Pages

▼

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:



at

73 comments:

  1. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartMarch 20, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️March 20, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Wow! You have so many wonderful collections.

    Thanks for hosting the party!

    Dee

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMarch 20, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  4. BlissMarch 20, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    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~

    ReplyDelete
  5. La Vie QuotidienneMarch 20, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rosemary@villabarnesMarch 20, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    You have a darn nice collection. Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Grammy GoodwillMarch 20, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    You do find the darnedest things. hehehe

    ReplyDelete
  8. Julie MarieMarch 20, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMarch 20, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    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!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMarch 20, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    Great collection of darning eggs!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Blessed SerendipityMarch 20, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  12. Barbara @ 21 Rosemary LaneMarch 20, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. TrishaMarch 20, 2012 at 10:05 PM

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

    ~Trisha

    ReplyDelete
  14. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorMarch 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  15. Grandma Barb's This and ThatMarch 20, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownMarch 20, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  17. NanaDianaMarch 20, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  18. Danice GMarch 20, 2012 at 10:53 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. Danice GMarch 20, 2012 at 10:53 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. JudiMarch 20, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cottage and BroomeMarch 20, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ruth...Time Was AntiquesMarch 20, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  23. Debra@CommonGroundMarch 21, 2012 at 12:10 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. Maureen WyattMarch 21, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  25. FRENCH LAUNDRYMarch 21, 2012 at 1:41 AM

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

    Thanks for hostessing the party Patti!

    Hugs,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  26. Serendipity Handmade + VintageMarch 21, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    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?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMarch 21, 2012 at 2:46 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  28. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMarch 21, 2012 at 2:47 AM

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

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  29. Heirloom treasuresMarch 21, 2012 at 4:12 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  30. Heirloom treasuresMarch 21, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  31. GailMarch 21, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  32. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaMarch 21, 2012 at 6:54 AM

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

    Greetings from Australia♥

    ReplyDelete
  33. SImple and Serene LivingMarch 21, 2012 at 7:11 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  34. Pellie / PennyMarch 21, 2012 at 8:43 AM

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

    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  35. NannMarch 21, 2012 at 9:18 AM

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

    Nann

    ReplyDelete
  36. TinaMarch 21, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Love the collection of darning eggs, they are great.

    Thank you for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pat@Back Porch MusingsMarch 21, 2012 at 9:23 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  38. Linda@Coastal CharmMarch 21, 2012 at 9:30 AM

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

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  39. Jan@southernjunkin'March 21, 2012 at 9:49 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. polkadotpeticoatMarch 21, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    I think these are like works of art!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Joy@aVintageGreenMarch 21, 2012 at 12:27 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. Laurel StephensMarch 21, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  43. Curtains in My TreeMarch 21, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tablescapes By DianeMarch 21, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  45. DoniMarch 21, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  46. Kim @ French Country AntiquesMarch 21, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    Love the darning eggs. Thanks so much for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  47. The French HutchMarch 21, 2012 at 7:18 PM

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

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  48. JanetMarch 21, 2012 at 8:03 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  49. The TablescaperMarch 21, 2012 at 8:57 PM

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

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  50. romance-of-rosesMarch 21, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  51. Burlap LuxeMarch 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  52. Stan and Jody GabaraMarch 22, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  53. Fairfield HouseMarch 22, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  54. orchid0324March 22, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    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*

    ReplyDelete
  55. Donata @ DK's Craft CafeMarch 22, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    :) 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

    ReplyDelete
  56. The Charm of HomeMarch 22, 2012 at 9:19 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousMarch 22, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  58. KarenMarch 23, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Effie's Sweet Home DesignsMarch 23, 2012 at 2:51 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  60. Stan and Jody GabaraMarch 23, 2012 at 2:59 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  61. AtticmagMarch 23, 2012 at 9:19 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  62. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)March 23, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    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)

    ReplyDelete
  63. MimiMarch 23, 2012 at 3:48 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  64. momto8March 24, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  65. PalomaseaMarch 25, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  67. PalomaseaMarch 25, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  68. Effie's Sweet Home DesignsMarch 25, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  69. chateau chicMarch 25, 2012 at 10:54 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  70. Relyn LawsonMarch 27, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  71. TerriMarch 27, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  72. PamelaMarch 28, 2012 at 1:01 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  73. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMarch 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.