DARNING SOCKS Visible Mending how to darn stitch by hand The Great Wool Weekend Yarn Festival TKM 14

How to darn socks by hand, visible darning visible mending
We take a day out at The Great Wool Weekend Yarn festival at RHS Rosemoor
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[@nefraial]

This might sound backwards, but I feel like there's more life in a darned sock than a new one.

[@theknittingman6443]

I totally agree. I love wearing mine.

[@tanyamandzilevskaya5956]

Ви моллдці. Я теж умію таким займатись. Ну у моїй країні на зараз війна і клопоти зовсім інші. Вашій родині добра, дякую.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Tanya, yes the world is a very troubled place at present. Thanks Gary

[@dangerberry]

Hi Gary! Great video! Can you recommend a yarn to use for darning that is similar to the fibrous kind you use and also available online / in the US? Or could you perhaps suggest some parameters / search terms I should focus on? I tried to search, but it’s hard to tell how fibrous things are online. And one of the wool darning yarns I saw specifically said non-felting. The felting part is really appealing to me. Do you just let them felt through wear or do you do anything to help the process along? Thank you!! -Laylay

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Yes they felt as you wear them, you could search for a rug yarn, mainly wool or a wool mix would be best. Thanks very much

[@erickaeckles4187]

I loved watching your darning Gary, as I mentioned on one of your Instagram posts with your darned socks, this reminded me so much of seeing my dad sit at the kitchen table of an Autumn or Winter evening, big mug of tea and a stack of those cards of darning yarn in those boring grey, brown and navy shades. He had really big feet (his socks were more like Christmas stockings), and he had to send off to buy his socks from a shop in London, so darning them to get as much wear as possible from them was very much a financial consideration for him. When he died I asked my mum for some of his socks because watching him darn them is such a strong memory but the pair she saved me were barely worn, she laughed when I mentioned the darning with a "what on earth do you want a pair of those old things for"...... Thank you again for a lovely video - I'm surprised Jo hasn't taught the grandchildren "oh grandad, put a sock in it"

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Erika yes I might talk about how the times have changed with regards to darning, my nan was an amazing darner. But the idea that big socks were more costly would have been a major consideration back in the day. Jo Realised that she had missed a trick when she saw your comment, but there's still time. Thanks Gary

[@jaaess2]

Hi Gary and Jo. This was another lovely episode. Your darning was great to watch how nicely and expertly you do it. What a lovely setting the Wool Weekend was in. The grounds are beautiful there. Have fun and I look forward to your next video.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Jeenee Thanks so much. Yes we had great fun making this one

[@heatherrobertson6717]

Thanks so much for demonstrating how you darn your socks! They look great. I think visible darning is a bit like Japanese Kintsugi - it honours the history of the item, and adds beauty and value - rather than discarding it. Looking forward to your next video!

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Heather, So true! I think they just keep getting better the more they are darned. Thanks Gary

[@recreationalknittingpodcast]

Exactly what I was looking for! Subscribed. Check my simple little podcast out.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Karen, subbed you back, I really like your relaxing style, Thanks Gary

[@recreationalknittingpodcast]

@@theknittingman6443 thank you. I’m trying to grow my channel and appreciate it! I’m nowhere the pro knitter you are but I still am obsessed with knitting and wool and sheep!😂

[@Judybloom799]

“I’d like my socks to last me till my life ends” resonated just as much as the haphazard method.. I loved this Do you do sweaters exactly like this?

[@theknittingman6443]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Judybloom799]

@@theknittingman6443well that makes it really easy! I have a whole pile that need mending. I don’t knit, so all the standard methods of darning seemed too intimidating. This method I can handle!

[@catherinekhalili4412]

I like your way of darning as it becomes part of the fiber of the sock in a cool way. Loved the videos. 😀

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Catherine 😊 thank you so much

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I just loved this episode, the garden, the yarn show, your darning. Have you tought about one of these neck lamps when Jo wants romantic lighting and you want to darn ?

