A funny mushroom… very useful!

Recently, my wife sent me a photo of an unusual object she inherited from her grandmother. It vaguely resembled a wooden mushroom. I thought it was a toy. Then a pestle. Missed. Intrigued, I finally asked for the answer.

This little accessory was actually used to mend socks! The damaged fabric was placed over the bulging part (like a mushroom cap), and it was easier to mend. Practical, clever, and very evocative of a bygone era …

Repair instead of throwing away: a philosophy to rediscover

This darning mushroom was one of the most used items in the home, as evidenced by the gently polished wear marks on its surface. In Soviet times, nothing was thrown away lightly. Before replacing, it was repaired. A mentality that is slowly coming back into fashion today, driven by the desire for a more sustainable and respectful lifestyle.

These objects aren’t just souvenirs: they’re pieces of life passed down from generation to generation. What if we, too, learned to create things that last, with our hands, our hearts… and a little wood?