Embroidery on vintage burlap potato bags... by Denise
You have never seen anything like this!
About Sew 'n' Spuds
A Short History
It all started as an art project in high school.
My first potato bag came from the Santa Monica Pier. My brother brought one home filled with fish. Needless to say, it took some time to get the smell out, but eventually I was able to decorate and embroider the bag for my art project.
I then moved to Florida where, as a hobby, I continued to embroider the bags. I would place the frame on two orange crates to do my embroidery. During the 1970s and 80s, the burlap bags were easily found. I would embroider them, locate the grower, send them a picture, and most often, they would purchase the finished bag for their office. Keep in mind, there were no cell phones or internet, so this was quite an ordeal. I used the money from the sales to invest in antiques.
My Mission
In addition to designing unique "one of a kind" artwork,
I am preserving the history of the burlap bags used by potato growers to send their products to market.
The use of burlap bags for potatoes has diminished in the 21st century and is now almost non existent.
From Start...
Originally, I was able to find bags in produce stands. Now, I find them mostly in antique stores. I enjoy bringing the printed artwork to life with bright colored yarn. All stitched by hand. No tools, other than needles.
The use of burlap bags for potatoes has diminished in the 21st century and is now almost non existent. If you have any clean and printed burlap potato bags you would like to share with me, please let me know.
...To Finish
Once I have finished my embroidery, my husband builds a shadow box style frame from naturally weathered cedar fencing material. The final product is a rustic and vintage piece of art. No two pieces are identical,
so this makes the perfect gift for someone you think
"has everything".