I have just got back from a visit to Turkey, where I am happy to report that
"Oya Lace" is alive and well.
"Oyas" are little flowers of knotted needlelace, made in Turkey and some of
the Greek islands, typically used today to decorate headscarves.
I saw them in museums on antique purses as well as men's and women's
clothing.
I met a designer who overdyes them in moody colours (they're usually quite
bright) and combines them with vintage fabrics to create stylish one-off
garments and accessories - she even puts them on shoes!
I also met a group of patchworkers who sometimes use them to embellish
applique quilts.
And - yes! - I was able to buy some in a village market, and had two old
ladies pointed out to me as the makers, though alas it wasn't possible to
establish communication with them. I do hope they are passing on their
skills to the younger generation.
There's a website with some good pictures of oyas at:
http://cqmagonline.com
Bridget, in Watford, England where I was joined by a fox in the garden
yesterday - like me he was enjoying the sunshine.
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