Persian Pickles

I have always had a fondness for the paisley pattern (I also love pickles). In high school the best dressed,and possibly best teacher wore paisley ties which also contributed to his "cool" factor. There are many thoughts on basis of the design,yin and yang,teardrops,young palm fronds,pine cones,pears and kidney shaped. The pattern is sometimes called "Persian pickles" by American quilters. Paisley is of Persian origin and was initially woven into shawls. In the 19th century soldiers returning from India brought home cashmere and silk shawls and the design was in demand. The weavers of Paisley in Renfrewshire,Scotland became the foremost producers of these shawls and the design got its English name from the town.