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Online since 2002. Patricia and James Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH.

Hungarian Kalosca Embroidery
 A Vision of Beauty

by Patricia L. Cummings

 

Ever since spotting a picture or two of Hungarian embroideries, in Education Catalogs published by the Embroiderers' Guild of America, I have been in love with Hungarian stitching and lacework. Eniko Farkas teaches group correspondence classes for the EGA and has done so for a number of years. Currently, she is offering a course entitled:  "Hungarian Kalosca Lace II."

Hungarian Lace Work.
collection of Patricia Cummings, photo by James Cummings

In an online article in which she is quoted, Eniko Farkas states that "Hungarians comprised the largest pre-WWI immigrant group in my new home of Ithaca, New York." In addition, a large group of refugees came to the United States during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Instead of waiting for someone else to write the history of her people, she self-published a booklet in 1986 titled, "They Were Not Well To Do People, But Having a Piano Was Important." The story is based on oral interviews. In addition to that publications, she adds a more recently-prepared book:  Hungarian Cuisine and Personal Memories: Everything from Budget Cooking to Elegant Dining.

Cheerful colors, and cutwork are trademarks of Hungarian Kalosca embroidery
collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings

Hungary is known for its Cross Stitch, Outline Stitch Embroidery with Sayings, Lacemaking, and Folk Embroidery. Kalosca is a type of embroidery named for the city from which it originated in the Great Plain region. There is a brief online article that provides an overview of the varying types of Hungarian embroidery.

Beautiful embroidered garments from the Matyo Region of Hungary can be seen online, including an antique embroidered wedding blouse. The link I had is no longer working, but perhaps a file may show up in a "search."

Outstanding use of design and perfect execution of stitches make this piece very special. According to one source, already cited in this article, the bright colors of the buds and flowers symbolize "the life and growth of a woman."
collection of Patricia Cummings. photo by James Cummings

Hungarian Apron with Kalosca Embroidery.

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An Example of Hungarian Bluework Embroidery

The decorative, embroidered wall hanging, shown above, was stitched by hand. It is thought that such pieces were an "affirmation of hope and love." The piece was made in Transylvania in the 1930s, according to the seller, and was purchased from an elderly woman there. The piece measures 29.5" x 18.5" and features a saying: "I won't give you to anyone else. Life sent you to me. I won't give you to anyone else, if I have to fight for you." One can see the cross stitches that form a border around the piece.

More Photos From Hungary

After I had mentioned this article to the folks who belong to my online list for Outline Stitch embroidery enthusiasts, a member who has visited Hungary offered to send photos. I am very grateful for the wonderful images you are about to see.

Small Hungarian Lace Tablecloth. collection of Chris Thiessen

I hope that these examples have been as inspiring to you as they are to me. As you can see, Hungarians just like embroiderers everywhere, build personal meaning into their work through the use of color and design. I am ever enchanted with the traditional types of needlework created by our "sisters" in other parts of the world.

Photos of Hungary and Account of a Trip There in the 1990s

Chris Thiessen has provided the following information and photos of Hungary.

Living in Europe was one of the favorite times of my life. We lived in a small German village at the edge of the Black Forest near the Sieben Muhlental (Seven Mills Valley) for three years and loved every minute. One spring in the early 1990s, my son and his fiancé were visiting from Atlanta. We planned an extended car tour of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

We crossed into Hungary from the Graz area of Austria. We were immediately struck by the bleakness of the beautiful Hungarian countryside. Remember that the Soviet Union dominated Hungary from the conclusion of World War II until 1989-1990. Farms were run by government central planning systems and there was no incentive for good management. Hay from the previous fall season was still lying in the fields. Buildings were run down. The countryside itself was beautiful, and the people there resembled photos I have seen in this country of the Great Depression Era of the 1930s. I hope by now that the economy is much better and the people have more choices.

Parliament Building, from across the Danube - taken from Fishermen's Bastion

We passed some time at Lake Balaton, with its hauntingly lovely music. We enjoyed a great meal on the lake and purchased some handmade pottery.

We arrived in Budapest, late in the day, and immediately fell in love with the two bustling cities that are divided by the Danube River. We stayed in the hilly area of Buda in a B&B owned by a Hungarian attorney. The rooms were immaculate. Dining in Hungary is a wonderful experience. Every restaurant had musicians who would come to our table and play violins, just for our enjoyment. Not surpringly, most dishes have some form of paprika!

In my mind's eye, I can still see the historic old city of Buda. We were invited into the Church of Our Lady (Matthias Church) to watch a wedding in progress. The church dates from Medieval times.

There are several bridges that span the Danube and showcase the beautiful house of Parliament. It seemd to me that most of the shopping areas were located in Pest.

Hungarian peppers and produce being offered for sale at the Tolbuhin Market, Budapest

My favorite part of the vacation? There was one street that was lined with women from the countryside selling their handmade embroidery and lacework. I was in heaven! With dear husband at my side, I decided to purchase only an exquisite handmade lacework tablecloth and a hand-carved corner cabinet.

Hungarian Elder in Park at Buda

"The land of the Magyars holds a very special place in my heart!"

Thank you, Chris, for this wonderful story! ~Pat~

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Additional Resources

FYI:  An online company provides kits for making various Hungarian projects: http://www.kaleidostitch.com/  (no affiliation)

More Information about Hungarian History: "Crossing the Borders: Stories of the 56ers," by Eniko Farkas (New York Folklore Society, Summer 1998.)

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Copyright July 2007. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved. Photo copyrights: James Cummings, and Chris Thiessen. Questions or Comments? Write to:  pat@quiltersmuse.com

 

pat@quiltersmuse.com