HUG A PIECE OF HUNGARY
Cuddly soft toys with hand embroidered folk motives from Hungary
My name is
KOMSA HAJNAL. I live in a small village in Hungary with my husband and our son. My Transylvanian grandmother was a professional seamstress working from home in her little crafts room. So the magic of sewing became a natural part of my childhood.
BECOMING A MOTHER reminded me of how joyful it was to create things from fabric as a child. After sewing the first cuddly bear for my son, I instantly felt that it was more than just a hobby. As I continued sketching and stitching, memories of my childhood and my cultural heritage started to materialize in my work. Finally, I decided to make soft toys decorated with hand embroidery using folk motifs.
I LEARN THE STITCHES from authentic sources and - sticking to the traditional technique - I embroider the motifs by hand. At present, I mainly use the motifs of three Hungarian regions: Sรกrkรถz, Siรณagรกrd and Geresdlak (Swabian).
I ENJOY BLENDING the old forms with modern fabrics. It is very exciting to see how they interact while creating something unique mixing traditional with new techniques. On my Petal Eye Dolls folk motifs meet cheerful, designer textiles.
HOWEVER, I LIKE USING traditional fabrics as well. Designing my dress up dolls I often work with handwoven linen from SzĂŠk, Transylvania and the traditional Hungarian blue-dyed fabric. These dolls are less colourful, the folk motifs give their main characteristic. Together with their accessories, they are perfect pals for role-plays.
MY WISH IS to create soft toys which can be real companions for a child, a little pal for a life time. Cuddly toys that are not only loveable but can give something special to a child. For a Hungarian child they are a piece of their tradition and national identity and the warmth of home. For a child far away a tiny bit of our beautiful Hungarian traditions and culture.
www.facebook.com/hajnalinka www.facebook.com/komsahajnal Contact komsahajnal@gmail.com
HUG A PIECE OF HUNGARY