc.... Then I just decided they were cheap enough at Target to go buy more because I didn't have time to sew them. I bet it's a lost art.

~Bliss~

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I remember that my mother had a sewing kit including a darner, I think it was made of ivory ~ long gone. This is a great collection.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

You have a darn nice collection. Thanks for hosting.

Grammy Goodwill said...

You do find the darnedest things. hehehe

Julie Marie said...

Oh "darnit" Patti!... every time I look at your posts, I want to start another collection!... tee hee hee... my mama ALWAYS darned our socks!... and I remember her using one just like those, she had a special "darning" box with all of the threads and such... my, how times have changed... I miss those times... thanks for sharing your fabulous collections!... and yes, I bought my first vintage pill box (after seeing yours)... to go with my newer ones... it is a vintage Limoges and I can't wait for it to come... also can't wait to see what all else you collect, I know it will be stunning!... Happy Spring!... xoxo Julie Marie Hello Paula!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Gosh darn it...you have the most incredible collections I have ever seen...Each week I am in awe of what you are featuring...magnificent!!...

Thank you again for featuring my post from last week. You are the sweetest!...I look forward to reading our blog and participating in your party each week!!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Great collection of darning eggs!

Blessed Serendipity said...

Another wonderful collection. I love the cute person darner - adorable - and that little sewing machine and sewing bird too. Thanks for hosting the party.

xo,
Danielle

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

Hello Lovely Ladies...

You two do have some amazing collections! And I loved reading everyone's darn comments about this one!!!

Thank you so much for featuring my new backsplash. Mr. Rosemary Lane is pretty proud of it too. Now that his hard work got featured maybe I can use it to finagle him into doing a few more projects around here!

Have a great week and thank you again so very much!!!

Trisha said...

You always have such amazing things to share-I love learning something new every week! Thank you!

~Trisha

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Your collectibles are always so unique and fun:)Love all the different intricate handles of the "darning eggs" and the hand blown glass one is so pretty! Thanks for sharing your awesome collection and for the party!Have a great week!~Poppy

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

What a great collection of darning eggs. I didn't know there were so many different ones. I thought they were all made of wood.

Unknown said...

Where in the world do you find such great unique things? It's really puzzeling!! They are lovely and especially the one with the silver handle.

NanaDiana said...

Patti- Those are some pretty fancy looking darning eggs. Love them! I have two that belonged to my gramma and they are both just the plain ones. I can remember her sitting and darning my Uncle's socks! xo Diana

Danice G said...

What a great post! The darning egg. I haven't thought of those in some time. What a handy and attractive item to have :)

Danice G said...

What a great post. A handy and attractive item, the darning egg :)

Judi said...

I love your collection of darning eggs. I did not realize there were so many different kinds.
Thank you for sharing your collection and the information. I really enjoyed it.

Cottage and Broome said...

The two of you always have the best collections. They usually have an elegant feel to them. Love the daring egg with the silver handle. Thanks for hosting again this week, Laura

Ruth...Time Was Antiques said...

Hi There. I have linked to your post from a post of mine last month featuring English darners which I thought you might find interesting. You have a wonderful collection!
Cheers!
R

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Gals, just linking up some of my bedroom things, this old frenchy table. thanks for hosting, xo

Maureen Wyatt said...

That reminds me of my mom darning socks and how careful she had to be so there wasn't an uncomfortable bump underfoot. Thanks for hosting! ~ Maureen

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

LOVE that silver darner. And all of your other pretty sewing goodies.

Thanks for hostessing the party Patti!

Hugs,
Judy

Serendipity Handmade + Vintage said...

Fabulous collection! This is not a sewing implement that I collect so I don't search these out, but even so I have never seen a darner with a silver handle before...how common (or uncommon) were they for the time?

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Hello!
I hope you don't mind that I linked up several post but if that is not allowed then I will not do it next time.
Thanks again for your invitation to join your party!! And thanks so much for hosting!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Me again! By the way, you have an amazing collection! I have the black wooden kind that was my grandmother's.

Hugs,
Deb

Heirloom treasures said...

I so love vintage sewing aids, Yours are just lovely.
x jeanetteann

Heirloom treasures said...

Ps I forgot to say,my dad used to mend all our socks with a darning mushroom. He was really perfect at it.
x jeanetteann

Gail said...

What an amazing collection! I have to tell you though....I just learned something..I have never heard of a darning egg before. Thanks for educating me and thanks for hosting, Gail

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Beautiful collection!
... Thank you for hosting week after week :)

Greetings from Australia♥

SImple and Serene Living said...

So happy to be joining in this week. Thanks for hosting.
Laura

Pellie / Penny said...

Your collection of darning eggs is spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing.

Hugs,
Penny

Nann said...

So enjoyed your features Patti. And thanks for hosting such a fun linky party. I love to be a part of it.

Nann

Tina said...

Love the collection of darning eggs, they are great.

Thank you for hosting.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

These are wonderful! I have actually darned a few socks in my "career".

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Great collection!!! Thank you for hosting this fun party.

Blessings,
Linda

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

What a fun collection! Great features this week! Thanks for hosting this party!

polkadotpeticoat said...

I think these are like works of art!!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Your treasures are shown in such artistic vignettes. I have never seen silver handled darning eggs before. How wonderful.

Laurel Stephens said...

I love learning new things and today it was about darning eggs. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

And thanks so much for hosting this party, too.

Laurel

Curtains in My Tree said...

