Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Hardanger Doilies Are Here



The history of Hardanger is quite vague. Some say it began during the Renaissance period. Just where is another question up for debate. I've seen everything from Norway to Persia. Today it is mostly associated with the Nordic countries. In my mind, I think Scandinavian. Whatever it's origin, it is a beautiful art that was almost lost. Thankfully, it has been revived for the modern era.

Hardanger is also sometimes called White Work as many of the original designs were done with white thread on white material. My German Grandmother did beautiful pieces in ecru. The design is painstakingly counted out, stitched and then cut. In most designs, after threads are removed, more stitching is required before the design is finished.

I don't know what attracts me to making things that are so tedious! If it's not tiny little beads, it's counting out every single stitch to create these. It's the challenge I guess. Both doilies shown probably took 30 hours to create. Obviously, I'm not going to get rich making them. I just love doing it.

Here's the links if you would like to see more pictures and get individual details.


15 comments:

Stef H said...

oh my word! you actually made these?????? sandy!!! where do you hide all that talent? these are just to die for gorgeous! wow! wow!

hugs,

Kay said...

How beautiful!

Katidids said...

Those are beautiful! Its almost a lost art working with hardanger. YOUR DETAILING IS SUPERB!

Katie said...

Hello Sandy! Thank you for your visit to my blog and you nice compliments on my Tea Roses! Your work is just wonderful! Gosh please try to stay toasty warm!

Connie said...

Thank you, sugar, for your visit and "finding" me. It's truly nice meeting you. Just drop by any and every chance you get. You just never know what you'll find.
xoxo,
Connie

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Hi Sandy,
Thank you for stopping by my blog! I love to meet new visitors!
Your jewelry is beautful as are those candle jars!

Best wishes,
Hugz,
Dolly

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Sandy,
So nice to meet you and thank you for stopping by my blog and your kind comment.
I have so enjoyed my visit and viewing your wonderful Hardanger doilies. They are gorgeous. What a talent you are. I have an angel hardanger ornament that my dear friend from Norway designed. It is a treasure.
Your blog is lovely and I also added to your following. Thank you for adding to mine.
I am on a little blog break, but will see you again soon.
Happy New Year.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Secondhandrose said...

thanks for visiting my blog. Your work is gorgeous. Here in Ohio we have about a foot of snow, nothing like what you are getting. It is so pretty though. I'll be stopping by again. Always nice to meet new people.

karen

Rainy Day Gardener said...

Wow! Those are beautiful~ it's a labor of love Sandy :) My Dutch seamstress grandmother would have greatly admired your work.

Unknown said...

WOW, what a lot of work and they came out beautifully!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Anna K. said...

Great Blog!
Beautiful Creations!

Shirl said...

Hi thanks for stopping by, I love your post on hardhanger, I love it and have done a few items. Your blog is beautiful and so is your farm!
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Lafe's Hidden Treasures said...

The doilies are so beautiful. An art that as you said was almost lost. Sometimes the past treasures are the best. Again gorgeous!

Diane AZ said...

Those doilies are gorgeous! I always wondered what Hardanger was. The work looks intricate and lovely.

Lisa Crone said...

Hi there! I cannot believe you made those!! WOW!! I just love them. The patterns and colors are perfect. I am feeling inspired to create a piece of jewelry to represent these. Have you ever done that before?