How to make a baby quilt made from vintage handkerchiefs, fun vintage hankie ideas and quilt patterns. Things to do with vintage hankies.
This vintage handkerchief display idea is an easy DIY project. Repurposed vintage linens and old jewelry are beautifully crafted into a unique wreath idea. A great way to enjoy Grandma's collection!
Who doesn’t have a plain shirt or two in their wardrobe?If not, thrift shops have loads of boring blouses just waiting to be livened up! Grab some stashbustin…
Okay…maybe they are, but here’s a fun, fresh way to use them with your holiday decor! Happy Holidays, Hometalkers! Today I’m sharing the perfect tree ornament f…
You're probably going to run out of handkerchiefs before you can complete this list.
Things to make with vintage hankies. upcycled handkerchief crafts.
Vintage fabric and linens are a wonderful source of material for all kinds of upcycle projects- sewing and otherwise.
If you have a collection of Vintage Linens you will love this roundup of 15 Cute Ways to Repurpose and Upcycle Vintage Linens. (#9 is my favorite!)
Stain removal I suspect this is the subject many of you have been waiting for. If you missed any of the previous topics, we covered washing HERE, drying HERE and ironing HERE. Because…
Found some pretty old hankies? Don't keep them stored away! Instead, check out these 10 super cute ways to repurpose vintage hankies!
Just had to share these beautiful vintage hankie buntings I recently acquired through Vintage Revolution on ETSY. I’m so in love with them! Perfect for backyard parties, showers and weddings.…
Vintage handkerchiefs are easy to upcycle into braided bracelets with this easy tutorial, especially if they're damaged or flawed!
How to repurpose vintage handkerchiefs into baby burp cloths, a free sewing pattern. Vintage hankie craft ideas & new uses for vintage linens
Vintage hankies are a lovely idea that brings both a sentimental and decorative touch to your wedding.
A couple of years ago, right before we left California to move to Virginia, I went to visit my sister-in-law. One of the passions that we share is quilting. As much as she loves to
I know I said the next post would be the bathroom but I've had a few questions about the bed so here's a little peek into the somewhat haphazard way I make things! I have a great love for vintage iron beds. So when it was time to make a bed for La Maisonnette there was no question it would be an iron one. I had an idea for what it should look like and flicked through a few books and surfed the web for some inspiration. I never did find a picture of the exact bed as I saw it in my head. I didn't draw a picture of anything, I just started building it. I don't have many pics of the bed making process so this isn't a tutorial! The bed really is just made from florist wire and beads and glue. I bent the wire around a little bottle that I found on my desk. Those gold things are some dollhouse hinges I had - and by some miracle was able to find them when I needed them. The bed feet are just eyelets. Of course I made the bed ends without even thinking about how I would attach them to the bed base. Aaaaaaarrrgghhhhh!!!!! Oh, well...where there's will there's a way... I taped a bugle bead to each of the bed legs (you can see one on the left of the pic above) then glued a piece of wire to each side of the bed base to slot into the bugle bead. I buy vintage hankies at the op shops whenever I find them. They make perfect bedding. I don't like cutting them up but sometimes it has to be done. Here's the other side of the bed that will only be glimpsed through the window. The most important thing about this bed was that it had to fit in the space. Fortunately I measured the width of the alcove the bed was going into and made allowances for the bed feet as they stick out further than the bed ends. I've made that mistake before. Once again I surprised myself when it turned out like the picture in my head! Thank you all so much for stopping by here and for the lovely, kind comments you left on my previous post. I've missed you! It feels good to be back!
I'm going to show you 5 clever ways to display vintage hankies. These works of art are meant to be seen and enjoyed, not hidden away in a drawer. One of
Found some pretty old hankies? Don't keep them stored away! Instead, check out these 10 super cute ways to repurpose vintage hankies!
Just had to share these beautiful vintage hankie buntings I recently acquired through Vintage Revolution on ETSY. I’m so in love with them! Perfect for backyard parties, showers and weddings.…
How I tackle those awful stains!
You're probably going to run out of handkerchiefs before you can complete this list.
