D'Oyley Afghan Block

This block began with the net-like section, which was inspired by a vintage doily. While wandering the internet, looking at pictures of doilies, I ran across the story of Robert D’Oyley, a follower of William the Conqueror. He was given a grant of land in exchange for an annual payment of table mats valued at three shillings…which was probably a lot of money way back in 1066. Apparently, he paid up with mats made by the ladies of his household and, eventually, the mats acquired his name…D’Oyley. These days, there are many different ways to spell the word but this may be the original and, I think, most elegant spelling.

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