Found this smooth wooden object in an old sewing tin. Shaped like a mushroom but the handle is too short to be a pestle.

Old sewing tins often contain a mix of practical tools and sentimental items, reflecting the era and household from which they originate. The presence of a darning mushroom among needles, thimbles, and thread suggests a time when repair and reuse were standard practices.

Sewing tins themselves can be valuable indicators of the past, often passed down through generations. They might include inherited tools or items collected over a lifetime, each with its own story. The context of these items together provides a snapshot of domestic life in a particular time and place.

While the darning mushroom is a common variant, darning eggs are another popular tool used for similar purposes. Shaped like an egg, these tools also provide a rounded surface for mending fabric, often used interchangeably with mushrooms depending on personal preference.

Some darning tools were whimsical in design, crafted to be visually pleasing as well as functional. They came in various sizes, materials, and even colors, reflecting both the availability of materials and the aesthetic preferences of their users.

To use a darning mushroom today, start by placing the damaged part of the sock over the mushroom’s cap. Stretch the fabric until it’s taut but not overly tight, ensuring that the hole is centered. Thread a darning needle with yarn or thread that matches the fabric.

Begin by sewing a series of vertical stitches over the hole, anchoring the thread in undamaged areas. Then, weave horizontal stitches over and under the vertical ones, creating a woven patch. This method ensures a sturdy repair that mimics the original fabric structure, extending the life of the item being mended.