This is a vintage estate 26" x 18" crochet rectangle shaped lace doily table mat hand-made in cotton off white ecru thread in a floral ROSE motif in a three (3) panel design.
Excellent physical condition, though there are two minor stains to the crochet work. (shown in photos) We did not attempt to clean these spots for fear of destroying the lace crochet. We found no other damage to note on this crochet lace table cover doily. We know this to be from an estate, and therefore can date this to the time the decedent was crocheting. (c. 1950's)
Many table linens are crocheted and sometimes knitted out of cotton or linen thread. Openwork allows the surface of the underlying object to show through. In addition to their decorative function doilies have the utilitarian role of protecting fine-wood furniture from the scratches caused by crockery or decorative objects.
Many patterns for crocheting or knitting doilies were published by thread manufacturers in the first part of the 20th century. The designers were often anonymous. The designs could be circular or oval starting from the center and working outward, reminiscent of the Polar coordinates system. Doilies, as well as other household items, may be made by crocheting rows on a grid pattern using a technique called filet crochet, similar to points on the Cartesian coordinate system. Although it may to some extent interfere with the original use, some doilies have raised designs (rose petals, popcorn, or ruffles) rather than being flat.
Using the antique art of crochet Doilies were originally crocheted with thread and used to protect table and dresser tops, and gained popularity in the Victorian Era, when women hand worked them in their spare time to add a little elegance to their households. At one time, these items were considered so important that a young lady was expected to have at least ten to be ready for marriage, and these were carefully stored in a hope chest to be used when she set up her household. As in all items of this nature, many hours go into the construction of the item, and each stitch is done by hand, as there is no machinery which can accurately do this work.
Crochet began turning up in Europe in the early 1800's and was given a tremendous boost by Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere, who was best known for her ability to take old-style needle and bobbin lace designs and turn them into crochet patterns that could easily be duplicated. She published many pattern books so that millions of women could begin to copy her designs. Mlle. Riego also claimed to have invented "lace-like" crochet, today called Irish crochet.
Lavish crochet emerged along with other elaborate needlework of the 1800’s. Proceeds from crochet items saved the Irish from starvation.
This vintage lace crochet table doily measures 26" x 18" is handmade off white cotton ecru crochet lace and would make a pretty addition to your fine table linens. Would look lovely on a buffet or dressing table.
A1872 - Vintage CROCHET LACE TABLE DOILY ROSES 26" x 18" (c. 1950)
$12.00 FREE SHIPPING
