APRIL 2013
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
PAGE 87
www.theconnectionsnj.com
WHAT TO DO WITH GRANDMA’S
CROCHETED DOILIES?
By: Carolyn Hanson
We all have them, tucked away in a drawer, those crocheted doilies made by
grandmothers and great grandmothers for every member of the family. The wed-
ding bedspreads that double as a tablecloths, the doilies used to decoratively pro-
tect tables, armrests and chair backs represent so many hours of handwork from
a time gone by. We can’t part with them; it’s part of our history. It’s who we are.
They’re beautiful but, what do we do with them?
As the active crafter in the family, all these treasures have found their way
into my home; most hidden from view. However, recently, a friend came by
with bags and bags of doilies in every size imaginable, and every color too.
What to do? So, off to the Internet and Pinterest for ideas. What finds! Try
these for starters and inspiration:
http://pinterest.com/TouchofEurope/diy-with-vintage-doilies/
http://pinterest.com/janarmentrout/upcycling-doilies-pillowcases-and-tablecloths/
Before finding these sites, I had already initiated recycling and updating with
doilies in my home décor. Current projects included: a crochet covered pillow-
shaped stone that’s now a doorstop; a partially finished tablecloth reworked and
updated into café curtains; and lace tea cups created for a display at the Morris
Museum this past January (The Artful Table). After viewing the Pinterest sites, I
adopted more ideas and stitched a large doily to a pillow top and will be making
a table runner from various sizes and shapes for a unique piece.
To start your own doily reuse, make an assessment. The doilies should be clean and
without holes. If yellow, first try soaking in baking soda and warm water. If the
stains do not come out, try using Oxi-clean as a soak. This should not harm the
doily. Repair any holes. Block each doily to achieve its full dimension. Like lace, the
doilies need to be stretched so all of the lacey edging is displayed. Do this by pin-
ning each clean doily to a towel, ironing board or blocking board. Use a steam iron
to set the shape. A little spray starch will help keep its shape.
Select a project. Don’t be afraid to combine different shapes, sizes or colors into a
single project. Joining the doilies can be accomplished in several ways. If cro-
cheting, use crochet thread available at craft stores, matching the thread color as
closely as possible to the doily. Two common brands are Aunt Lydia’s and DMC.
Like yarn, crochet thread is available in several weights. Bring a doily with you to
best match the color and thread size. For hook size, get out those small steel hooks
you inherited. I used size 5. Use either a single crochet or slipstitch to join the dol-
lies along edges or at key points. These stiches are small, so work in bright light.
If those small stitches are getting the best of you, use your sewing machine and
applique the doilies to another fabric. Another option without fabric is a water-sol-
uble stabilizer like Solvy. It’s available online and in Walmart. Pin doilies to the sta-
bilizer and sew them together making sure to securely crisscross stitching over all
pieces. Then follow manufacturer’s instructions and dissolve the stabilizer in warm
water. Do this twice to get all the glue off. The finished product leaves only your
design. Kind of cool.
There’s more to share, so return for part 2 in June. In the interim, start organizing
your collection, cleaning and restoring. Reach me on cchanson3@gmail.com, or on
Facebook with questions or to share your ideas.
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