Sack Cloth reply to SHB

[Dutch Limbach]

Steel Horse Bailey had a thread on the Spot regarding Towels and Washcloths. Since the Spot is now down again I'll post my reply on here.

I've heard of grain sacks (Burlap sacks) being used.

Actually, the grain sacks used weren't burlap, but were a white cotton fabric which is called "sack cloth" or "flour sack cloth". I'm not a fabric expert but I'd call "sack cloth" similar to canvas or cotton duck. "Sack cloth" was used as towels and also for undergarments and quilts. I hear that "sack cloth" is still popular among quilters today, especially the cloth that has some of the colorful designs printed on them. Also, there is an amusing anecdote of a woman in the 1920s or 30s that made her husband's undershorts out of flour sacks. She took great care (or so they say) to construct them so the words "SELF RISING" appear across the front of them.

In the event you'd like to acquire a flour sack towel you can pick one up for a couple of dollars (for a 36"x32" towel) at your local Joann Fabrics.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Thanks, Dutch!  Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  I went to Fall Creek Sutlery and got some of their bags of various sizes and I'm sure the white ones are the material you mentioned.

I also got some flannel material for a towel and such from Wally World.

We missed you at the shoot this past Sunday. (6-12)  I suspect the rain had something to do with the low turn-out.  We just sorta made things up as we went along.  I had tons of fun!