"Flour sack" towels, also known as tea towels, have a long history that dates back to the 1800’s when staples such as flour and sugar were packaged in woven cotton bags or sacks. As the Great Depression hit, these flour sacks became useful for many things including curtains, aprons, dish towels, and quilting. Supply companies began printing pretty patterns on the sacks and women began trading patterns and collecting them. Maritime Tribes proudly works in an 1800’s building who history includes dozens of sewing teams that definitely sewed many towels like this.
Rachel Ruysch (Dutch, 1664–1750)
A Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Table before a Niche, 1742. Oil on panel
Museum purchase with funds donated by Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo, in support of the Center for Netherlandish Art