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Nicole , the lamp is a great idea! Jo

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@theknittingman6443 Yes great solution to accomodate both your needs. We have the same at home. My spouse needs low ligtihng at night, otherwise he gets imsomnia, but then I can't knit, so the neck lamp is the perfect solution. It would be a gift for both of you.

[@anavelaeshomestead]

Greetings from Australia. I recently discovered your chanel, I'm a vintage knitter with 50+ years experience. I never knew how to weave in floats in fair isle knitting, my yoke jumper is going to look so much better. Thank you. Watching the sock darning, Oh the memories, that took me back to when I was a small child watching my mother and grandmother darn socks. They both had a sock mushroom, they used to sit together having a bit of chat over the sock darning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, for this yarn craft.

[@theknittingman6443]

Thank you a lot of my family are Searles, let me know how you get on with your yoke. Gary

[@jennylhenry78]

12:30 - 28:38 is the sock mending.

[@theknittingman6443]

Thanks very much- i might extract that part out

[@saulgoo2334]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. I love the peaceful piano too. I want to be better at darning and piano.

[@ОльгаБормотова-г7ч]

Очень интересный канал. Мы вяжем подругому. Интересно узнавать новости со всего света. Подписка!❤️

[@nicolacockett7523]

I've bought the yarn "eggs" from that lady at Unravel too!! She sells great stuff. All the colours and very cute egg shaped balls. Hoping to get to Unravel this year, but might have to go to the autumn one. Ive surgery coming up so I'll still be recovering. Thank you for this video on darning: to know that I dont need to be "precious" about how I have a go. I have lots of moth damaged garments and I need to darn them with some contrast colours :)

[@theknittingman6443]

Brilliant! Good luck! Moths are a menace!

[@anavelaeshomestead]

Gary, my descendant Searle & Hardy family are from the southern part of UK, dating back to the early 1800s, probably a connection way back there. LOL So glad I discovered your knitting channel, I do love the creative process from art to yarn. This has given me an idea to take Grandma Searle's artworks canvas & ceramics from 1970s into knitting, one day. LOL I'll tune into a few more videos on the process. Thanks again.

[@theknittingman6443]

Our Searle relations are from Northiam kent, now living in Cornwall. Keep watching!! many thanks Gary

[@kathosim501]

Now I’m obsessed with this idea but holy crown the darning mushrooms are crazy expensive! On Etsy they all ship from the UK (I’m in the USA) or Ukraine, or handmade for $45+. Going to see if my father-in-law can make me one, which would be cool to have in the sewing box.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Kattarina yes get him to make one that's too much money Good luck Gary

[@vivjones2395]

Visible darning now hunting through my wardrobe for holey jumpers ....I cant darn my socks as non of them are wool

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Viv I look forward to seeing the results. I am going to borrow one of Vera's jumpers to show in the next episode, Thanks Gary

[@giab1188]

Just discovered your channel and absolutely love it! Could you do a sit and knit where you knit and talk? Greetings from Ohio

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Gia, Great idea! we had been thinking about it but I tend to do a lot more ums and ers, however I think it is something that we want to do so we might try it. Thanks for the idea Gary and JO

[@Gail_Blanton]

I didn’t finish my thought… lol. I really like the colorful mending. Did a pair of jeans last year. Need to add to them soon. I actually stole them from my husband; telling him men wearing jeans with holes is not a thing. I think he finds it amusing that I can wear his pants.

[@theknittingman6443]

Yes all my jeans were visibly mended back in the 80s. I have a pile to do now but never get round to them

[@Gail_Blanton]

I’d love to see you in a feature interview on Fruity Knitting. That was my first ever knitting channel. Hooked from the first moment.

