Although PRETTY mild so far this winter, it’s been hard to leave the long johns, (or flyless ‘long jills’) off in the morning. As an insurance against drafts and astronomical heating bills, they can’t be beaten.

white and navy merino long johns

A favourite pair were made by Howies, purchased several years ago at a ‘Fashion Made Fair’ sample sale in London. Made from 100% Merino wool, they’re an invaluable second skin.  So treasured that they’ve been severely darned recently on both knees, just as they attempted to give up.

white merino wool with big darned repair

Darning can be very therapeutic. Like knitting, it’s great to do on train journeys, (if you don’t mind the curious looks.) Darning gives a sense of power and creation too – like playing God with jumpers… pulling a pullover back from the edge.

red and pink darned wool jumper

Colour-matching darning wool can be subjective. Sometimes we don’t have the same hue in wool or thread, so go all ‘wabi sabi’ and highlight the repair on our cherished sweater with colours that stand out.

You can re-stock your wardrobe quite easily with a few deft ‘stitches in time’ and a bit of choice de-bobbling. Surprisingly simple darning tips and basic techniques are available online, courtesy of ethical textile retailers, Greenfibres. (They also sell darning mushrooms.)

vintage darning needles

Special darning needles and vintage yarn can also be found online, on websites such as Etsy.
jen

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