At the Vermont state fair, Rutland (LOC), originally uploaded by The Library of Congress.

Topping the week of with one of my very favorite things in the world : Feed Sacks. I love them for their patterns, obviously. I love them for their stories, their history, their perseverance.
Most known for the depression era, people were poor and quite resourceful. They used EVERYTHING at least thrice. Animal feed came in reusable cloth sacks so families could feed the farm, and then make clothes and linens, hence the feed sack moniker “chicken linen”. Upcycling is a buzz word today – the cool and responsible thing to do, back then it was absolutely necessary. In this photo, you can see three of the sisters have a dress of the same pattern. Women would collect and trade feed sacks in order to get enough of one pattern to complete their projects.
All of this and sheer brilliance in packaging. Packaging today needs to become this smart once again. I’d love to know the percentage of packaging that contributes to our landfills. I’m sure it’s staggering. Recession got you down? Innovate.

This wedding reception is going to be a real picnic! In the interest of an extremely short timeline, and a desire to make little impact while spending little money, … we came up with a combination of photopolymer plates that I already had from previous jobs, French Co. 100% recycled paper that was off-cut from another project and my newly acquired vintage wood type for a fresh look on a low budget. We created something new, using what we already had! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

that’s Feedsack of the Month, folks – and if you’re not a member, you’re missing out! all of the notecards and this month’s surprise {it’s a secret, known only to those who join the club} have been printed and are in production to be sent out to lucky recipients. They are unique, inspired and green. Everything has been printed on tree-free cotton paper with soy-based inks. The very origin of the original feedsacks was in the name of Reduce, Reuse, … Upcycle!

To learn more about how this little guild came into fruition, go here.

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3 months {$42} // 6 months {$73} // 12 months {$134}

every month you will receive a vintage fabric inspired letterpress surprise. each installation will vary, but will always include some exclusive letterpress goodies based on the feedsacks my granny has collected and sewed with since the depression era. my vision is to carry on their original “reduce, reuse, recycle” spirit, honor their history and tell their story.

membership will include the historical background of feedsacks, a “club card” and {of course} some eclectic vintage modern stationery. cards will arrive between the third and fourth week of every month, starting in January of 2009. gift purchases will include a note explaining the subscription and a gift card.

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