Last month while my husband and I were celebrating our anniversary in the city (Seattle), I came across a European vintage grain sack that made my thoughts turn toward Christmastime! The monogram, texture and patches packed a ton of character into the humble, time-worn grain sack. I couldn't wait to take it home and begin decorating for a vintage farmhouse style Christmas.
I loved learning more about the history of grain sacks from Medreana, who has an etsy shop with many beautiful grain sack items...
"European grain sacks were originally produced about 100 years ago on European farms, to bring grain to the mill. Each sack was hand woven from hemp with a distinctive pattern of strips showing which farm it belonged to, sometimes with a hand stitched monogram. The reason for the unique family farm markings were because the farmers wanted to be able to identify their own sacks when transporting sugar, flour and grain to the market. And when the grain came back from the mill, the unique markings ensured the sacks were returned to their rightful owner.
These textiles are, by nature, extremely Eco-friendly! The average age of these textiles is 100 years and they were naturally home grown, home retted (in local lakes and ponds) and woven by hand. These textiles are being re-cycled today and showing off the extreme craftsmanship of past generations! Yet another feature that makes these textiles extremely eco-friendly is their durability. These textiles were designed to endure generations of constant use and will have an extremely long life. The timeless beauty of this linen and their extraordinary quality make these textiles the perfect choice for any home and an environmentally friendly choice.
Grain sack adds a bit of history and authentic vintage charm to whatever it touches!"
Grain sack adds a bit of history and authentic vintage charm to whatever it touches!"
Isn't that so neat about the unique family farm markings? I hadn't known the reason for the monograms!
I'm so thankful to my Mom for making us these beautiful pillows! Here's a tip you may already know... Use drop cloth on the back of grain sack pillows to make the grain sack go further (since they can set you back a pretty penny!).
Have you found something to inspire you in decorating your home for the holidays this year? Maybe it's a special family heirloom or something that will make your children's eyes sparkle? (There may or may not be a 4-foot vintage Frosty the Snowman in the back of our SUV... Grain sacks just don't speak to young boys like they do to us! :)
I'd love to hear what is inspiring you this season.
Thank you for stopping by today!
Xo
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I already liked your pillow's on Instagram Julie , love them !! I never knew the history behind the initial's on the grain sack's , it make's them even more special :)) Our only special tradition here is to get a live tree , small but real. We then take it to a place that recycles them , love that fresh smell. You and your husband are the best , the boy's will be so excited for Frosty !!!! Oh wait, my almost 18 yr old and married 31 yr old EXPECT their stocking to be filled every year . Lol Tammy
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DeleteI went on Etsy and ❤️'d the Medreana shop . Beautiful piece's at wonderful price's , even with the shipping cost's. Very impressive:) TT
DeleteHi Tammy - I love that your children still appreciate their stockings! :0) Yes, it was my first time visiting the Medreana shop - could have lots of fun there!
DeleteThank you for mentioning Medreana ! Glad to help you with any further informations about antique european grainsacks :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your gorgeous pillows, they are truly unique :)
Thank you ~ beautiful pieces and I appreciate the great history lesson on grain sacks!! :) ~julie
DeleteI love your pillows! I'm a huge fan of grainsacks and have a few blue striped ones. You're so lucky to have your mom make those for you. I like the tip of using drop cloth material on the backs. Sounds like you had a fun day of shopping!
ReplyDeleteLove! Julie! I also have some and I love them!
ReplyDeleteI did not know the story behind the different stripes. I love grain sacks even more now that I know the history.
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the history on the grain sacks.
ReplyDeleteLove these pillows!
ReplyDeleteOH yes! They are so you! Your Mom is the best! I use lots of Painters Drop Cloth in my home, and plan to on pillows that I have been working on! I so wishh I had some old grain sack fabrics to work with right now, I am looking for ones with black stripes.
ReplyDeleteYour ho e is going to have its halls decked out with Christmas charm, so looking forward to your additions to your theme.
Xx
Dore
PS....Forgot to mention I am in love with the tattered flaws and being patched, really does not get any better then a great patch to show of its auntie tic charm.
ReplyDeleteXx
Dore
These are so pretty. And you are right we should use another fabric on the other side to strech our wallets.
ReplyDeleteSo very very pretty!
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