Billions of Bullions: A Look At a Vintage Doily

I thought I would share one of my favorite vintage doilies with you today. I did not make it and I do not have the pattern for it, nor do I know if there even is a pattern. A friend gave this doily to me many years ago. He said it was made by his grandmother, probably in the 50's, and he thought I would appreciate it (which I do!) It needs to be washed and blocked, but even in this state, I think it is beautiful.

It looks like it is made from size 30 thread, incorporating not only bullion stitches, but hairpin lace as well. It is about 11" across.

If anyone recognizes this pattern, I would love to hear from you. I have never seen it in any of my old books. 

Anyway, while I do not enjoy making bullion stitches, I certainly think they are lovely, and I cannot help but admire the talented lady who made this doily.

Okay, so maybe there are not quite a billion bullion stitches in this doily, but  there are a lot!

I count 25 bullion stitches at the center.

Some of the little motifs around the outer edge have 18  bullion stitches, but most have 19.  There are 15 of  these little motifs. Each one is about an inch across.

I love hairpin lace, too. But I have never tried it with thread, much less thread as fine as this. 

I can only imagine how many hours of work went into this beauty!