The designs given as freebies are from one of the regions around Krakow. Originally the women would hand-embroider the flowers on their black vests, that's why the designs are shown on a black background. The costumes were very elaborate, and worn on Sundays, festival days, and for dancing. The men's costumes could be just as elaborate. I'm putting up some photos I took off an American Polish website, and the costume pictures come from a Polish company who hand-makes authentic costumes for dance troupes. Thanks for letting me show off a bit of my own ethnicity. My mother was born in the USA, but her mother was from a small town in Southeast Poland. My grandmother took my mother back to Poland after the first World War, to repurchase their land and move home. After staying 2 years, she decided the devestation was just too bad to rebuild, so packed my Mom up and came back to the USA. My Mom remembered the Statue of Liberty and coming back through Ellis Island as a small child. So, I came that close to being born in Poland!! Enjoy the pictures!! Hugs, Marji

You know how I LOVE the story behind the scenes! Thanks Marji and I'm so happy you are here instead!

thank you for explaining this :)

Marji what a coincidence! My paternal grandparents were born in Poland. I had the chance to visit some cities where I was a child. I remember Varsovie. One of my aunts is gone in the United States in the years 50/60 and got married there. which is why I have a cousin there :o)

Just had a good laugh at the thought of embroidery designs for cleaning furniture...

Well, Gerry and others, I made the mistake of confusing Polish and polish when I was a kid, it was so funny. We grade school girls used to help the nuns clean the church every Saturday, and this was the Saturday before Easter. Now, I was in "cleaning" mode, so when I saw the sign on the confessional that said "Polish English Confessions", I got mightily confused. I ended up going and finding Sister, and asked her, "Which ones are the ENGLISH confessionals we're supposed to polish?" I have to hand it to the lady, she didn't crack up right in front of me. I suspect the sisters all had a real chuckle at the convent later, though. Easy enough to confuse, even for a Pole, hee hee hee. Hugs, Marji

I must admit as I read this post I was thinking first of furniture polish. but as I opened it I understood it was from poland. I was laughing because of my first thought too.

Thank you for sharing the information. I'm sorry if I confused anyone by not posting the proper name of the design.

Thank you for sharing the info! I learn a lot on this site...and not all of it sewing! I love it!

Thanks for the explanation Marji, My grandfather also came from Poland and lived in Gemany with my Grandmother who was German. During the second worldwar my father was transported to Germany and met my mother. Thanks very much for this pictures.

These are photos of the "Polish Folk Art" freebie, and some costumes from the Krakow region of Poland. The link is to an American Polish website. Do not "klikje" on anything you don't understand, hee hee hee, those are Polish dating ads, you might get a gorgeous Polish man showing up at your door!!! Hee hee hee, Marji

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