Gingham… it’s the pattern of picnic blankets, vintage dresses, and it makes a pretty lovely potholder, too. But did you know it started as a striped fabric in Southeast Asia, and only later became the classic check we know today? By the mid-1700s, textile mills in England were weaving gingham in blue-and-white checks using cotton yarns, a look that’s stood the test of time (think Dorothy’s dress in The Wizard of Oz). By the 1960s, red-and-white gingham had become just as recognizable, especially in pop culture, vintage fashion, and summer table settings. As timeless as houndstooth, gingham is simple, structured, and always in style. This summer we’ve been inspired by gingham, which left us playing around on our potholder looms. We found that our heathered loops work beautifully for gingham-inspired designs. The subtle color blends give the potholders a cozy, nostalgic feel that’s just right for summer, or any time of year.
