Writing the stitch, stitching the writing

I have been working with Sara of Tarnat-Kalotaszeg-Durabil- to produce some embroidered cushions based on patterns and techniques traditional to this area of Romania

The embroidery was done by Bodis Ilonka an experienced and talented embroiderer  living in the Kalotaszeg, a region in Western Romania renowned for its folk heritage.

                                                        Ilonka in her village

This type of embroidery is know locally as "writing stitch" The pattern is first drawn or "written" onto the cloth by the "writing woman" Most villages had one and a few exist today. Ilonka learnt to draw the writing in the 1960s from her then mother in law.

These  patterns come from a compilation of  over 200 patterns drawn by women in the Kalotaszeg and complied by Sinko Kallo Katalin.

                                    

Dancing Skirts

 Wonderful procession and presentation in Budapest this weekend " without borders"   featuring traditional folk costumes of the Carpathian Basin

Antique blouses from the Kalotaszeg region of Romania

Beautiful detail in these antique blouse from one of the Kalotaszeg villages in Transylvania. Romania.  Fine cotton, beautifully smocked/pleated and embroidered over the pleats. One supplier tells me that they used to place  still hot freshly baked bread over the freshly pleated garments to keep the pleats in place. A load of bread instead of an iron! 

Textiles in Maramures

Maramures   is an area in North East Romania, a valley surrounded by mountains it isnt easily accessible and has maintained traditions which have long since been lost in other areas.

Textiles are characterised by large bright woven patterns.

The area is famous for its wooden churches, many adorned with textiles, inside and out.

Here are some images taken in the region. With special thanks to Pensiune Anca where some of these images were taken (and where we had the most wonderful locally produced food) and   The Village Hotel, Breb where we stayed in the most beautifully renovated house