..mend a frayed shirt collar?

[bonniethomas06]

But it was such a warm and peaceful home, no radio or tv, just the ticking of the clock and the hiss of the gas lamp, toys made from crab apples and match sticks, candles to go to bed with. Why have people been seduced by consumerism and bling?

I agree Graham, I try to do all of these things (grow my own food, make bread by hand, do crafty stuff etc) and work full time. The truth is, although I won't stop, I am increasingly feeling knackered and just like I have no time whatsoever to relax.

[tizzy]

It is a very labour intensive lifestyle isn't it.
I wonder if one of the reasons it was manageable to our ancestors was that their expectations were lower. If you could strip your life and assets down to just the things you need to get by, it would be less work to maintain/sustain day to day life. We had an interesting six and a half years in a 22 ft caravan which was a good lesson in downsizing.
I have some pretty high tech equipment now, but I know how to tailor garments by hand if I had to, it would just take a very long time to stitch them. It's nice to know you have the means to speed up a job but are not reliant upon it.
When we watch things like the Victorian farm on TV, it's enlightening. They didn't wash garments if they could just sponge down and re-press, or just wash the collars and cuffs. They could preserve clothes with some amazingly skilled repairs that couldn't be seen if done by a good darner. Many people don't value those things because we've been such a throw away society for too long.

[jilldelcore]

Hi

I am not very clued up on sewing, but am trying to expand my horizons.

OH has a shirt where the collar is fraying, while the rest of the shirt is fine. Any ideas on what to do with it?

Try flipping the worn ends and turn them around or use a seam ripper to open the seam the collar is sandwiched between. Then pull out the collar and flip it over to the opposite side (which will look brand new); then set it in the opened collar seam, match the thread as well as you can, and stitch the seam back up. The frayed side will be turned down now and hidden, and your favorite shirt can be used a lot longer! ;)

[Luath]

Hello, I came across this:

http://unboughtdelicacies.blogspot.com/ ... ollar.html

Which might help

Just seen this, and was going to post a link to it - thanks Jill

Jilldelcore, if you click on the link, you'll see that in action. I've been doing it for over twenty eyars now, both our shirts get done.
Yes, I do sides to middle with the sheets as well........... and darn socks.............re-knit cuffs...........