Tuesday, January 12, 2010

grain sacks








Check out this website which specializes in collecting and selling these gorgeous old textiles. And here is an excerpt from her site describing these beauties and their history:
.............
–Grain sacks, variously called mill, flour or barn sacks, were used by farmers and tradespeople to send their product to market or to go to the mill carrying grain and return to the farm with flour. They were also used for the storage of grain and other food products which, in addition to the years of dirt and use, accounts for differences in color.
–German grain sacks are hand-woven and hand-decorated linen. They may have been woven and decorated at home or purchased from a grain sack maker.
–They feature beautiful hand-stencilled, hand-written or wood-block printed graphics, most containing an inventory number, the name of the farmer or tradesperson, the owner’s town. Many also show figures, such as an animal, farm implement or other symbol which relates to the contents or owner’s business.
.............
I love. You love?
*click on the images to view them a bit bigger.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

ooh, I just found a new obsession(thanks to you). these are incredibly beautiful! Love.
xo
Melis

Lambert said...

I love.
Very Enhabiten-ish in spirit.

birch and sycamore said...

Those are AMAZING.

Lynn Lunger said...

Wonderful utilitarian yet artful designs.

Ashley Anna Brown said...

These are so beautiful! You have been providing me with so many wonderful links Liane! I am so glad you started a blog.

Lauren said...

Yup. I love.

Peg and Awl said...

erm, amaaaaazing.

nesting.emily said...

they are crazy beautiful. You should own at least one for sure!!