My friend from the States, a true crafting enthusiast with a penchant for all things beautiful and delicate – think crochet masterpieces and a love for intricate designs – visited me in Tokyo. Our crafting styles are worlds apart. While she wields a crochet hook like a magic wand, creating lovely, wearable art, my approach is decidedly more…rustic. Sashiko stitching is my comfort zone, and let’s just say “wearable” isn’t exactly in my crafting vocabulary, and sometimes, I even gravitate towards the unconventional, shall we say, “ugly-pretty.” During her visit, amidst the vibrant chaos of Tokyo, we stumbled upon a book that was to become a turning point in my crafting perspective, especially when it came to doilies.
It was a Japanese craft book, a visual symphony of delicate doilies. I practically begged my friend to buy it. Not because I was suddenly enamored with doilies – truth be told, I had always harbored a slight unlove for them. But this book was different. Firstly, it was a stunning example of Japanese craft book artistry, something I knew I had to share. Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, it felt like this book was my friend, personified. It was all soft hues, floral motifs, peachy-pink shades, and the kind of projects you’d imagine crafted from the softest cashmere yarn. It was, in a word, meant to be hers. Looking at the cover, with its gentle pink tones and intricate patterns, I almost felt a whisper, “Pink, I can learn to love again,” a sentiment towards doilies I never thought possible.
My initial resistance to doilies stemmed from a core crafting principle I held dear: utility. For me, crafted items needed to be either functional or enhance the beauty of something functional. Doilies, in my mind, seemed to fall into a decorative limbo. “What exactly do you do with a doily?” I’d ponder. They felt like relics of a bygone era, pretty perhaps, but ultimately purposeless in my modern, utility-driven crafting world.
However, flipping through the pages of this enchanting book, my perception began to shift. It showcased doilies in ways I had never imagined. They weren’t just dusty decorations for grandma’s coffee table. They were intricate works of art, capable of adding a touch of delicate beauty to unexpected places.
The book cover itself was a masterpiece, a subtle invitation to reconsider my doily skepticism. It was so captivating, in fact, that I couldn’t help but drop a not-so-subtle hint to my friend about how much I adored it. Psst — hey friend, hint hint. I love that book cover. The visual appeal of the book, with its pink accents and promises of delicate creations, was slowly chipping away at my preconceived notions.
Inspired (or perhaps slightly challenged) by the book and my friend’s crochet prowess, I jokingly challenged her to complete a doily before she left Tokyo. She didn’t just meet the challenge; she obliterated it. She crafted not one, but two doilies during her stay. Show off, indeed! But her enthusiasm was infectious, and her creations were undeniably beautiful.
Generously, she offered to make one for me. Hesitantly, but with a growing curiosity, I accepted. I chose a triangle doily, a slightly less traditional shape, hoping it might better fit my slightly less traditional aesthetic. And to my surprise, I actually loved it. The delicate craftsmanship, the intricate pattern, the soft texture – it was undeniably charming.
Upon my friend’s departure, my new triangle doily seemed to adopt a rather sedentary lifestyle. It lounged on the couch for a week, a veritable couch potato of a doily. Perhaps it was missing my friend, or maybe, just maybe, it was simply an inanimate object and I was the one needing to get some fresh air. Regardless, the doily seemed a bit lost, lacking purpose.
Then, I stumbled upon an image online, a photo from Apartment Therapy showcasing doilies used in a fresh, modern way. Suddenly, the doily’s purpose became clear. It wasn’t destined for a dusty shelf; it was meant to add a touch of handmade charm to my living space. Doily, your purpose in life is now defined. You are welcome to stay, and in fact, I think I’ll secure you to the couch with a chain stitch or two.
From initial skepticism to unexpected appreciation, my journey with doilies has been a testament to the power of perspective and the beauty of handmade crafts. And it all started with a pink-hued Japanese craft book and a friend who helped me see the charm in something I thought I unloved. Perhaps, like me, you too can discover a newfound appreciation for the delicate artistry of doilies.
