I thought it might be nice to mix things up today. Rather than featuring a fabric collection I bring to you a book about fabric. It's definitely the next best thing to fabric and this book - Feed Sacks by Linzee Kull McCray - is one that I have been eagerly anticipating. Feed Sacks is the first in Janine Vangool's Encyclopedia of Inspiration series published by Uppercase. Uppercase is a small, independent publisher of books and magazines (Uppercase Magazine) for the creative and curious.
Author Linzee Kull McCray documents the rich history of the feed sack; from a plain cotton sack to being printed with patterns for dolls and embroidery, to boasting florals, bold plaids and colorful sweet juvenile designs that were re-purposed into frocks, aprons and quilts by resourceful housewives in the first half of the 20th century. While feed sacks were a means of storing and transporting products (flour, sugar, seeds, feed) these bags were as important to the consumers as the content providing women with a way to clothe their families and a means of income (by selling the bags or items made from the bags).
The book includes extensive imagery and at-scale reproductions of whole feed sacks, feed sack swatches and items made from feed sack; from aprons, tablecloths, curtains, stuffed toys, to children's clothing and ladies frocks as well as beautifully pieced traditional quilts.
The book is an inspiring and comprehensive source book of pattern and color for a textile enthusiast. It gives an insight into a slower paced way of life, and the resourcefulness and domestic skills of women that enriched the lives of their families and communities by making do and making it themselves.
I absolutely love everything about this book and have thumbed my way through the 500+ pages of content. I love that the book came wrapped in reversible dust cover featuring feed sack fabric, and was delivered wrapped in a vintage cotton cloth bag. This attention to detail adds to the charm of this book and I look forward to seeing what's next in this series of collectable books.
FEED SACKS:The Colourful History of a Frugal Fabric by Linzee Kull McCray is available from:
Uppercase Shop
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Rita
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COPYRIGHT: Photos included in this blog post are my own photos taken of the Feed Sack book. Logo images provided by Uppercase. All photos used with permission. Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission. This is original content from www.redpepperquilts.com.
Rita - Thank you for this recommendation - this would make an absolutely fabulous gift for my mother! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWish someone would reproduce the "he loves me" daisy fabric!
ReplyDeleteI just spent a nice time drinking coffee, looking at this book, and watching it snow. Fascinating thinking of the art that went into these. And the people who picked the cotton to make them! That picture with the little girl 5 years old who was said to pick all day- wow!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful book. Thanks for sharing it, Rita. I do not know much about feed sacks. The fabrics are very cute.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rita, for the lovely review! So glad you are enjoying the book. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteGiving a lecture on feedsacks early Jan! There's always something else to learn~thank you! Ordered- Susan R
ReplyDeleteI spent my weekend with this book & was so inspired. I absolutely love it!
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