HOW TO MAKE A FEED-SACK DRESS

Are you a thrifty and creative housewife looking for new clothing and home textiles?

Why not make them yourself from empty flour or feed sacks!

In the tough economic times of the 1930s, when fabric is expensive and hard to come by, there is ample cotton available from bags containing flour, sugar, or animal feed. These sacks can be converted into many different items, from curtains and dish towels to clothing.

If you are lucky, you will find bags already printed with attractive patterns. But if the chicken feed comes only in plain beige bags, fear not — you can easily dye and decorate the cotton to your pleasing.

All you need for your dress are three bags and a pattern. You can even order the booklet Smart Sewing Suggestions from Maple Leaf Milling Co. for more inspiration.

1. Most cotton bags are sewn with chain stitching that begins in the lower corner near the fold. Cut the chain close to the bag. Hold on to the ends of the upper and lower threads and pull them, ripping the stitching apart.

2. Cover any markings on the bag with lard or soak them in kerosene overnight. The next day, wash the bag with lukewarm water. A few more washings will remove any remaining traces of ink. 3. Dye the material, if desired. The material dyes

easily and produces rich and long-lasting colour. 4. Use your pattern to cut out and sew your dress. You may have to piece together sections of fabric to fit the pattern.

5. Finish off any raw edges by applying bias tape. Embroider designs or appliqué patterned pieces of fabric onto the dress to decorate it.