My vintage doilies centerpiece

[Afghaniac]

Just thought I'd share my latest crochet indulgence with you.

 

I love delicate, lacy doilies -- especially the ones that have turned a little dark with age. If my fingers were nimble enough to crochet with thread, I'd make them myself and tea stain them. But since that's not an option, I pick up one or two to add to my dining room centerpiece whenever I find them at an antique mall, and as I admire each one I imagine how  each one being crocheted  by someone else who loved her craft. I limit my selections to small sizes, small prices, thin thread, and shades of ecru. And these little purchases allow me to go home satisfied with a new pretty without breaking the bank... I've thought about sewing them together, but I kind of like the randomness of placing them however I like.

[mattenylou]

What a nice way to display an assortment of small doilies!

 

I buy old doilies, too. I feel bad knowing that someone put so many hours into making them and they end up being sold for pennies.

 

I use them all around my home wherever I can, it's my way to honor those old crocheters that came before us, and maybe secretly hoping that the ones I make will be treasured by someone, someday.

[Granny Square]

So pretty!  What a neat idea to group them together like that. 

 

When I see them in the shops I like to wonder about their former owners/makers.  So sad that they are sold for pennies like you said. 

[pineapplequeen]

Great idea!

[Startigerlily]

I really like that!

[Afghaniac]

Thanks, y'all. Still looking for three or four more to flesh it out, but no luck so far in finding the kinds I like. I wonder if Good Will ever gets them . . .

[Sue Hartley-Bauhof]

SO pretty. It's nice to know that someone's hard work is being treasured by you. Keep up with your search. You will find the three or four more your looking for. I think the search is half the fun.

[breeze530]

I love the way you have them displayed. You have an artistic eye! I love to "save" doilies from thrift stores. What are antique malls? We don't have any here in California that I know of.

[Afghaniac]

I love the way you have them displayed. You have an artistic eye! I love to "save" doilies from thrift stores. What are antique malls? We don't have any here in California that I know of.

Antique malls are large indoor spaces that house multiple antique vendors' booths, or miniature antique shops. buyers of all vendors' goods pay at a cashier in front. They are fun to browse through. But I have to say that at most of them these days I rarely see what I would consider real antiques. Mostly "vintage" or even new stuff. The other day I saw a piece of wall art I'd seen a week earlier at A Ross store!

[hhensler]

Pinned it!

[Afghaniac]

Have added two more doilies since photo. If I don't stop, the centeiece will turn into a tablecloth!

[Guest]

Those are so pretty. You have a lot patience for those Doilies.