the 1920's - 1930's - 1940's
 Most all these girls' dresses were made from FLOUR SACKS |
    Flour Sack Patterns |
| We wore many dresses made from feed sacks...Carefully selected from an example Mama would show Daddy before he left for town. Mama didn't get out much , so her inspiration was the Sears catalog...She'd leaf through the catalog, get an old dress that fit and have a dress already made, ironed and hanging on a hanger when we got home from school...We thought that was wonderful. She would add a little white collar, rick rack, colored bias tape, etc. to make it special...Jeannie Travis. |
THE
FLOUR SACK
Some of you are way too young to know about the FLOUR SACKS, but some of you will remember. I hope all of you enjoy reading this very well written poem by Coleen B. Hubert. In the that long ago time when things were saved, when roads were graveled and barrels were staved, when worn-out clothing was used as rags, and there were no plastic wrap or bags, and the well and pump were way out back, a versitile item, was the FLOUR SACK! Pillsbury’s best, Mother’s and Gold Medal, too Stamped their names proudly in purple and blue. The string sewn on top was pulled and kept; The flour emptied and spills were swept. The bag was folded and stored in a sack. That durable, practical FLOUR SACK! The sack could be filled with feathers and down, for a pillow or t’would make a nice sleeping gown. It could carry a book and be a school bag, Or become a mail sack slung over a nag. It made a very convenient pack, That adaptable, cotton FLOUR SACK! Bleached and sewn, it was dutifully worn, as bibs, diapers or kerchief adorned. It was make into skirts, blouses and slips, and Mom braided rugs from one hundred strips. She made ruffled curtains for the house or shack, from that humble but treasured FLOUR SACK! As a strainer for milk or apple juice, to wave men in, it was a very good use, as a sling for a sprained wrist or a break, to help Mother roll up a jelly cake, as a window shade or to stuff a crack, we used a sturdy, common FLOUR SACK! As dish towels, embroidered or not, they covered up dough, helped pass pans so hot, tied up dishes for neighbors in need, they dried dishes from pan, not rack that absorbent, handy FLOUR SACK! So now my friends, when they ask you as curious youngsters often do, “Before plastic wrap, Elmers glue and paper towels, what did you do?” Tell them loudly and with pride don’t lack, “Grandmother had that wonderful FLOUR SACK! Submitted by Sherry Arnold |
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