[@theknittingman6443]

Andrew and Andrea did ask me when they first started but I didn't have the technology, but I would like to do an interview with them in the future, my fiberchats interview comes out next month,

[@kristenrossi6528]

Thank you Gary for sharing your darning segment, it inspired me to mend my husband's socks that I made him. I will use a rustic yarn that will felt well and will search for a household item that I can insert into the sock since I don't have a darning egg. The springtime garden was also beautiful, we're about 3 -4 weeks behind you, here in New Hampshire, US.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Kristen I think a tea cup might be a good shape to use. A rustic yarn sounds great! Thanks Gary

[@christinegiroux8471]

What a beautiful peaceful place for a wool festival! Thanks Mrs Smith for filming! I tried darning mothholes in my brother in law's Norwegian sweater using swiss darning method which was awful. The color was dark charcoal and it was impossible to see my stitches, so I ended up using the weaving method and then did a little needle felting on top to make the repairs less visible. Love the insert of Vera by the way- so funny!!

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Christine, I just repaired a jumper for Vera with visible mending. Bright pink dots on a brown jumper, she wears it all the time. I think Jo will be putting that clip of Vera in again in future episodes. Thanks Gary

[@sheiladuke727]

I often darn the gloves I make, but with matching yarn. Yours is delightful. Nice film of the walk amongst the yarn.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Sheila, darning is such a joy. Thank you! 😊 Gary

[@roxannashively3751]

Thank you for the darning inspiration. I have avoided knitting socks because the two pair I did knit did got holes in them as I am hard on socks. Now, think I will finish up the three I have on needles. Also, lovely gardens at the yarn show. ,

[@theknittingman6443]

Thanks Roxanna yes the idea of adding to the creativity with visible mending to a hand knitted sock is such an exciting prospect. I would be wishing the holes to appear. Gary

[@dianebeckett5453]

love the darning Gary. i do visible mending on clothes but mainly embroidery as the clothes are linen fabric. but along the same lines.... to keep it going another few years :)

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Diane yes it is such a joy isn't it

[@perranyarns]

Awesome, thanks for the feature! Your darning has inspired me to have a go at mending a pair of mine. I don't usually notice until the hole is huge but these should be OK. I think there's a 4ply & DK in the Wool I gave you; looking forward to seeing it incorporated in your colourful pieces! 😀

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Steph, yes thanks for those yarns you will see them incorporated in a future project. I will probably do a video of how I darn a bigger hole soon. Thanks Gary

[@rosamimmino1393]

At first I thought you do it for decoration....... the socks look great, anyway!

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Rosa, Thank you! 😊Yes my main consideration is making them road worthy again.

[@elzumia]

Thanks l love the darnig part, I used to make s fabric it was a wast of time, I like the way you do it, thanks again and Happy Easter

[@theknittingman6443]

Thank you so much and a happy Easter to you Gary

[@sylviaeast9444]

Love the off piste darning...no rules ! My kind of darning. Proper job! X

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Sylvia That's a great comment because it made me realise that my darning fits in with my no rules off-piste ethos. I hadn't seen the connection before. It's all about the outcome and finding the easiest route for you and not about the detail or fussiness. Thanks very much Gary

[@Gail_Blanton]

I love that you’ve done a segment on sock darning. My mom used to darn my fathers dress socks. I picked up a little darning tool. So fun. I’d love love love to go to Unravel. Someday…

[@theknittingman6443]

Th Ally Pally Knitting and Stitching show is in London and is also a good one to got to.

[@lisabelfield1691]

WoW....even your darning is a work of art! Highly inspirational as per usual.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much 😀

[@catnapper3923]

Unique way of darning - thank you! Happy Easter!

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Cat Thank you too! and I wish you a lovely time as well. Gary

[@razielsfire3204]

Could consider a head lamp to light your work and not ruin the ambience for your wife 😊

[@theknittingman6443]

Great idea!Jo

[@OlTrailDog]

I have found the best way is to purchase "Darn Tough" Merino wool socks with their lifetime warranty. They are absolutely incredible ;-). However I also have some thicker top brand wool socks that do well in stouter boots, but quickly wear out in the toe area. I usually darn them to get some extra wear on them. I thought I'd check to see what others are doing to accomplish this winter time task.

[@theknittingman6443]

Thanks for the info!

