It began with a walk through a beautiful store and fingering these gorgeous, vintage doilies. Oh, how I wished I could actually make something like that. Having been told that I could never possibly accomplish something as fancy or delicate as that -- I went on my way with those beautiful doilies still dancing in my mind, but resigning myself into believing that I could never make something so gorgeous.
And then I met Susan. She was one of the 'parents' of a student I had in my 4th grade classroom. And she not only loved doilies too, but she actually made them! What? Are you kidding me? I was very much pregnant at the time and waddled my way into her living room every school lunch hour. It was there that she patiently showed me how to make those delicate single crochets, double crochets and treble crochets. I was completely taken away with the beauty that was flowing from my #7 steel hook. A doily.
And a few people have questioned my love for doilies, okay - actually rolled their eyes - because it conjures up for them the picture of the aunt that is just-sooooo-not-with-it and *gasp* gave the crocheted toilet paper cover for a wedding gift. But I don't mind the comparison at all -- I love the connection to my aunts & grandmas -- yes, even if my husband does get a kick out of calling me 'Doily Dawn' and swears he is going to include that name in my obituary.
And a few people have questioned my love for doilies, okay - actually rolled their eyes - because it conjures up for them the picture of the aunt that is just-sooooo-not-with-it and *gasp* gave the crocheted toilet paper cover for a wedding gift. But I don't mind the comparison at all -- I love the connection to my aunts & grandmas -- yes, even if my husband does get a kick out of calling me 'Doily Dawn' and swears he is going to include that name in my obituary.~
So seriously, if you crochet or knit -- or even sew, who was your inspiration? Who sat you down and showed you how to carry on this beautiful tradition of hand-work?
18 comments:
Dawn!! I love crochet and I love to crochet too!! ..and like you I'm very thankful to be compared to the 'old dears' who do this stuff...I hope to be an old dear one day....passing on the knowledge and know how that was passed onto me :D My Nan and my Mum both taught me :o)
Seeee....kindred spirits :p
I loooove that colour..the teal...wow!! Love the doily...where did you find that adorable pattern??
Can't wait to see it finished...makes me want to try that one myself...Wooohoo!!
As always thanks for the inspiration and...beautiful work!!
Robyn xx
Doily Dawn...I love the pet name. :) These are just so intricate and lovely. As always, your color choices always seem to be flirty and fun.
Did you get all of this snow? I enjoyed my snowday, oh yes I did!
the color is gorgeous! i love doilies too.
Doilies are the best Dawn. You are not alone in your love of them. Look what the artist joana vasconcelos does with them.
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/4650/joana-vasconcelos.html
Hi Dawn, I don't crochet or knit, but I absolutely love doilies. In fact, I have many gracing my house. My grandmother and her sisters made many of them. They are no longer with us, but their memories remain on in their beautiful handicrafts. Yours is absolutely gorgeous and the color is wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your fantastic talent.
Dawn...I have been looking for this color FOREVER! I have an antique doily that is this color and yellow--it's hanging on my fridge in hopes that I will find that color someday. Where oh where did you find it? What brand is it? I LOVE IT.
My paternal grandmother crocheted. I never got the hang of it. I suspect it's because I haven't a lot of patience. I learned to knit about 3 years ago and that seems to have made me a more patient person. I have seen some really beautiful doilies and admired them from afar...but not enough courage has been accumulated by this impatient girl yet. Love your story and the thread is quite lovely.
Dawn, I loved this post! Of course, you know I love to knit and crochet. I have admired your doilies, (jul 20 post) was an amazing doily. This one is just beautiful. The color of the yarn amazing. I know how you feel fingering all the yarn, it is so Inspiring. I used to watch my older cousin knit and was very fascinated. She showed me how to get started and I taught myself to crochet with how to books. I can't wait to see this finished doily. Have a good week! Twyla
Dawn,
These little doilies are just too pretty! I am thoroughly impressed!!! I don't know how to crochet or knit, so I can't share who inspire me. But seeing your work is enough of an inspiration for me!!! I love the color too.
There's nothing wrong with doilies. I think doilies are cool, and I love that colour - definitely light years away from toilet roll covers! I'm loving the whole duck egg/turquoise/aqua range of colour at the moment.
When I was 10 or 11 I was desperate to learn crochet, but I could only do a chain and I didn't know anyone who could help me, so I bought a how-to book with my pocket money, and managed to learn the stitches and their names. It wasn't until mucvh later in life that I realised I could go much faster if I held the work properly. Like you I'm very glad I did learn to crochet.
I love crochet! My paternal grandmother made beautiful doilies, & my Aunt left me a lot of her beautiful crochet when she passed away, knowing how much i loved it.
I actually taught myself to crochet when my daughter was born- 40 years ago! My grandmother had long since died, & plus I was left handed, so I used a book, & a mirror!
I have gone back and seen all the pretty crochet items on your blog. Could you please give where the patterns are from and the kind of thread that you are using in future posts? Some of us might want to make some of these, too. Thanks so much. Very nice work on all your projects.
Me again...you know I love this :o)
I am tagging you...hope this is ok.
If not please let me know.
Ta
Robyn xx
Dawn. I found you on Robyn's blog and popped over to check you out. I love crocheting. My grandmother was the one who taught me how to crochet. My neighbor taught me how to knit. And I learnt how to sew at school. I was one of six girls and if mum tried to teach me she would of had the other 5 trying to do it too. She made our clothes as kid so she was to busy.
I love your doilies! I have a collection of some from my dear grandma and some I just couldn't let be lonely in the antique stores so I brought them home and use them all the time. I learned at the ripe age of five to do many forms of needleworks form that very grandma. Hopefully one fo my grandaughters will want to learn one of the arts. Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading your blog.
Lovely crochet!
OK, I am not the only one who loves doilies!!! And just where did you find that great color of thread? Inquiring minds need to know!
libertythreads@charter.net
Lovely motifs! I especially like the color you chose.
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