Old needlework?

The backing would be called calico using this definition: "cotton fabric with a small, all-over floral print." Here's a calico dress from the Civil War period.

Debora

 

To late......lol so here is the back.....I didn’t think it was a pattern to begin with because of the uneven freehand look to the flowers and the sides being different in appearance......so what do you guys think

 

Looks like there are printed "cut" lines on the edges so I'm thinking there would have been printed pattern lines too. What happened to the calico?

I was looking for old tables on Ebay and came upon this. Reminded me of this thread. I was noticing the fabric and edge.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PRIMIT...qwAAOSwx~9db~Bb:sc:USPSFirstClass!20187!US!-1

 

I Don’t see any pattern lines

 

These are the lines I see unless they are something else. I think there is a way to remove the pattern lines. Ironing maybe?

 

Just a running stitch to keep the raw edge folded over & in place.

VERY poorly stitched.

 

Pretty crude, as I suspected. Not the work of an experienced needlewoman.

Debora

 

Thank you everyone now this can be used as a reference for others to learn

 

I find it charming, with that naive Pennsylvania Dutch motif. I agree about the dating by considering the motto; "dream" was not a popular 19th century moral lesson. Faith , hope, charity, purity or some other similar motto would be expected. There is a possibility that a textile expert could determine the age by examining the textile, unless it has been stitched onto an up-cycled old textile. And I suppose by a forensic examination of the floss, that might give you a clue as well.

 

My mother and her sisters did a lot of needlework and I started learning when I was 5. This is very similar to pieces that would date from the 40s-50s on to present day. I'm sure it was a learning piece for someone. The embroidery thread should be a clue. Is it cotton or a modern blend? An experienced needleworker could tell you the age of the materials. Is there a sewing shop in your area that you could bring it to? I hope you realize that the sentimental value of the person who did it is worth more than you could get trying to sell it.

Was it attached to the piece of calico or were you using that as a backdrop? If the latter, I recommend that you always show a photo of the item on a plain background so you don't confuse the eye of your viewer.

 

It was attached to the calico fabric