Uses For Those Old Stockings

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 90, 14 March 1941, Page 44

Uses For Those Old Stockings

(By

L.J.

S.

\ X 7 HEN stockings have eventually run to ladders and holes toe big to mend, do not throw away as useless. Actually, they can be used to prolong the life of other pairs of silk stockings still in use, as threads drawn from these’ old stockings are by far the best thing to use when mending ladders. Take a strand of silk from a pair which matches in colour the stockings to be mended, and then do a series of fine chain stitches down the length of the run. The result will be a practically invisible mend. As a saving for the toes of stockings, try the following. Cut neat toecaps from the old stockings, slip them over the new ones, and stitch by machine, cutting away the edges close to the stitching. These will last a long time without fraying, the seam will not be felt, and the stockings will last longer. Another handy idea is to use an old silk stocking as a paint strainer. Roll down the top of the stocking and fit it over the outside of the tin-stocking inside-and, provided that the foot has not. run to holes too badly, the silk will make a fine and effective strainer. Stockingette undies can be mended with the remnants of silk stockings. Any patching could be done in the form of appliqué work, but in this case be sure to stitch closely to avoid flayed edges. Soaked in water and wrung as dry as possible, silk stockings are an excellent substitute for chamois leather when ‘wiping over windows and mirrors. The following notion will be found useful when packing a much pleated skirt. Cut the leg off an old stocking, and then after folding the pleats into place, drag the whole skirt through the stocking, and pack it carefully without further folding. In this. way. the pleats will arrive uncreased and the skirt will take up far less room than usual. ;