MD Cross Reference

This auction is for a 56″ x 56″ red with gray Swedish embroidered design.

The fabric is woven from multi-strand cotton thread. 2 edges are reverse woven, 2 edges have been left as fringe. The embroidered work is completed with gray multi-strand yarn. There are no tags or markers on the background fabric. Depending on the light, the embroidery may appear green or blue. It has a festive contrast against the red. The largest part of the pattern is repeated 3 times. The item appears to be new/unused.

The item was acquired at a benefit sale and featured as “Swedish Embroidered Afghan, Handmade by Jo Ann Thompson (very nice)”.

This area is unique in the number of local artisans that feature traditional crafts made in their historical style. During event weekends and Heritage Days Festival, many local artisans don period dress and demonstrate homestead techniques required for day to day living during the 18th and 19th century. This appears to be hand woven on a 2 pedal loom and embroidered by one of the demonstrators.

It is difficult to list this item with a single use title. These were used in the frontier from cradle to grave. They were often gifts for new babies and weddings. No “Hope Chest” was complete without one. Original uses were tablecloths, shawls, shrouds, baby buntings, etc. This is an exceptional example of the artistic utility of our ancestors.