It's also the last Friday before the crowdfunding pre-order for the reprinting of this book is scheduled to conclude.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs, I did not promote this book much earlier in the year. Fortunately, my American readers do not have to pay any tariffs on publications like UPPERCASE books and magazines or purchases under $800.
Even if we don't quite meet the goal of preselling 400 copies, don't worry—I'm reprinting the book, regardless, just with a smaller print run. This definitive book on the topic should always be in print!
Written by Linzee Kull McCray and at 544 pages, it lives up to being an encyclopedic sourcebook with 850 vintage fabric swatches.
Feed sacks were cleverly marketed decorative and functional bags and sacks for farm animal feed, as well as flour and sugar. I wish more companies today would consider this type of reuse in their packaging designs. In many ways, feed sacks influenced my decision to send UPPERCASE magazine in kraft mailers, and this is why I highlight the many ways you can creatively reuse the mailer. A package can be functional, beautiful and have a new life once it reaches the customer!
Imagine purchasing feed for your chickens and then being able to sew a dress for your child with the bag! (Or, you could collect multiple bags of the same print to make your own dress.)
From a graphic design standpoint, the history of feed sacks is fascinating. The typography, illustration, and the wonderful CLASH of styles are just so entertaining.
For surface pattern designers and quilters, the aesthetic influence of feed sacks continues to this day! Just look at these historical examples:
And you can see how many contemporary surface pattern designers, like Denyse Schmidt, for example, are inspired by their patterned history.
spread from Feed Sacks showing contemporary designs by Denyse Schmidt
From upcycling, sewing, quilting, to designing surface patterns or typographic compositions, this book will inspire you in many ways!
Like all books in my Encyclopedia of Inspiration series, the dust jacket can be refolded to highlight four different designs.
We're at 57% funded with 5 days to go!
Let's see if we can get closer to the goal before the end of April—I would be grateful if you share this message with your friends and followers! Thank you.
Already have this book? Thank you so much! If you're so inclined, share images from the book on Instagram and tag @uppercasemag.
If you purchased the Martingale copy that didn't include the dust jacket, you can download and print your own here. You are also welcome to download these designs for personal use in craft, scrapbooking, etc.