Photos are copyrighted and may not be used without my permission! I've spent alot of time drifting on my blog--you get whatever is happening in my life. However the purpose was to share my knowledge--or what I like about antiques. First and foremost is my love of antique textiles. Not many people understand my fascination with hankies--except other hanky lovers. To me they are fine works of art on a 10" x 10" square of the finest linen. To purchase a hanky with the same level of detailed hand-embroidery would cost you several hundred dollars today. While hankies were made all over the world, my favorite workmanship are hankies made in Belgium, Switzerland and Madeira. You don't have to be a hanky collector to appreciate a nice hanky. The non-collector purchases a hanky most often for a gift--a bride being the number one recipient. Brides often buy from me, and use the hankies as gifts or part of a gift basket for bridesmaids, in addition to using the hanky for "something old" and "something blue" if it has blue embroidery on it. If you see a fabulous hanky damaged, make a sachet out of it. Don't let the fine embroidery go to waste. I've attempted to categorize hankies in a way that you'll understand and encourage you to spot a fine hanky. Applique & Shadow-work Hankies Madeira hankies must have invented the use of applique and shadow-work. Applique is when they take a piece of fabric and stitch it on top of the hanky--hence "applique". Shadowwork is when they put the fabric underneath, or stitch underneath, to create a "shadow" on top. I don't think I've seen a Swiss hanky that has this. The blue flowers are the applique-work on this hanky. Note that the L is made up of embroidery and shadowwork, making a large monogram. White version of the L hanky Like the L hanky, the W below was made by the same manufacturer. same hanky in pink Below are some variations, possibly by the same manufacturer. A variation of the L hanky A pink variation of the B hanky above Note the flowers are the same for the last 3 hankies compared to the earlier ones. The embroidery on the hankies with the applique letter can become more elaborate. Rather than applique, this hanky has the letter done in shadowwork and embroidery Similar to the D above, only in white shadowwork Don't forget to click on a photo if you want to see the enlargement. This is another variation of a spring bouquet around the monogram. The hanky below is a real favorite of mine. It has pale grey embroidery and a separate organdy flower with loose petals not attached to the hanky. This design with the flower is a whole collecting category by itself--which I will share with you later. Note the attached organdy flower on the corner. Hankies can also have the letter be an applique, instead of embroidery M hanky with a nice drawnwork hem, in a medallion of delicate stitching. It has a 40's look to me. Doesn't this hanky remind you of the 50's monogrammed sweater (the "L" on LaVerne's sweater?0 While this is simple, notice that the appliqued fabric is enhanced with embroidery Below are some appliqued monograms that are more elaborate. The K in this hanky has leaves that edge the hanky. The hanky below has the label "Madeira" and has some wonderful bellfowers accenting the somewhat modern-looking angular H. The hanky below is an M done in a french script style. I love the detailed embroider surrounding the M. Click on photo for enlargement. Notice the applique flower has some openwork, buratto I believe. Lastly, I'd like to share my favorite applique monogram, complete with embroidery and a lace edge. Beautiful! This next section of applique work shows applique flowers in combination with shadowwork and french style script monograms. The bows are shadowwork, the R is french script in heavy padded satin stitch, with an applique flower in the corner. Another example with applique flower in the corner. Applique flowers in the corner The next group shows hankies with applique flowers surrounding the monogram--making more of a "medallion". The applique flowers are a creamy satin - interesting texture. One of those unusual hankies with the all-white applique. I hardly ever see red in a monogram. I love the contrasting grey stitching. The flowers are applique. Applique flowers make a medallion. Unusual V Hanky--V's are hard to find. White creamy applique flowers. Simple medallion with one applique flower, shadowwork and embroidery. I like the pink G monogram The lavender monogram looks great, I think all these flowers are shadow-work. Most of the shadow-work tends to be colored, although not always. They are Madeira hankies, I don't think I've seen any good Made in China knock-offs. Below are two examples of P Monograms. Below are more examples of shadow-work. Don't forget to click and view a photo if you want to see an enlargement. Simple shadow-work making up a medallion. I totally love the brown embroidery. I can't seem to keep any of the blue, brown or grey in stock, everyone loves them for weddings. I t This hanky is unusual with the flowers on one side of the B monogram. I love the applique and shadow-work flowers The shadow-work bows are really sweet. Great for a wedding hanky. Another example with grey shadow-work, some cutwork and pale aqua contrasts beautifully. I love the brown on this hanky! Applique medallion with shadow-work leaves. Great aqua blue embroidery Isn't it interesting that they managed to have such a classy combination of grey complementing the pink! Great wedding color, don't you think? I love the shadow-work medallion on this monogram, plus a shadow-work edge on the hanky. Beautiful! Organdy Flowers The hankies below are really special. They have organdy flowers/ butterflies attached to create a 3-D effect. The organdy is light and delicate. Butterflies look like they landed on the hanky for the photo shoot! Note the petals of the organdy flower are not attached. Hanky has Madeira label. Fabulous hanky with loose organdy leaves surrounding this R monogram. Monogrammed Hankies - in a Circle Medallion The hankies below are all hand embroidered with a french script style monogram, padded satin stitch. There are various designs, all circular. Shadow-work medallion of circles Simple delicate blue