Paper Cutting in Łowicz!

Łowicz (Pronounced WOVE-itch) is a small town conveniently located on the gentle banks of the Bzura River in the very center of the Masovia region of Poland. It is known for its triangular Market Square – the only one in Poland and one of only three in Europe. 

In Łowicz folk traditions are still alive through multi-colored clothes, folk dance groups, and exceptional cut-outs made of paper. 

With a little luck, you can even meet a lady dressed in a traditional folk outfit! (We did!)

In the Łowicz Museum and open-air ethnographic park, we saw exhibits related to the history of the region, Masovian folk costumes, 19th-century cottages, and examples of baroque art, as well as a Memorial to the local Jews. 

The interesting history, rich culture, and folklore, as well as amazing traditions - everything speaks in favor of getting to know this delightful Polish town.

We traveled to Łowicz by bus to spend our day in this beautiful place - including a special workshop on paper cutting held at the museum.

Isn't this traditional outfit beautiful??

Our guide on the left interpreting for our host.

THESE are the scissors!

All of this delicate paper cutting is done with old sheep shears.  Incredible!

This paper cutting is a dying art - the younger generations don't seem to want to take time to learn the time honored tradition of paper cutting.

Since the 19th century, paper cut-outs have adorned peasant cottages belonging to Księżacy, the inhabitants of the former duchy of  Łowicz.

The art of cutting paper started to flourish with the import of colored, glossy paper from the paper mill in Konstancin-Jeziorna by the neighboring villages.

 

Lucky for us - our kits were already cut out and all we needed to do was let our inner 3rd graders out to play with some glue sticks.

All of our kits were hand-cut - not die cut!

Getting right into it -

This was a fun quick project - and we loved it!

We had several travelers with us of Polish decent - and this was their first trip back to the land their grandparents came from.  

There were many bitter sweet and happy moments - loads of tears from time to time as they connected with their heritage.

Friendships are formed and strengthened while we travel together.

Watching this rooster come alive.

The rooster is a symbol of courage, strength, and vitality in Polish folklore.

Some of these pieces are tiny!

Getting all the pieces into place.

This one is mine!

Another happy finish.

Many paper cuts were for sale -

Isn't this beautiful?

Paper, glue, and imagination.

Designs went from simple to complex -

Can you imagine if this was applique?

The bright colors have really inspired me.

There is not a color that does not go -

All cut by hand - with sheep shears.

There were farm scenes of daily life.

And of course, more roosters.

Fantasy flowers - everywhere.

We gathered around to watch our host give a cutting demo, and I couldn't help but get some close ups of her beautiful costume.

All of this is hand embroidery!

And what was she cutting?

Roosters of course - without a pattern.

Click to Play:

5 minutes long, but worth it -
Just listen to the sound of Polish being spoken. Love it!

Two in mirror image - because she cut them together.

Luckily her daughter has been learning the paper cutting techniques from her mother - I hope they can keep this paper cutting tradition alive.

Traditional costumes in the corner of the room.

These flowers are beaded!

This is what you would find on a festival day in Łowicz.

Oh the colors!

After class we were able to wander through the museum, and the outdoor museum park to see what old traditional cottages were like (More on that to come) and then have some time to wander through the town square (triangle!) before meeting up at a restaurant on the corner for lunch.

My best take of my trip to Łowicz?  My floral sneakers!  I love them!

They capture all of the feel of our day gluing paper cuts and learning about the history of this Polish tradition.

Back in the rail world:  Yesterday's dentist appointment was a gold star.  No fillings need replacing, nothing needs a new crown or a root canal.  Just shiny clean teeth and a good bill of health.  Yay.

Irene's Sewciologists started arriving yesterday around 4pm - and all were settled in by the time I headed home for dinner.

I'm looking forward to spending time with them today.

You have made Starshine a hit! Thank you so much, everyone.  I can't wait to see your projects in progress and down the road - finishes.

Quilt Details:

Let Your Strings Shine! String Piecing by machine made easy – and a great way to use up an armful of favorite scraps in a rainbow of blossom colors! Full color photos, step-by-step instructions and many helpful hints included.

Quilt Size: 83’’ X 92’’

Introductory special:  I've placed the PDF pattern for Starshine at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.  

Pricing good through 10/15/23. Hurry now and save!

Even more:

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Starshine PDF pattern from me and a Star Bright Color Roll from Cotton to Quilts.  The fabric rolls are a great way to add sparkle to your own scraps.

And yes, they have neutral rolls and blue rolls too.  Check them out!

Enter to win on the Gift-Away Page.

We will draw for our winners on Saturday, 10/14/23.  Good luck, everyone!

Other goodies going on (If you've made it this far)

For fun, I've placed the PDF pattern for the Punkin Patch Runner at $5.00.

Let's celebrate the changing of the seasons with some fun string-pieced pumpkins!

And if you've got this one as a UFO - it's time to pull it out and finish it up.

You'll also find Appalachian Autumn at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Creativity isn't always easy, but keep working at it.

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Look for the possibilities.

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Have a terrific Thursday, everyone -