From Cradle to Coffin

Today I want to share with you photos from the exhibit of Mrs. Istvánné Szigethy.  The exhibit is located in this building in Hövej.

The exhibit is titled "From Cradle to Coffin" because the needlework displayed reflects different stages of one's life, from the christening gown to one's death bed.  The title is also appropriate because it features a lifetime of needlework all done by Mrs. Szigethy.  She began stitching when she was 10 years old and continues to stitch nearly every day; she is now 83 years old!  This exhibit represents her life's passion.

Before I continue, may I say that it is at times like this that I wish I was a better photographer.  Or maybe I just need a better camera.  I hope you will forgive me for any less than perfect photos!  This is going to be a picture intensive post - put your seat belt on!

Let's start with the cradle...this beautiful baby doll was adorned with Hövej embroidery:

And a little girl, perhaps in her First Communion dress:

A family dressed in folk costumes:

More Hungarian folk costumes on display:

Everyday items - aprons, tablecloths, doilies, handkerchiefs, etc:

A beautiful wedding dress (which was made by Mrs. Szigethy for her daughter when she got married):

 Other clothing - blouses, collars:

The people of Hungary are very religious and primarily Roman Catholic.  Mrs. Szigethy has embroidered numerous altar cloths, church linens, and vestments in her lifetime.  Here are some of the ones which were displayed in her exhibit:

And finally we come to "the coffin" or the end of one's life, depicted with a night stand that includes a bible and a rosary, next to a bed --check out the pillow case!

Please allow me to share a few more photos of the many doilies displayed throughout the exhibit:

Perhaps you would like to know more about Mrs. Szigethy and understand more about how she creates such beautiful needlework...come back tomorrow and I will tell you about her.  She is a delightful lady!

Before I go, if you are interested in knowing more about the exhibit, Mrs. Szigethy has a website with beautiful pictures and more information.  You can access her website at the link below:

Master of Handicrafts - Mrs. Istvánné Szigethy

Also, if you want to follow the events happening at the exhibit, Mrs. Szigethy also has a Facebook page.  Search for "Szigethy Istvánné".

One last look at the exhibit: