The SHROOMIE 2-in-1 Darner Mushroom
A classic darning mushroom with a TWIST!
Simply turn the cap anticlockwise to remove the stem and convert your SHROOMIE into a darning disc to tackle those hard-to-reach areas - think pockets, sleeves, socks, cuffs and narrow trouser legs.
The disc is small enough to hold in the palm of your hand and the option to transform your mushroom into two parts makes it easier to store.
Key Points:
Repair holes, tears, threadbare areas and stains up to 8cm/3" wide.
Flat base for standing storage and hands-free mending - rest it on the table and give your arms a break whilst you stitch.
Ergonomic handle for comfort and ease of use.
The cap has a nice curved shape on the top which is particularly useful for darning heels, crotches, armpits, elbows and knees, where the fabric of the garment is shaped.
A metal screw fitting ensures the cap (aka darning disc) can be twisted on or off easily and securely.
And, if you're fed-up of fiddly elastic bands and bobbles to secure your fabric in place, you'll be pleased to know the SHROOMIE comes supplied with one of our beautiful custom-made stainless steel springs which fits perfectly into the groove on the cap. This finishing touch holds fabric securely, it's earth-friendly because they last like forever, plus it looks really damm cool.
A smooth organic surface, rounded edges and natural unwaxed finish.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted with care by us in our Cornish (U.K.) workshop using locally-sourced timber. Our current batch has been created using spalted beech hardwood sourced from the National Trust Lanhydrock Estate (Cornwall, U.K) - this was a windfallen tree that sadly came down in a storm in March 2020. T
Each one has it's own unique character with different grain patterns and is stamped on the base with our brandmark.
Measurements:
Overall Height - 12.5cm/ 5"
Diameter of Cap - 8.7cm/ 3.5"
Diameter of Base - 4.8cm / 2"
Length of Stem - 9cm/ 3.5"
These are all approximate measurements as every single one is handmade.
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.
Darning mushrooms 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 in an emergency!