Always On The Lookout
While preparing for the upcoming “Historic Finishing” workshop at The Barn the last weekend of this month I was struck by my good fortune in acquiring an excellent inventory of vintage finishing rags. This pile was particularly peculiar as it came from an antique shop twenty miles from town, out in the prairie of Nebraska. The main emphasis for the establishment was rural and agricultural collectibles, but in my browsing I came across a large box of muslin feed sacks. These had been carefully — almost lovingly — washed and folded, and were in astonishing condition. No holes, no stains, and a wonderful nap of both sturdiness and suppleness. In short, perfect for the finishing shop.
I bought the entire pile of these wondrous rags, I think for about 20 dollars. There were about 60 complete feed/seed bags in the box, which means a price of 33 cents apiece. I’ve seen similar items going for up to $10 at shi-shi antique boutigues (seriously who “decorates” with feed sacks?).
Students in the upcoming workshop will get to give them a test drive as each will make several polishing pads, some for applying spirit varnish, some for abrasion polishing with pumice and tripoli.
So always be on the lookout. You just never know when you might come across a box of treasure.
My mother had a collection of “dish” towels and would talk about using dry goods sacks (flower, and feed) for making them. The mills used the material for marketing their product to customers. I don’t know the needlework terms but edging was done along with colorful stitched scenes. My wife has a couple from her mom and grandmother–in the towel drawer.