I am amazied at all the beautiful things you have

I use to have a lot of darn it things and sold them

I do still have my old sewing bird

love ya party

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
You have a wonderful collections of Treasures in your lovely home, all are so beautiful. Thanks so much for hosting your linky party.
I also hope you have a wonderful week with your family.
XXOO Diane

Doni said...

Love your collection!! I only have one lonely darning piece, but I am looking for more! I love sewing notions and have quite a few, but always I'm looking for more! Love your displays as usual!
Thanks so much,
Doni

Kim @ French Country Antiques said...

Love the darning eggs. Thanks so much for hosting.

The French Hutch said...

I would never have know about the darning egg! You share so many beautiful collectibles. Thanks for hosting.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Janet said...

Thanks for hosting a fun party! Lot's of inspiration here!
Blessings,
Janet

The Tablescaper said...

I have a couple of wooden darners, but I have never seen an silver handled one.

- The Tablescaper

romance-of-roses said...

I know that darner ever so well. I remember watching my grandmother use her darner, which I have, to mend grandpa's socks. Yours are beautiful.
Hugs...Lu

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Patti for your beautiful visit, best of all your comments that always lift my spirits with your encouraging words...Your such a doll :)

I am always inspired with the pieces you drum up to post :)

Keep inspiring the best.
xoxo
Dore

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Thanks so much for hosting. It was nice of you to stop by and hope you can come back and visit my Simple & Sweet Fridays Party.



Jody

Fairfield House said...

Patty,

You have no idea how much I enjoy reading your posts and looking at your collections. Thank you! I adore the sweet little silver pin cushion with the bird.

Deborah

orchid0324 said...

Hello, this is Orchid.
Thank you very much for your very generous comment for my blog. I am glad to be your friend.
Today I'm going out for errand from now and not much time to read your blog at the moment, but I'll come back later and maybe leave a comment again.
Your new friend from Japan♪  orchid*

Donata @ DK's Craft Cafe said...

:) I remeber my Granny using a light bulb for this :)

Thank you so much, Patti, for stopping by and inviting me.
I'm humbled by the fact you found my recycled wreath suitable for linking up with your fine blog.

Blessings

The Charm of Home said...

I tried darning socks once and it was a major fail. LOL Thanks for hosting!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

I am in love with these 'darn' things!
Until tonight, I never knew they existed...never seen them before, but they make perfect sense. Thanks.

Honestly I thought it was a baby rattle or something at first!


Ciao Bella
Creative Carmelina

Karen said...

I love the way utilitarian objects were made so beautifully. I guess it made everyday chores more interesting. Thanks for hosting, I'm thrilled to link up.

Effie's Sweet Home Designs said...

HI MOMS!!!!!!!!
I LIKE YOUR BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE BLOG!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR VISITING.
KISSES FROM GREECE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Thanks for stopping by. Posting the hummingbird too!
The nest is in a chandelier and it is hanging in our patio area. I can see it looking down from our bedroom window. Couldn't ask for a better spot to peek.


Jody

Atticmag said...

I love the little collection. So charming plus unusual. Jane

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Funny, the way my Mama darned things was to say darn, darn, darn as she tossed the holy thing in the trash! Heeehehehe!

Several of your beautiful darners reminded me of some my Granny Walden used when I was just a wee chicklett.

You have so many lovely collections sweetie!

Have a blessed and beautiful weekend sweetie!!! :o)

Mimi said...

As always I love to see collections on your blog. Very interesting. Thanks for hosting!

momto8 said...

oh wow!! I love looking at all these wonderful posts. And most of all i love learning something new everyday...darning is soo darn interesting...thank you for this information!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

Palomasea said...

Dear Patti, thank you, as always, for sharing such fascinating pieces! These darning implements always make me think of my grandmother. She was constantly darning!! heee..:)
I now have one of her little pieces, but do not have a clue as to how to use it. So I think I will just enjoy the memories!
Hugs,
- Irina

Anonymous said...

The silver handled darning egg is the prettiest one I've ever seen! At first it looked like a chocolate egg sitting on a silver spoon and I thought: yummy! lol

Happy spring!
XO Diane

Palomasea said...

Oh Patti...you just made my day!! Thank you so much, dear friend, for those BEAUTIFUL, loving words.
I feel the same way about you!
Much love,
- Irina

Effie's Sweet Home Designs said...

DEAR PATTI,
I AM SO HAPPY AND THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG.
YOUR WHITE SOFA IS VERY PRETTY!
YOUR WOODEN EGG IS IN MY MEMORY ! THE SAME HAD MY GRANDMOM.
SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH...
KISSES MY SWEET FRIEND.

chateau chic said...

Your collection of darners is amazing. You have some beautiful ones in your collection.
Thanks for stopping by, Mary Alice

Relyn Lawson said...

I don't have any darning eggs, couldn't use them if I did - Darn it! I did love this post and the way everything, even common household items used to be made to be beautiful. I miss that now. By the way, that first image is stunning.

Terri said...

I love your bird third hand. It's in such good condition. I have bird too too, but my little pincushion part is missing, so now I know what it should look like... I always thought the fabric should be red, but I love our blue. Wonderful collecion and I love the title! Nice blog and I'm glad I found you!
Terri

Pamela said...

You are a hoot! Thanx for coming to the party!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

I thought I had quite a number of varied collections...until I started visiting you two. lol You do have the most wonderful and unique treasures.

Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. Hope to see you again this week.

Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

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Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula