Today's NaBloPoMo prompt is, "What is something that is no longer made that you miss a lot and wish you could show future generations?"
Many years ago when I was still living at home with my family, my Mom, and my sisters and I darned our socks AND nylons! Yes, hard to believe perhaps, but true!
And as silly as this may sound, for those of you who may not be familiar with the word 'darn' other than an exclamation (as in Darn! or Darn it!), in this context it means, "mend (knitted material or a hole in this) by weaving yarn across the hole with a needle" as per google. See a great example of HOW to darn socks.
There was this thingamajig - do not know the name of it - that was rounded and wider at top. It looked somewhat like a spinning top without a point at the tip. See picture at top.
The hole of the sock or nylon was placed at the top on the widest part of this gizmo. And we would mend it with somewhat thick thread - three strands - well at least for our torn nylons. Not sure what we used for socks as I only remember that in shades of brown.
Let me explain or justify my reasoning for wanting to show future generations, until there will no longer be holes in socks, right? Someday perhaps?
At the time when I was growing up, this was one chore I detested. It felt like a chore and I think it was in one sense of the word. Now though, I can truly understand and appreciate its value.
Not only does this gizmo save money on having to buy new socks and/or nylons, it also saves socks from going into the landfill. At least, I imagine a lot end up there unfortunately.
I mean, how many people get holes in their socks? It happens way too frequently for me though, rather ridiculous I say, and I trim my toenails pretty regularly!
Can there not be an invention to slow this down or even better stop this from occurring? Oh, of course not! (Read that in a sarcastic tone.) We live in a world where the economy is fuelled by the purchasing and repurchasing of items, and that includes socks and nylons!
And after I pose the question below, I see this online about recycling socks. Now answer the question below first before you take a look at some of the possibilities! ;)
What do you do with holey socks and the like? Do you fix it, throw it away, repurpose it, and if so, how? I would love to know (and I may not be the only one)! ;)
Interesting post! While I was reading this, I realized that I have never darned socks. I liked the idea of giving old socks for puppet making. Old socks at our home usually end up being given to the maids or are just thrown away!
ReplyDeleteShilpa, read the link on recycling socks as it has a lot of great ideas of what you can do with old and/or holey socks! ;)
DeleteOhh this is interesting Ell...I usually give away my socks to my maid or sometimes just throw them away..But this could be an interesting thing to do..
ReplyDeleteNaba, see my comment to Shilpa as your response is the same! ;) <3
DeleteIn my schools days I used to darn my socks and I never liked wearing darned socks. Today my son might just shrug off and refuse to wear darned ones.
ReplyDeleteWell, hopefully you will see other uses for them Kalpana. See the recycling link for ideas. :) <3
DeleteMy mother used to darn socks, but I never got into that habit. Mostly, I just throw them out or use them as cheap dog toys or cleaning rags. It's a lost art, as you said. I didn't know about the H&M program, and will check into it. Thanks, Elly!
ReplyDeleteLike I said in my post, I am not surprised socks get thrown out as with other commenters who mention that; however, there are a lot of practical uses including the H&M program. I am glad you are checking that out Debbie. :) <3
DeleteI have darned a few socks but most of them I just give away or throw them. I like the idea of recycling them.
ReplyDeleteYes, recycling them is a great idea Inderpreet! Can you imagine all the hundreds if not thousands of socks that can end up in a landfill?! Check out the link for recycling ideas for socks. :) <3
DeleteI have never darned socks. My husband is better at sewing than me. Once he showed me how to darn a torn kurta. This was such an interesting post. Recycling socks is quite amazing too.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting that your husband sews and darns: good for him! Recycling socks is the way to go I think. I forgot to mention how often one sock seems to go missing during laundry. ;) <3
DeleteMy mother used to darn our socks when we were young. Now I either throw socks that are in good condition into the recycling bin or throw them away if they have holes. Love the idea of sock puppets. Oh that reminds me we used a sock as a snowman scarf once :)
ReplyDeleteWell I remember darning socks and would like to renew the tradition! ;) There is a store downtown Vancouver (and possibly elsewhere) that accepts clean clothes with holes and the like. The fiber is reused to make other clothes/things and they reward you with a $10 gift certificate to be used in their store to purchase something. I think they should have that type of store everywhere: we'd save a lot of socks going into Mother Earth! :) <3
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