Darlene Zimmerman is the quintessential quilter. When you learn about all the things she does, you wonder if there is anything she can’t do or doesn’t know about quilting. Darlene Zimmerman for Robert Kaufman designs fabrics and Darlene Zimmerman quilts. She writes books and lectures about quilting. Darlene Zimmerman templates–such as the EZ Mini Octagon and the Mini 45⁰ Petal–and Darlene Zimmerman rulers–such as the EZ Quilting 60⁰ Diamond Ruler–make cutting your quilt pattern pieces a snap!
In addition, Darlene is a textile historian. Darlene Zimmerman fabric is popular among quilters and sewists–especially those who like to use historical quilt patterns. Missouri Star is proud to offer choices from the Darlene Zimmerman fabric collections: Darlene's Favorites fabric and Darlenes’ Basket of Blooms. Many people think of the fabrics in these collections as Darlene Zimmerman feedsack fabric because the prints have the same spirit as those printed on feed sacks in the USA between the 1920’s and 1940’s.
But you may be asking: What is a feed sack? and What is feedsack fabric? Here is what Darlene might tell you…
When the price of cotton dropped in the 1920’s, manufacturers of flour, sugar, salt, beans, rice, cornmeal, and feed for animals began packaging these products in cotton sacks rather than the barrels they had previously used. At first these sacks were plain and had the company logo stamped on them. But thrifty people used the sacks to make undergarments, bedding, dishtowels, aprons, and clothing for their families. When manufacturers learned what they were doing, they hired artists to create designs for their sacks. By the late 1930’s manufacturers were in stiff competition to design attractive prints for their sacks and even developed patterns for stuffed toys and quilt blocks. One feed sack could make a child’s shirt or dress. Three sacks was enough for a dress. Use of feed sacks for household sewing was considered patriotic and continued across all income levels throughout and beyond WWII.
Although women during the Depression may have felt they didn’t have much choice but to use feed sacks for their sewing, the Darlene Zimmerman fabrics inspired by feed sacks are colorful, fresh, and just as much in demand today. Missouri Star offers Darlene's Favorites Charm Pack, Darlene's Favorites Layer Cake, Basket of Blooms Roll Up, and Basket of Blooms Fat Quarter Bundle as well as many choices of Darlene Zimmerman quilt fabric by the yard.
Whether you are sewing a historical quilt pattern or just looking for a cheerful print, Darlene Zimmerman may have designed just the fabric you need! Check out the selection of time-saving tools and fabulous fabrics created by this clever designer.
