Perhaps I should have titled this “What Do You Do When Old Looks New?” These stripes are from the same early 19th century quilt as all the other Flower Patch samples, but they look so modern to me that if I weren’t completely sure about their age, I’d think someone was sneaking in new fabric. However, I’m convinced that all the different fabrics date to within the same few years. (Any fabric experts passing this way are welcome to call and opine!)
I could easily see this pattern on a man’s shirt today. But what would it have been used for then – gowns, aprons, children’s clothes? These have the same glazed finish that many of the others do, and I’ve added the very last picture to try to show that.
Two Threads Back 
I have a very similar (though darker) pattern on a chair seat. Much heavier fabric, as well. But still . . . there’s only so many designs to go around.
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Ha! Your comment is absolutely spot on. I get focused on an old, rare thing, pontificate on its wider meaning… and then you sum it all up with brilliant perspicacity! There really are only so many. Thanks, I’ll be smiling for a while on that!
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