During yesterday’s lazy Sunday afternoon I spent a while, as is my wont, happily browsing Etsy.
And I ran into the item above – isn’t it pretty?!
It’s a midcentury tablecloth from Etsy store LastCentury. So lovely!
It reminded me of something…
I took this photo whilst on holiday:
It is a detail from an old tablecloth that was lurking, faded and forgotten, down at the railway carriage.
I liked the pattern so I took a snap.
Now look closely at that first tablecloth again… See those little people? Lurking amid the midcentury prettiness?
Both patterns hail from the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art tradition.
As do these…
I love these folky, traditional patterns that have re-emerged from the past.
In fact, I must say, I like Pennsylvania Dutch – very much 🙂
You have such a good eye. Thanks for sharing these lovely patterns.
I adore these … I actually saw a cushion with the little man and woman in a local charity shop … it was quite worn on the edges so I left it … I might have to go back … I really love the birds and heart illustration … Bee xx
yes me too, I would love to be able to draw these kind of designs. Nice post, heather x
Hee hee, I’m a descendent of Pennsylvania Dutch, so this post just makes me laugh!!!! (It can be hard to appreciate the decorative arts of your own family roots.) You’re helping me see it with new eyes.
The PA Dutch are mostly Swiss Germans and when they came to Pennsylvania in the 17 and 1800s they spoke in low-German (Deutsch). Local people misinterpreted it and called them Dutch. Just a little history…. Warmly, Sue
Thanks Sue! I was wondering where the “Dutch” bit came in! The Germans do seem to get around. Near where my sister lives in Queensland, Australia many of the early settlers were German. There are lots of German road names – and there’s still a German restaurant in the locality!