Ode to a dishtowel...and simpler times.

This is my favorite dishtowel. It's looking a little sad these days. (I know, it's weird to have a favorite dishtowel and to like it so much that it might inspire a blog post. But, I am sure weirder things have been written about...and I am sure I will write some of those.)

So, back to my point. I love this fabric. I love all fabric that is from this era.... circa 1930s, however, the dishtowels and tablecloths are my favorite. I have stacks of cloth that my mother-in-law gave me that were her grandmother's. This dishtowel was her aunt's and probably from the same collection. How lucky am I?

I love the bright contrast of colors that earlier decades didn't favor. I love the simplicity of the colors and almost woodcut-like shapes and the color printing process that later decades made more complex. It was utilitarian, but fun. They needed a little brightness and fun in this era. It's interesting to note, this was Depression era. 

Here we are, similarly in a state of depression (depending on who you ask..) from an era of prosperity much like the 1920's into the 1930's... and we all could use a little brightness and fun in our daily lives. However, many of us have never really known the word, need.  But still, we are all having to find ways to be thrifty. Find ways to enjoy the smaller things. See old things in a new way. The autumn 1930 Sears Catalogue said that Thrift is the spirit of the day... hmmm..interesting. Sounds like something I've heard recently.

I don't use the tablecloths very often, but I do (obviously) use the towels. They add just the right amount of color and fun to my very serious grey kitchen. :) But sadly, I have to retire this little beauty. I don't want to throw it away! EE-GADS! The horror! After some thinking, I think I might have some way to re-purpose it and enjoy it longer. I'll let you know if I get around to it. After I finish this...

and this....