Antique 'The Modern Darner' Grooved Darning Mushroom
This v.rare antique darning mushroom features a grooved guide on the cap to help you achieve an evenly spaced (i.e. square) darn.
Similar to the 'The All-Square Darner', just a low-tech version.
Simply use the deep grooves as a guide to set up evenly spaced warp threads and when finished use the shallow grooves as a guide for weaving your weft threads.
There is a small storage compartment in the stem for needles and other small items.
Made in England in the 1940s/50s by NB Ware from early plastic (Bakelite).
Patent No.574628
Suitable for:
- mending small holes, thread bare areas or covering a stain.
- creating a classic darn or patch darn.
In excellent condition - no significant marks, dents or chips.
Measurements:
Height - approx 8.5cm/3.3"
Diameter of Cap - approx 6.5cm/2.55"
History of the Darning Mushroom
This darning tool was an essential item in 19th and early 20th century household as self-reliant women often had to make and repair all their clothing. They were commonly made using wood as it was widely availiable and not too expensive, but following the invention of early plastic many were made using Bakelite.
They made it much easier to stitch a repair: not too tight and not too slack. The top part of the mushroom was placed behind the hole to hold the darning area taut for working. Its 'stalk' with the rest of the fabric around it, was held in one hand and the darning needle was worked with the other hand.
There are various types besides the basic darning mushroom. A darning egg (for socks and tights), and a darning stick (for gloves). Some are made with detachable handles so you can store a few needles and a small amount of thread which is easily to hand an emergency!
