Here's a stocking question

[Caledonia]

Clearer sinuses?

 

[Lauren]

If a man gave me stockings he'd get an eyebrow raise and a quick left to the jaw- unless, of course, he was my husband...

 

[Marc Chevalier]

My friend Ben found this *one* 1940s nylon stocking at a desert yard sale. It has felt-like stencilling on the top thigh area. Says in '40s lettering, "STOP! If you can read this, you're MUCH TOO CLOSE!" Ben framed the stocking and has it in his shop. Too cool!

.

 

[Lauren]

I need to get me some of those.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Too bad he only found one, and not its mate. It's in perfect condition, too. Wonder what happened to the other one?

.

 

[Caledonia]

That is cool! As to the other one, the owner probably strangled a potential suitor who got close enough to read it, then had to bury the evidence.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Stockings were one time expensive, hence the mending... So back on topic... You ever mended or know someone who has had tier stockings mended?

 

[Caledonia]

No. But I've just ordered a set of 40s Tregs, which are a stocking mending aid. Can't quite tell how they do what they do from the picture, but they should arrive tomorrow and I'll let you know.

 

[VisforVictory]

My friend Ben found this *one* 1940s nylon stocking at a desert yard sale. It has felt-like stencilling on the top thigh area. Says in '40s lettering, "STOP! If you can read this, you're MUCH TOO CLOSE!" Ben framed the stocking and has it in his shop. Too cool!

.

This has its roots way earlier...there are examples of 18th and 19th century womens' garters on which would be embroidered cute little phrases like that.

 

[fortworthgal]

No, I've never mended a pair. I must admit I am less than handy with a needle and thread! However, on another message forum, a lady recently posted directions for mending stockings along with examples of her work. At some point I may attempt it. Right now, it is just easier to purchase new.

 

[mysterygal]

stockings are pretty inexpensive these days so I've never felt the need to mend them either.
Fish net stockings: I'm so glad this was brought up! the mister bought me some pairs of them...now, whenever I see a woman wearing fish net stockings, it's usually on the corner of a street...he says, 'ooh no! they're classy!' so, are fish nets a 'hooker' type attire, or can you wear them and have class?

 

[Lady Day]

Too bad he only found one, and not its mate. It's in perfect condition, too. Wonder what happened to the other one?

.

Some one musta got half way there


LD

 

[Tourbillion]

The question is, why would you? The word "bordello" comes to mind.

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That is the point of getting the red seams, to appear as if one is a resident of a bordello.
Sheesh

Anyway, how do you repair full-fashioned stockings? Anyone care to explain?

 

[Caledonia]

stockings are pretty inexpensive these days so I've never felt the need to mend them either.
Fish net stockings: I'm so glad this was brought up! the mister bought me some pairs of them...now, whenever I see a woman wearing fish net stockings, it's usually on the corner of a street...he says, 'ooh no! they're classy!' so, are fish nets a 'hooker' type attire, or can you wear them and have class?

I think they now have an unfortunate association. But as with most things it's how you wear it that counts. Fishnets were quite literally in Vogue and really common at the time. I wouldn't hesitate to wear them with our vintage or repro outfits. Remember they can be a useful cosmetic aid too - larger legs are slimmed by a smaller mesh, while slim legs and ankles can go wider very sexily, but classily I hasten to add. It's the short skirts, ankle boots and general overexposure of flesh that does them in.

 

[Caledonia]

Matt, the Tregs arrived today. Afraid I'm not much further on regarding the specifics of your question. They aren't so much a repair aid as a prevention. You iron the treg over the end of the stocking where you would attach the suspender. This is then supposed to distribute the strain on the stocking hopefully preventing or postponing the run from happening. There are 12 in the pack so I might apply 4 to a pair of 30s silks that I have and see what happens.

 

[magneto]

Reading this thread and just wondering...are folks talking about mending vintage cotton or wool stockings, or actual nylon/silk? All the 40s-50s nylon stockings I've got or seen look like a quite small dernier, I can't imagine, say, darning them (maybe with a microscope) ?

 

[scotrace]

I've seen sock darners: little wooden things that look eggs with a handle. They slip into a sock to keep the shape while the sewing is done. Maybe this would come into play?

 

[decodoll]

The matchbook mending kits that you see come up on ebay do seem to be from the 1930's or 1940's. You're supposed to use these matchstick things that they come with by applying them to both ends of the run first and then darn the actual run, but the thread they come with doesn't look near fine enough not to show on nylon. I think perhaps they are more intended for your silk stockings. A darning egg is used in darning just to prevent the seamstress from accidentally catching the other side of the sock as far as I know.

 

[mysterygal]

Or, you can use the good ol' stand by, when you start to get runs in your stockings..clear finger nail polish

 

[BettyValentine]

If a man gave me stockings he'd get an eyebrow raise and a quick left to the jaw- unless, of course, he was my husband...

Heh... Oh good, I thought I was the only one! I know I'm not really the most old-fashioned of girls, but I am pretty sure I wouldn't accept stockings from a fellow who wasn't my husband. Or jewelry.


BV- really never jewelry.