Vintage Feed Sacks Made from Beautiful Fabrics

Greetings Friends!

Last week my wonderful coworker Marie gave me a pile of vintage feed sacks that she has been hanging onto for someday. Apparently they came from her mother in law who also kept them for someday. Marie and her husband Walter estimate that they've been waiting for that day to come since the 1930's. Turns out that this is someday and I have been chosen to give them the life they deserve!

Aren't they something? I had no idea they used such pretty patterns for such a utilitarian task as holding grain. One of my FB friends said it was very common, and all the girls had feed sack dresses! I think it's a brilliant example of giving the people what they want/need and being thrifty.

There were a few scraps already cut. To see how it behaves, I stitched one into this little hankie. I'm just about finished adding a bit of crochet lace to girly it up. I also stitched one of the longer pieces into a "Rosie (the Riviter)" headband / hair tie. Totally fun. My son thinks I look ridiculous, but honestly he's 18, what does he know?!

All of the fabric is clean and in good shape. There is a bit of yellowing on some pieces at the folds. I experimented with a homemade cleaning solution (baking soda, peroxide, Borax etc.) and have no doubt that it will all be useable.

I chose these two patterns for my first bags. I bought an un-bleached heavy(ish) muslin for the lining and a few zippers should I decide to go that way. I'm not sue just yet what style bag I'm going to make first. I'm leaning towards the larger drawstring tote and adding a zippered center pocket that can also act as a divider. We'll see.

It's about time to head to work. I'll give it some thought. Maybe Marie has an idea for something she'd like. Come on back and see what happens next!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. Until next time friends, Blessings & Love!