Saturday, July 5, 2008

Vintage Barkcloth



Ok, those of you that know me, know that I am completely in love with vintage barkcloth, all sorts of patterns.....1930s florals, 1940s tropicals, the midcentury atomic and geometric prints from the 1950s, and the mod and flashy colors and patterns from the 1960s. I just cannot help myself, I love the different textures and the sturdiness of it. So utilitarian and so beautiful.

Please allow me to share with you a mini history of barkcloth fabric......In the late 1930s American designers and weavers introduced their version of barkcloth to the world. Their designs reflected what was popular in décor at the time. Florals, and especially tropicals were the earliest motifs. By the 1940s, barkcloth was one of the most common fabrics in the home. It was pretty much made to be indestructible. It was used to cover furniture, make window treatments and other home and personal accessories. (Next time you watch an old movie, look at the draperies in the background.) The vat dyes came first, then the screen prints. Just about any design imaginable was available... tropicals, leaves, birds, romantic scenes from far away countries, old fashioned scenes, wild abstract shapes, children's prints, animals, subtle and delicate florals...All in beautiful vivid colors cheering up our nation during and after the war. During the 1950s, barkcloth was absolutely indispensable! By the 1960s, more and more manmade fibers were used in décor items and in the early 1970s barkcloth quickly disappeared. There has been a rise in interest and reproductions have been made, but they do not hold a candle to the original vintage designs and textures.

It is amazing to me that this fabric has endured, so when I find a piece, I grab it, and restore it to its glory and stash it away for maybe a pillow, or just to take out, look at and put back away. Yes, I am a vintage textile junkie!  Below are a some of the pillows that I have crafted with vintage barkcloth. Hope you enjoy...



Mid-Century Amoeba



Mid-Century Abstract



1940s Tropical



Mid-Century Botanical
This pillow was featured in Real Living Magazine last August.



1940s Tropical



1940s Glen Court
This was a very popular pattern, it came in lots of colors and textures.



1940s Tropical



1930s Floral

I hope you enjoyed the post today, I love sharing about things that I love - thanks for stopping by and if you see something that you like, check my shops. If you are looking for a particular pattern, send me an email, I may have it or something like it - Have a blessed day!!

5 comments:

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Oh, I also share your love for the barkcloth--the patterns and colors are not to be matched in modern fabrics! I always feel a bit like I've won the lottery when I happen across a piece in a shop!

You have some absolutely fabulous creations that you've made with your treasures *drooling*
Smiles, Karen

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Hi Cindy!! Beautiful creations from your beautiful barkcloth stash! Always a pleasure to see each creation!
Hugs,
Barbara

michelle said...

beautiful! I decorated the living room of my very first apartment with pillows made from old Glen Court draperies. 18 years later, I still love that pattern!

Kathy-Catnip Studio said...

Hi, Catnap! That 1930's floral bolster pillow is to die for! Definitely on my wish list!!!

I have a surprise for you on my blog: http://catnipstudio.blogspot.com/2008/07/brillante-weblog-award.html

Anonymous said...

hey! I love vintage fabric from the 30,40, and 50's!! it soo bright! I just wanted to come by and tell you thank you for your sweet and loving comment on my blog I dont think it would of been so easy without women like you there to support me and leave me sweet comments that made me smile and cry! I just want to give you a big hug but since were apart I thought i would give you one on the net!
((((((((((((BIG HUG)))))))))))

toodles-
sarah