embroidery makes an elegant statement A bit of shadow-work, and wonderful Madeira flowers. A small medallion of flowers and scrolls enhance this B The C monogram is on an organdy insert, enhanced with the grey scroll embroidery. A double row of padded satin stitch makes a great enhanced script monogram. love the daisies, french knots and scrolls. This is too cool! I love the cicular design around the H! Unusual D hanky with eyelit embroidery making a cicular medallion with pink embroidery Another great pink/grey combination. The french script R stands out in this circular medallion of scrolls. A great hanky with cutwork border, lots of padded satin stitch and Madeira forget-me-nots. Unusual find, a triple monogram hanky in a medallion of flowers and scrolls. The next 4 hankies are still a circular medallion, but the monogram is not the heavy padded satin stitch--the monogram is done with embroidery making the letter wider. This A monogram has a border with cutwork. This monogram is a combination of padded satin stitch and embroidered fields filled with tiny french knots. This F monogram is great--I love the double circle of embroidery. Notice the detailed embroidery on the bell flowers. The bright blue monogram combined with the white embroidery really makes the monogram jump off the hanky. The two hankies below I've owned years apart. They are the same, made to look like a rose petal, with the outer leaves out of organdy. Beautiful! Great W monogram M Monogram with organdy leaves inserted and cut out to make them sheer. Organdy medallion, cutwork on the border, shadow-work bows and flowers. Square and Oval Medallions Square R Medallion, original label. Probably my favorite "square" medallion. The next 11 hankies are monograms surrounded by a heavy square of embroidery. I have noticed there is a distinct style of hanky that is filled with scrolls and flowers. It is likely the same manufacturer. Looks very much like Victorian Whitework embroidery Talk about scarce, an "I" monogram. This is one with the scrolled embroidery I was talking about. Has some shadow-work leaves Distinctive Madeira forget-me-not flowers surrouning this F monogram Another heavy whitework Victorian hanky Scrolls and flowers make up the medallion Unusual green F monogram I can't resist the field of flowers on this hanky! Hankies with Double-Wide Monogrammed Letters Some of these hankies don't have huge monograms, but the embroidery on the lettering is extra detailed. Some of them are two-color, for a shadow effect, and others are letters filled with embroidery. Hanky reeks with quality embroidery. OK, reeks is not a good word, but you get the drift. Wonderful French style script monogram. The embroidery is delicate on this hanky, but has a wonderful effect with the bouqet. OK, I threw this in as a test. This hanky is NOT hand-embroidered. It is NOT antique, err, at least by my standards. It's still not bad for a machine made hanky. Check it out, you need to know how to tell the difference! Can you see the quality difference in this hanky vs. the last one? This one is a fabulous hand-embroidered hanky. Another unusual hand-embroidered hanky. It is not Madeira, but still wonderful! Your red Christmas "I" Hanky. Wonderful! The double lines of the R add to the graceful look of the monogram. The ribbon intertwined with flowers is unusual. There are 3 colors of embroidery. Doesn't it add to the beauty of this hanky! Simple forget-me-nots enhance this monogram. The colored embroidery is extremely high quality--look at it closely! All white embroidery, tiny french knots inside the monogram. Great looking whitework! Go back and check out a B hanky earlier in the post. Very similar to this one. This was as 13" hanky, huge, wonderful embroidery! Open cutwork in the monogram. I think that the previous W hanky was made by the same manufacturer. The grey pencil lines underneath the embroidery suggest that it may have been made in China. At least that's what I think when I see them. Great blue ribbon border with those Madeira forget-me-not flowers . The H is a french script double-wide on the right. I love the detail on this hanky. Great design. The green embroidery is a very unusual find! Check out the quality on this hanky--isn't it wonderful! I don't think I've come across a pink lawn hanky. OK, another test. this is a machine made hanky. The colors were fun so it got purchased. This is an English Victorian Whitework Hanky. Looks like a design from the 50's or 60's. Still great. The embroidery is an extremely fine quality. This blog is so big, I'll continue this later with Hanky Primer #2. So what is your favorite hanky that I've shown today? Here are the links to all of my hanky articles: Hanky Primer #1 Monogrammed Hankies Hanky Primer #2 More Monogrammed Hankies Hanky Primer #3 Embroidered & Petitpoint Hankies Hanky Primer #4 Appenzell & Appenzell Style Hankies You can find me from time to time selling antique linens on Ebay: antique-monograms-- I need to share some of my fabulous finds, I don't have room for more!
With apologies to Jenny, but you know what they say about imitation! No living tablecloths were used in the making of this bunting, they were all torn, holed or stained.
3 Tips for sewing with vintage linens including vintage sheets, pillowcase and hankies. Lots of fun ideas for things to make with old linens.
Graphic for repurposing vintage linens
Get inspired to make scented sachets for closets, drawers, cars, and shoes! Try out these custom creations to fill homemade sew and no-sew sachet bags.
Upcycle vintage linens with these 27 project ideas. Learn why you need to buy that linen piece you found at the thrift store or garage sale. These crafts from recycled vintage linens are for every skill level and will make an unique, thoughtful and one of a kind gift.
Whether your sheets are vintage, covered in a memorable print or have seen better days, we have the perfect DIY to repurpose them.
In Repurposing & Decorating With Vintage Linens, there are many ways to create something beautiful and useful with your found or made linens.
If you have a collection of Vintage Linens you will love this roundup of 15 Cute Ways to Repurpose and Upcycle Vintage Linens. (#9 is my favorite!)
