Large embroidered pieces from rural Transylvania

Some large embroidered panels from the Kalotaszeg ( Calatea) region of Transylvania, Romania

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.

                                    

More images of textiles from the Transylvania dowry bed

I have posted about this dowry bed form a village in Transylvania previously. I am now posting more images of the wonderful textiles. 

The dowry bed textiles consists of 2 mattress covers, 3 bed covers and 9 large embroidered pillow cases.

This is one of the bed covers. Woven using Kilim technique. Beautiful work. 

This is the second of the covers.Woven in a checked pattern. Hand embroidered in cross stitch.

 The third cover. Hand embroidered  cross stitch

The first of the mattress covers, caramel striped grain sack fabric with embroidered end

The body of the second mattress cover, the body has an area of damage. The embroidery is in excellent condition.

Beautifully embroidered pillow cases. 4 pairs and 1 single

Antique Cross Stitch Embroidery

This is a finely cross stitched antique wall hanging.  I took it to the restorer as there were some small holes. She said that they used to spin paper into the cotton thread to save money. She also recognizes this as an embroidery made by ethnic Hungarians in the Ukraine who used to bring embroidery to Hungary in exchange for flour and bread which were hard to come by in the Ukraine at the time.  However I am more inclined to think that this was made by ethnic Hungarians living in Transylvania... anyone any thoughts? I have included an image of the back  of the piece

Embroidered cloth from Transylvania

This is an antique embroidered piece from Transylvania, dated 1934. Embroidered in black cross stitch, this piece was probably made as a commenerative piece. There is lace on three sides suggesting that this piece was made for a high decorative bed.. I should have more information about the origin of this piece soon