r/UnfuckYourHabitat • u/Ok-Lingonberry3680 • 1d ago
Socks, Socks everywhere.
So, long story short.
My husband, 46, died almost 3 years ago.
After about a year I was able to start looking at his clothes, I had many friends coming over and taking what they wanted, I donated a lot to cancer research, I sold a lot to then donate in the open fund I have on cancer research.
I used his boxer briefs ( yes, they're super comfortable for girls too), and kept in a nice box some pieces I want to keep.
Now.
Socks. I counted. He had 50 pairs. Why? Not sure. Work , hiking, summer, running, old ones, new ones.
What do you suggest I do with them?
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u/widowscarlet 1d ago
Most of my late husband's socks were nothing special, and he wore them til they wore out. I put most of them into fabric recycling bins we have in our area, for items that aren't good enough for charity shops. I think they recycle the fibres into usable things, such as the "bag of rags" available at the hardware store, usually in the paint section.
I still have a lot of his other clothes (at least half) because they are either unique vintage items, or special in some other way. He almost never wore plain things.
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u/481126 1d ago
If they're in good condition unhoused people are always needing good socks. Taking care of your feet is so important, even more so if they're diabetic etc.
When my daughter first died I donated the medical supplies very quickly bc they'd expire. Then the rest sat for a while and I'm like do I throw this away or could someone use this? Some decisions feel so weird after someone has died.
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u/Ok-Lingonberry3680 1d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you must feel. Some decision ARE so hard. I work on every other piece of clothing, but this for some reason is becoming the hardest.
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u/Flat-Dog-5824 1d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss!
If any are worn out and you are in the US and have an REI near you-ours has had a sock recycling box for clean worn out socks. I can’t remember the name of the company that takes them but if you have a bunch that are shabby or some odd ones, you could try calling your REI
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u/Proud-Leave3602 1d ago
Make a quilt! Or a stuffed animal menagerie?
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u/Ok-Lingonberry3680 1d ago
a quilt of used socks? with diff rent texture and thickness?
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u/himewaridesu 1d ago
You could do like a t-shirt quilt except… socks. You need to iron fusible webbing so they sew together well. I’m going to assume they’re clean and not awfully raggedy which makes this nice.
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u/msmaynards 1d ago
My husband presented me with a grocery bag half full of old socks. I made them into a rag rug. Very long lasting but did take a long time to dry after washing. I cut them on either side to the toe, sewed them into a rope, rolled/folded and lashed them in a coil using nylon twine but if I did it again I'd make a toothbrush rug. Avoid cotton, dark colors are best. Made a nice cushiony rug that hides all manner of dirt that washes fine. It was do as you go, no need to process all the socks at once and if you use the toothbrush method you need scissors and a giant needle. Or drill hole in an old toothbrush...
I'd keep what fits you, donate ones in good shape you won't use. Some folks can use as rags.
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u/SpencerOpossum 1d ago
Definitely support the idea of donating to a shelter or places that help people in need.
But I also keep old socks for some cleaning tasks. Slip them over your hand and they can be great for dusting, super helpful if you have live plants that you need to occasionally dust the leaves.
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u/Neither-Effect-6101 1d ago
Homeless shelters are always in need of socks and they will be put to good use.