[@katherynswafford83]

My bf swears by Darn Tough socks, but he has a wonky toe that rubs a hole right along the toe seam... I've had to teach myself to darn socks because of this - they're amazing socks, but they ARE expensive! 😜

[@solangethompson4251]

Thanks for another great video. I love little Vera too - so funny.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Solange, Glad you enjoyed it, I think you might have to get used to seeing that clip if Jo gets her way. Thanks Gary

[@ThePattiw]

I really liked the darning session! The colours make your socks so unique!

[@theknittingman6443]

Glad you like them! Thank you Gary

[@razielsfire3204]

I think the felted look in those bright colours looks lovely!

[@chrisdonohoo]

Loved seeing The Great Wool Weekend Clips!

[@theknittingman6443]

Us too! Thanks Chris

[@donnaravinet720]

Along with countless other wips and ufo’s I have started knitting an off piste vest and more recently the bluebird Blanket. I am enjoying the vest as this is totally a new way of knitting for me. The blanket on the other hand I am finding more tricky to do, I can’t as you do knit the pattern by sight. I am in the process of putting each stitch into a spreadsheet, yet I am still having to unpick rows. Today I have totally messed up on row 25 so feeling downhearted. While writing this I have given myself a talking to and picked up the knitting again. This Bluebird Blanket will be very unique.

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Donna, I know how you feel, I have got hardly anywhere on my off piste vest and I haven't even started my hare blanket. Don't beat yourself up you are knitting a very difficult project that the majority of knitters wouldn't even attempt. Stay brave I know you can do it. Small errors will not be noticed just make sure that take care around the head and wings otherwise let some of the mistakes go. There are lots of mistakes in my bluebird blanket but nobody has noticed yet. Sending you love. Gary

[@donnaravinet720]

@@theknittingman6443 I am really enjoying my 2 knits they make me smile as I see the pattern growing and I can recognise it, and the way the vest is looking with my different patterns and colours. I do like seeing other peoples vests progressing there are some very talented knitters out there, it also gives me more ideas of patterns I could do. One last thing I think the shorts are a very good idea as I had forgotten how to carry the floats on the purl side. Looking forward to this week’s episode.

[@theknittingman6443]

@@donnaravinet720 Thanks Donna, glad you are enjoying both projects, we might be a little late with this weeks video Gary and Jo

[@janeferguson8678]

I have a stack of socks that i knit that need to be darned. You have inspired me. Like you i want my current socks to last for the rest of my life. I would love to see your yarn stash!

[@theknittingman6443]

Thanks Jane darning is a total joy, the yarn stash episode is with the planning department Thanks Gary

[@janeferguson8678]

@@theknittingman6443 haha, keep an eye on the planning dept

[@edinacole6382]

We’re learning so much about you! Color is one of the most important parts of your life (after Mrs. Smith). ❤️

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Edina Yes I like wearing bland colours, but I love using colour. Thanks Gary

[@edinacole6382]

@@theknittingman6443 Is that why we don't see you wearing the items you make? Hmmm, maybe it's time to auction them off. You may get a fortune for those vests because they are exquisite!!!!

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

This yarn festival looks like something I would like to visit. But I don't know if there are festivals like that here in the Netherlands. Do you know?

[@theknittingman6443]

Hi Inge, I don't know if you have them but I only found out about this one because people that I follow on instagram were preparing for it. The festival organiser's promotion and social media was rubbish. So my tip would be to follow local yarn dyers and makers on instagram they will tell you about the fayres they are going to. Thanks Gary

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

@@theknittingman6443 After I asked this question I found some information. I found the 'Wollig Landleven' fairs. As far as I saw there's one each month, every one in a different region/province.

[@theknittingman6443]

@@ingeleonora-denouden6222 That is amazing. When you go to the fair, the sellers will be able to tell you about the other fairs local to you.

[@deborahtravis5688]

just came accross this while doing some visible mending on a jumper and repairing a hole in the toe of some tights. Loved being in your company during the repairs.

[@RobbieMcT97]

Luv the anti-waffling directive!

[@pay4fish]

Cool darning 🧦!!

[@theknittingman6443]

Thank you