Recently I had an inquiry asking what are sack towels, what is the fabric like, do they wash easily? It made me decide a little Sack Towel History might be enjoyable for everyone. Here are comments from AnnTheGram website in September, 2008.
“Flour sacks are originally from the old flour sacks and feed sacks. Back in the 30s, women started utilizing the empty sacks and made clothing from them, dish towels, pillowcases, clothespin bags, etc. Times were bad with the depression. “Sack dresses” originated during this time period. They came back in the 60s again too. The women begged the manufacturers of chicken feed, horse feed, flour and sugar to please make the sacks softer to the touch and try to add some color to them. Hence, the feedsack quilts of the 30s originated with beautiful colorful prints. Win/win situation. Chickens ate well and you had a purty new dress.
The sizing on these towels are irregular today because they are still holding true to what a grain sack was back when. The grain sack was sewn on one side and bottom and then, the ladies removed the stitching and viola, 30 x 29 inches, etc. In fact, if the stitching was left in place, it was a perfect, already made pillowcase. Also, in the 30s, they saved the thread from the side seam and later used to hem any of the items.”
Think how many trees were saved with sack towels…guess that is another subject! We love sack towels at Creative Chics, check out just a few of the new designs Deb and I have online at www.creativechics.com.
