Dala Häst Love

I thought I would introduce you to the Dala Häst. A Dalecarlian horse or Dala Horse is a traditional craved and painted wooden horse statuette originating in the Swedish province Dalarna. A long time ago the Dala horse was given as a toy for children to play with but in modern times is has become a symbol of Dalarna. 

Dala Horse

I lived in Sweden when I was a lot young and in 1995 I visited Dalarna with my family and was given one of these fabulous horses with my names hand painted on, and has pride of place on my family's mantlepiece. Ever since that day I have been in love with their beautiful simplicity and extraordinary patterns (but maybe I'm bias). It is for this reason I have often use the Dala horse in my sewing because I think the simple outline of the horse with a gorgeous bit of fabric looks amazing. In recent years the increase of the Dala's presence has excited me as Scandinavian design has become ever more desirable so has the Dala Horse and you can buy them now in all shapes and forms.

Here are just some of my favourites:

Felt Dala Horse Ornaments, Dala Horse Stamp, Dala Horse Biscuit Cutters, Dala Horse Mug, Needled Felted Dala, Cross Stitch Dala, Dala Horse Candle Holder, Dala Horse Charm, Embroidery Dala Horse, Dala Horse Garland, Dala Horse Christmas Decoration

Or if you are simply dying to get your hands on a Wooden Dala Horse like one of these:

Then the best place to get one is to take a holiday to Dalarna and visit the factory. However, if this is not an option then there are many places online when you can find them for sell such as Esty and Ebay. 

Or if you just fancy getting creative like me then here are some examples of what you can do with the simple Dala Horse Shape:

My Sister has always wanted a Dala Horse of her own as when my brother and I got  our Dala Horses she had not been born yet. So for her birthday one year I made her one of her own. Using fabric leftover from her curtains and Cath Kidston material for patches and hooves and a button for an eye, she was very pleased. 

Here they all are together.

I have often used this template to stitch on canvases, cards and tea towels.

Here is a template I use, so now you can have a go at stitching your own Dala Horse inspired project.