Tue 20 Jun 2006
I’m starting to enjoy the look of doilies. There is an charming artful mystery about them. With modern lace weight wools in variegated colors they can quite endearing. Maybe it somehow makes you think of your loving grandmother and the comforts of home.
I used to fear doilies and had an unknown vengeance towards them. My mother at one time tried to shove off the ones her grandmother made on me but I hid them in a drawer never to be seen. Maybe they are still there? I can’t really explain why I hated them so much. Maybe I had a fear of “old people” as a child. Maybe most of them smelled like moth balls, turning me off them unconsciously?
Now I think my feelings changed as I realized all the work that goes into making them. Lacey patterns done by hand are no small task. They can evoke so many styles beyond “Grandma Chic” as I’ve heard it been called. Dark variegated colors give a very Celtic look. Light frothy colors give a dreamy feminine vintage look. Maybe you might use them to set up a tea party. Doilies help you practice lace work in small format helping you perfect your skills.
I have to say, though I am picky about doilies this is a lovely one. This pattern was generously donated to us by Rick and Kary of Toad Hollow Presents from eBay! They reproduce beautiful patterns for sale that are mostly crochet but some knitting too! When donating this pattern they told me “…we like to make sure that these wonderful patterns can be preserved and that anyone can afford to own and use them. I hope this pattern is enjoyed by many.” Check them out!
Pattern under cut.
Even larger scan here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81845598@N00/171533003/
Like this free pattern? Please consider making a donation.
June 21st, 2006 at 6:47 pm
I used to dislike doilies, too. It’s strange because I’ve always like other vintage items such as clothing and music. When I was a young adult, I was a bit of a contradiction. I wanted vintage clothing but very modern home furnishings. Once I became a wife and mother, however, I wanted my surrounding to be more homey. Doilies are starting to look more attractive to me, but only if I make them myself.
June 22nd, 2006 at 10:03 am
I learned how to crochet before I learned how to knit and my main focus was on crochet doilies. I might have to try to knit this one to see the difference in techniques and this pattern looks just beautiful. Of course, I may need some more practice at knitting skills, but if I can knit a sweater than maybe I can knit this???
June 22nd, 2006 at 11:09 am
Dani,
I’m totaly with you! Since a 6-7 I dressed up in 50’s clothes with poodle skirts and listened to Jerry Lee Lewis. Then through middle school I liked the 1940’s and wanted to be like granda. Since high school it’s been the 20’s-30’s for me ever since.
I guess doilies never seemed to have a use in my opinion. I also had a big fear of the Salvation Army which is related.
June 27th, 2006 at 7:37 am
I have a whole lot of dollies stashed away that my nan made me, I am quite fond of them ,but can’t see me using them in my home!!! I have been collecting a few lately though for the extravaganza of a baby shower we are having for my sister in a few weeks, a traditional english afternoon tea with all the trimmings including dollies!!! .S. have you read the novel The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelley, I think that you would love it just by what I have read about you!!! will visit again soon!
August 15th, 2006 at 3:55 am
Wow, so cool! My Great Aunt Ethel thread crocheted doilies and pillowcase edgings. We have a few of her pieces. She even made a gorgeous potholder with a red rose on it. I always wanted to do that, but I’m just a knitter at heart. I want to definitley try this pattern!
One question, what do you think they mean by (k1, 0)? I know the knit 1 part, but 0? Is that a YO??
August 15th, 2006 at 6:04 am
Reading though it, seems like O has to be yo. Otherwise it’s not described any other way. I think you’ve made the right guess!
September 10th, 2006 at 9:41 am
I used to not like doilies and liked very plain things - but now I think there’s charm to them and they add something interesting!
April 10th, 2007 at 7:17 am
I love doileys, they are beautiful!! I am learning to make them on dpn needles.