The Doily As Art: Make Them Or Buy Them!

Crocheted Doiley

Just in case I caught you by surprise, I should tell you that in today’s crafting/upcycling world at large, doilies are finally being given the recognition that they deserve! Maybe you thought doilies were just for grandma, but it’s simply no longer the case! Crafters are using them in many inventive ways, and I actually crocheted this one yesterday to use for a project that I’ll certainly share if it’s a success. But when I spread it out to take this photo I almost wanted to forget about that project and just glue this to an orange canvas to hang as art.

So my friends, if you see some doilies hanging around at the thrift store, or you happen to have some, why not glue them to brightly painted canvases of different sizes and make yourself something great. And if you’re like me, with no doilies in sight hanging out at the thrift store, so you can crochet some yourself! I found the pattern for this simple spider web doily here, and used baby weight cotton, not the thin string one usually uses for doilies, in light blue and beige, and you’ll get a much bigger doily for all your efforts. (Note: my doily was very very wavy, and I probably should have used a large needle size, but after pressing with a hot steam iron, I was able to flatten it out, as you can see in the photo.)

So give it a try, either way! And by the way, they would look great appliqued to a pillow, or if made in fun colors, well you could even use them as doilies, imagine that!

 

 

Comments

12 responses to “The Doily As Art: Make Them Or Buy Them!”

  1. Craftylocks Avatar

    I am so impressed by folk who can create such beautiful precise artwork! I think your doily is beautiful. I cannot make anything that has the potential to show errors. But it did remind me of my own version of doily artwork – http://www.papercraftsforchildren.com/2010/10/11/paper-doily-screen-prints/ – no need for me to do battle with a crochet needle:-).
    Thanks,

  2. Sara Rivka Avatar

    Hi Sarah, thanks so much! Cant wait to share the results of what I actually did with this doily……missing you on Craft Schooling Sunday! Wont you please drop by and share a few projects that weve missed? all the best!

  3. BookishIma Avatar

    I’m another one glad to see doilies getting their due. I love them and always have (and the fact that both my grandmothers had them in the living room only added to the appeal for me, even when they were terribly unfashionable)! I should really pick up one of my neglected doilie projects…

  4. batya Avatar

    Very pretty, but I can’t imagine how to make them nor what to do with them.

  5. Sara Rivka Avatar

    Thanks for sharing!

  6. Sara Rivka Avatar

    As for how to make them, well you need basic crochet knowledge, as for what to do with them….stay tuned!

  7. Peaches Avatar

    YOU MADE YOUR OWN DOILY? Get outta here! That is too dang cool!
    http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/04/doily_and_lace_lampshades_by_n/ …I saw this a while ago and was thinking about picking up some in thrift stores, but now I might have to try making them on my own. We shall see!
    PS: Love the nifty new header!

  8. Sara Rivka Avatar

    Yes darling, I made my own doily, sort of. Traditionally doilies are crocheted from very thin string, which I opted not to do, because that takes ages. I think you just might have to stop by and Ill show you the ropes! And do stop by next week to see what the results of the real reason i set out to make that doily….xoxoxoxoSara ps: if you can find some nice doilies in thrift stores I really dont know if its worth the time to crochet them, though it would be worth the time to crochet a doily rug in chunky rug yarn or rope….right?

  9. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Hi, I enjoy your blog a lot.
    You inspire me and I have a little
    question. I live in Israel , too,
    and don’t know where to find freezer paper paper. I tried wax paper but it
    doesn’t stick to materiel by ironing. Any idea What brand? Where can I get freezer
    paper? Thanks Sara

  10. Sara Rivka Avatar

    Hi Sara, Im sorry to say that I really have no idea other than trying to find a store like Big Deal that sells American brand kitchen supplies.
    The best idea is to have someone bring you some…or maybe import a bunch and sell it to all the crafters! The brand I have is Reynolds and its called freezer paper
    all the best!

  11. Anita E Avatar

    I really love how your doily turned out! So pretty.
    Thanks for sharing the link to the pattern. After seeing how lovely yours turned out I just had to make one. :o)
    I posted my results on my blog here: http://aseknc.blogspot.com/2011/01/so-sweet/
    and since you inspired me to make it I shared some link-love for you there as well.
    Take care!
    ♥Anita
    Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.–William Wordsworth
    http://aseknc.blogspot.com/

  12. Sara Rivka Avatar

    Thanks so much Anita, cant wait to see your version! So glad to hear you crochet….its great!

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