Wrap Yourself in centuries of Blue Willow Lore Fleece Blanket

These are the greatest blankets, cuddle together in the TV Room, spread it out for picnic blanket, or to watch the fireworks display, or at the bandstand when everyone gathers on Summer Saturdays -- all with the knowledge that it is machine washable. Also perfect as a bed spread, or summer weight blanket. With the Blue Willow blanket you get all of that and years of heirloom tradition. The Blue Willow pattern was popular in 18th century England in porcelain designed by Thomas Minton around 1790 and has been in use for over 200 years. The design was inspired by the china England imported from China during the late 18th century. The story of the willow pattern was turned into a comic opera in 1901, It was also retold in a 1914 silent film, and Robert van Gulik used some of the idea in his Chinese detective novel. Blue Willow, specifically gold-rimmed pieces was the china of choice at William Randolph Hearst's estate in San Simeon, California, being Hearst's mother's favorite pattern. Blue Willow China was used on camera to evoke a 19th-century atmosphere in Western movies and television shows, as well as The Munsters, The Andy Griffith Show, and Murder She Wrote evoking the traditional American home. Odds are just the sight of it will make you or someone you love well up with nostalgia for this heirloom design.