Object ID
2004.8.18
Object Name
Doily
Material
COTTON
Object Entities
Neokos, Ernie (is related to)
Object Description
Large ten pointed, circular, crochet ecru doily. The center of the doily has three parrallel circles, all of which are connected by lines. Coming off of these circles are "stems" which are atoped with "pinapples." The pinapples are alternating in height: the smaller situated in between the very bottom of the large. The "stems" of the pineapples are created by V-shapes sitting on top of the other. In between in stem is are slightly curved line, with less then a half in spacing above and below it. The pinapples themselves are created by intersecting curved, diagonal lines. The edges of the doily are created by the pinapples are creat ten edges. The edges of the doiley are done in a semi scalloped patter, just more pointed.
Origin
An ornamental mat, typically made of paper or fabric, and variously used for protecting surfaces or binding flowers, in food service presentation, or as a head covering or clothing ornamentation. It is characterized by openwork, which allows the surface of the underlying object to show through.

They are crocheted and sometimes knitted out of cotton or linen thread. Many patterns for crocheting or knitting doilies were published by thread manufacturers in the first part of the 20th century. The designers were often anonymous. The designs could be circular or oval starting from the center and working outward, reminiscent of the Polar coordinates system. Doilies, as well as other household items, may be made by crocheting rows on a grid pattern using a technique called filet crochet.

Created by Penolope Neokos. She was born in Greece in 1899. In later years she came to the United States with her husband Nickolas, also native to Greece, where they became citizens of Illinois and lived in the city of Chicago. While in Chicago her and her husband lived with her brother along with her two sons (Ernie and John) and their one daughter (Frances).
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Doily, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/7301. Accessed 04/19/24.