This was in with some tools at the weekly flea market but when I asked the seller what it was he said, "For darning socks." I was curious as to why he had put it with the tools but implied criticism is never a good idea before one has inquired about the price in such a situation.
And, besides, I did not think it was for darning socks, although the encircling piece might be a good idea for holding mending in place. But it seemed the wrong shape: an egg shape is more needed for darning, more like a heel.
Awhile later I encountered an acquaintance, a fellow fibre artist, and dug this out of my bag and asked him.
He said it was for stamping (or blotting?) and the clamp would hold paper taut so one could stamp (?) or blot. The question marks are mine because, on later reflection, I could see that a soft, bendable paper like blotting paper might lend itself to being pressed around the end and contained there while one used it for blotting real ink writing. I'm not sure what he meant by "stamping".
A further thought is that I could put a piece of fabric in it and then hold it and paint something on the stretched surface. But why would I want to hold it like that. I tape fabric down flat to paint upon.
Any information? Any ideas?
Comments
6 responses to “Flea market find …… what is it …. ????”
You always find the most fascinating objects at the sales you attend. I think it might be some sort of blotter. The magazine, Our Canada, (www.ourcanada.ca) always has photos of interesting items and readers get to guess what they are. Perhaps if you don’t find out what it is, you could submit it there and possible get an answer.
Morning Linda
Our Canada is a good idea; thanks. This kind of research is fun because a number of different uses can arise apart from the ‘original’ one.
Perhaps a ‘darning mushroom’ for darning sox…the clamp to hold the sock in place, the surface for darning. I googled ‘darning mushroom’ in the images section and saw some just like this.
Thank you, Terri! There is one exactly like it! So the seller was right – and next time I see him I will ask, then, why it was in with the tools. And I do have some socks that could use darning ……
I can’t believe I’m reading this tonight when I’ve just finished darning 2 socks !!!! I haven’t darned socks in years ! And I was sitting there with each one, in turn, stretched over my hand, thinking that I should go retrieve the light bulb which I’ve kept in my sewing machine drawer for just that purpose.
I didn’t go fetch it because that meant going upstairs…etc…
I don’t read your blog every day because I like to wait until you’ve posted 3 or 4 weeks worth and read them altogther. It’s my treat !!!!!!!!
Thanks Karen.
Hi Carol
I love the syncronicity, as usual. Spell check is upset about my spelling of s….. but not offering a correction. Hummph. Looking up in dictionary is akin to your “going upstairs ….etc….” Wonder why you were darning socks – ones you had knit and which still have years of wear except for in the missing heels perhaps….. My knit on 28 sts socks seem to wear out heels and beyond so easier to knit a new pair. But – this year I am also looking into buying some wool work socks – at least when they wear out I can skip out and buy another pair. Have long lasting hopes for the pairs I am knitting this year in RAYON. But have yet to test out their warmth. Nice to hear from you.