Based on your description — smooth wooden object, mushroom-shaped, handle too short to be a pestle, found in an old sewing tin — it’s very likely a darning mushroom.
What a Darning Mushroom Is
- Purpose: Used for mending socks or garments.
- How it works:
- You place the sock or fabric over the smooth “cap” of the mushroom.
- This stretches the fabric slightly, making it easier to weave in thread and repair holes.
- Material: Usually wood, but sometimes ceramic or plastic.
- Size: Small, just enough to fit inside a sock or mitten.
Why It Looks Like a Mushroom
- The rounded “cap” mimics the shape of a mushroom and provides a curved surface for sewing over.
- The short handle lets you hold it comfortably without it getting in the way of your stitching.
💡 Tip: If you want to try it, even today, you can use it for repairing socks, gloves, or other knitted garments. It’s a classic tool from the era before disposable clothing.
If you want, I can show a few other antique sewing tools commonly found in old tins so you can see if anything else matches your collection.
Do you want me to do that?
