Feed Sacks: The Colourful History of a Frugal Fabric by Linzee Kull McCray is a book that successfully romps through the history of Feed Sacks, that economy fabric whose first use was to hold animal feed, flour, sugar, and many other substances, as explained in the introduction. The book provides a comprehensive view of the subject and is illustrated with countless clear photos of feed sack cloth, including the many pieces of cloth that featured doll cut-outs.
Published by UPPERCASE publishing (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) in 2016, this 544 page book is a must-have for any textile historian who is interested in feed sacks. The print and the captions are very small print so make sure that your reading glasses are up to the task. The book is truly encyclopedic in nature. This book will provide many hours of reading pleasure.
I was lucky enough to have received this book as an unexpected holiday gift and it is a most welcome addition to my library. I have collected a few pieces of feedsack including a clothes hanger cover that was found in this old (1821) house when we moved here. I also bought a half-finished dress made of feedsack and finished it (not that it was my size!). I also have a quilt that is made primarily of feed sacks. Feed sacks is a subject about which I have written for publication in several articles. It is always fun to learn more about a favorite topic and McCray's book provides many little-known details! I would highly recommend her book which is full of swatches, quilts, and fabrics including a piece of cheater cloth that is also in my collection! Fun reading!
