Dear Ms. Alison ~

It has come to our attention that you are fascinated with reviving old tricks for a new age. We are currently scheduling production of a new show titled "Civility in UnCivil Times." Yes, the title does need some work. Basically, it is the Civil War version of Frontier House, our highly-rated, tear-jerking drama of modern day folk sent back in time. (Michael J. Fox acted as our executive consultant.)

We will be holding auditions in the foreseeable future and believe that you would be most perfect for our show. Your newly acquired expertise on darning would add a much needed level of authenticity. We have also extended the invitation to Pioneer Melissa, but she refuses to ditch the cell phone.

If interested, please call us today at 1-800-BE-CIVIL.

Acting As Always in the Public Interest,

Jane Crow
Executive Director
WGBH

Kerstin, you are funny! And Alison, how do you manage to stay up so late?

If you are going to darn socks you should at least get a new toy to do it.... don't you use one of the wooden egg things with the handle?

Alison, more extensive research has uncovered no more than the two additional links you already have listed. I haven't gone through all my knitting books yet, including the old and obscure.

Melissa, I plan to use a light bulb.

in the Montse Stanley book, or the big book, isn't there a picture somewhere of how to fix a hole just in knitting in general? wouldn't that be the same thing? maybe they just don't refer to it as 'darning socks' maybe it's just general 'how to fit if a hole develops in your knitting'? of course i'm not at home so can't look it up myself, sorry dude! sounds like you are having a lot of fun in your search however!

The description for About.com sounds very much like the technique my grandmother taught me when I was small. I thought of that when I read your entry yesterday, but I couldn't recollect it enough to put it into words, let alone English, comprehensible words! We always used my grandmother's smallish tea glasses as a base. Although a lightbulb seems an amusing possibility as well.

Wow, did you make your dress in your "picture" too, by hand, in the cabin with only a candle for light? Pioneer Women Rock!

Alison,

I darn/fix my dds' tights all the time using my beautiful wooden darning egg on a stick, which you insert into sock/tight and you do fixing. I don't try to re-knit tights. I just place a small piece of fabric inside and sew it around the hole and around the inserted piece. I know I know it is not about knitting, but sewing. But, I thought it might be a useful tool for you.

May

Ms. Crow!
Wait a moment, please. Don't count me out yet. I have an offer. I'll ditch the cell phone (since we'll be out of range anyways) and bring my satellite dish, tv, vcr, dishwasher, and masseuse instead. I mean, if that isn't rustic, I don't know what is....
Sincerely,

I don't know if it's the mother in me or the health care provider in me (I work with college students who are accident-prone), but the lightbulb doesn't seem like a good idea (sharp needle hitting glass).

Hi everyone! Thanks for the funny comments and helpful tips. I'm feeling much better about fixing that hole. Carolyn, I didn't find anything like reparing holes in either of the books you mentioned. If anyone finds the reference, please let me know, ok?

And as for going back in time and making my own gown, watch the sewing blog for more! :)