What If: Flour Sack Upholstery
This space started percolating while wandering one of my favorite places, the MN state fair. In our household, the MN state fair is its own season. If you’ve been to the Ag building, you’ve seen the wall of grain and flour sacks. I think it’s safe to say this is my favorite attraction. They remind me of the antique French/English dining chairs that people would DIY with colorful grain sacks. It made me wonder, what if this was approached is a slightly different way? Grain and flour sacks are obviously durable although, I’m sure the fabric backer would give me a call as soon as they arrived. I love the idea of these patched together to showcase the history and patina. Again, this isn’t a necessarily new idea but there is something about revisiting this since the height of the shabby chic and primitive era and allowing this to feel fresh again. As my friend Heather Peterson would always say, “context matters”.
1. Petite Motif 2. Sawkille 3. Architectural Antiques 4. J. Plourde 5. Martin & Brockett 6. Robert Allen 7. Hem 8. Muuto 9. Russell Woodard 10. Ingrid Restemayer 11. Heifetz Rotaflex (Vintage) 12. Moss & Fern 13. Woodward Throwbacks 14. Orijin Stone 15. Spears Furnishing (Vintage) 16. Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Christian IV (Vintage) 17. Urban Outfitters
The What If:
Once constructed from rough cotton, most of these vintage sacks have softened considerably over time - which would make them more ideal for soft sofa cushions. The two pictured here are fairly subdued but once you go down the rabbit hole you’ll see the color and patterns range considerably. At one point in time they were colorfully patterned and marketed for re-use as quilts and clothing (particularly during the great depression) - so why not upholstery?
Love feed sacks as much as me? Check out 69 Tearz.
This “what if” naturally directed me to my love of folk art. Folk art can go in so many different directions; rustic, refined, edgy, sweet - and can have many different messages and heroes. The pieces often remind me of homes filled with meaningful, soulful furnishings - not just “stuff”. This idea is expressed so well on the website of furniture maker, Sawkille:
“Homemaking is not so much about decoration and renovation. Rather, it’s a metaphor for community, for the design of an environment - professional or domestic or societal – that challenges and supports its inhabitants, an ideal closer to the arrangement of a Samoan village than a perfectly appointed living room. It’s critical that home not just be a place that you use whatever is there, but that it be a place you are truly responsible for.” - Dr. Catherine Bateson.
It always surprises me (maybe it shouldn’t) that when a space begins with genuine inspiration, time for deep thought and artisans that I can connect with - the design seems to flow out of me so quickly. Again, maybe not a surprise but more of a parting thought, taking time for inspiration does matter. Rushing design and inspiration works against us. Starting from a place of insincerity will only compromise the integrity of the design.
