This exquisite vintage 1920s counterpane is a wonderful example of the fine fiber arts that women created during the Roaring Twenties and beyond. It is large enough for two and perfectly beautiful for cuddling in a porch swing on a chilly summer’s evening!
The small blanket is entirely made by hand and is crochet work. Its date is easily recognizable through the substantial weight and quality of the crocheted cotton used to create this. The overall pattern is in a diamond popcorn motif popular during circa 1929 (Reference “Vintage White Linens” by Marsha Manchester published by Schiffer, 1997). It weights about 4 lbs 10 oz or slightly over 2 kilograms
The counterpane was an ornamental household linen typically used as decorative cover over a bed. They were also designed as lap blankets.
Meticulous stitching makes this a sublime example of the crochet work from this era. The counterpane is worked quite tightly so that there is no stretch nor even the slightest give to the main structure. It is perfectly shaped and features deep draping crochet lace along two sides, whereas the other two sides are decorated with deep fringe that is slightly over 5 inches or 12.5 cm in length. The counterpane is made of finely plied cotton and measures approximately 65 inches by 83 inches or 165 x 211 cm.
Upon close examination, one will realize that the edges of the counterpane contain the maker's signature from circa 1929… her name was Barbara Paredes. Or, it could have been the name of the child for whom the mother made the blanket, as this was also common practice. The counterpane was an estate find, located near Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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