Dazzled and Delighted by Doilies

Check out what I found this week…. a bunch of beautiful vintage hand embroidered doilies.
As a girl who loves colour and florals, they absolutely take my breath away.
Hungarian Kalocsa Embroidered Doilies


When I did some research I discovered that these are traditional Hungarian Kalocsa embroidery, which uses nature as the inspiration for the patterns and vibrant colours as seen in these amazingly beautiful floral motifs.

Hungarian Kalocsa Embroidered Doilies
From what I’ve read it was very common for girls in Hungarian families to be skilled at the art of embroidery, and a girl’s dowry would be filled with hand embroidered pieces that she made herself… which would include all kinds of linens, and dresses as well.
Hungarian Kalocsa Embroidered Doilies
The fact that these are all hand done is unbelievable to me.
I love the vibrant floral patterns, and the combination of colours with the gorgeous red embroidered edging. There’s one that has white edging and it’s just as pretty.
Hungarian Kalocsa Embroidered Doilies
From doing some comparable research these could have been made from anywhere between the 60s to the 80s, but the art of Kalocsa Hungarian embroidery goes back centuries.
All these doilies are in very good perfectly usable vintage condition. Some just need a bit of ironing.
Hungarian Kalocsa Embroidered Doilies

I have a strong respect and love for the needle arts and I can’t resist vintage florals of any kind, but I can’t keep them all.

So I’m keeping just a few pieces, and I’ll be putting the rest into my Etsy Shop.

Thanks so much for reading.

Have a dazzlingly delightful day.

XOX

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

14 Comments

  1. Those are gorgeous Tuula! Such impeccable work. It amazes me that some ladies are so talented at handwork like that. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

    Blessings, Vicky

  2. These doilies are absolutely beautiful! I admire anyone with a gifted talent to do needlework. I'm sure these will be a hit in your Etsy shop!

  3. Those are beautiful Tuula! I can't believe they are all hand-made! I gotta wonder if Hungarian girls are still making them or if the internet has sucked up their time these days!! It sure sucks up mine!

  4. So very colorful and so much work! I hope you are putting some in your bedroom. The red borders would look gorgeous with your green!

  5. I can't imagine all the days it took to complete just one of these! I'm happy that you share the appreciation of such skilled girls/ladies. Have a great weekend, Tuula!

  6. Love your colorful doilies.
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

  7. Tuula these are really pretty. It is amazing the needle work all done by hand. So gorgeous.
    Kris

  8. Hi Tuula–love your doilies! I met you when you visited me after I chose Donna for Vintage Blog of the Week 🙂 thanks for visiting. Following you by email now–

  9. You know how much I love vintage embroidery – these are lovely and the pieces you keep will look great in the master bedroom.