A quirky darning mushroom alternative that is a true piece of vintage art!

Kokeshi dolls are handmade, minimalist Japanese wooden dolls with no arms or legs that have been crafted for more than 150 years.

They were originally sold as souvenirs for visitors to the hot springs, given as children's toys, or treasured as lucky charms symbolizing good fortune, health, and protection.

Traditionally turned on a lathe using woods like mizuki (dogwood), cherry, or maple, and hand-painted with beautiful red, black, and green ink before receiving a protective wax coating. Finished with a beautiful signature on the base (in Japanese) that identifies the maker, region, and sometimes the year of creation.

To darn a hole simply pop the doll head under the hole (or damaged spot) and secure the fabric in place by wrapping an elastic band around the neck of the doll.

Flat base for standing storage and hands-free mending - rest it on the table and give your arms a break whilst you stitch.

Flat head which is particularly useful for darning any spots where the fabric of the garment lays flat against the body.

Three of the dolls have an extra feature - the head section twists off the body which means it can be used on its own as a 'darning ball'.

Suitable for:

• darning most items of clothing.

• mending holes, tears, threadbare spots and covering a stain.

• patching and embroidery.

Carefully sourced by us from vintage markets 'cause second-hand is better than new in so many ways! Each one has a little 'character' - minor chips, surface scratches, tiny holes and fading to the painted decoration, from their previous life but still in usable condition with an authentic vintage feel.

Measurements

Doll #1: Height = 21cm and Diameter of Head =5.5cm

Doll #2: Height = 15cm and Diameter of Head =3.8cm

Doll #3: Height = 24cm and Diameter of Head =7cm (head can be removed and used as a darning ball)

Doll #4: Height = 18cm and Diameter of Head =5cm

Doll #5: Height = 15.5cm and Diameter of Head =4.5cm (head can be removed and used as a darning ball)

Doll #6: Height = 15cm and Diameter of Head =4.5cm

Doll #7: Height =21.5cm and Diameter of Head =6cm

Doll #8: Height =24cm and Diameter of Head =7cm (head can be removed and used as a darning ball)

Doll #9: Height =18cm and Diameter of Head =5cm

Doll #10: Height =12cm and Diameter of Head =3.5cm