Friday, July 2, 2010

July Blog Giveaway

I have a thing for vintage hankies.  They're like pretty, colorful personal fabric swatches and I've amassed quite a collection over many years now.  Snatching them up at flea markets, antique shops, second-hand stores and even yard sales, I typically pay anywhere from $.50 to $3.00.  My favorite hankies are the printed ones which, as far as I know, were originally sold in the 1940’s and 50’s.  Here’s a peek at part of my stash:
Well up into the mid-1940’s the hankie was a standard accessory for many women.  A perfumed-spritzed hankie was often tucked into a purse for frangrance or slipped up a dress sleeve (color coordinated, of course) for quick and easy access.  Sadly, Kleenex hit on a remarkable ad campaign for their paper tissues; a cartoon character named Lulu touted the sanitary benefits of disposable hankies and their sales soared.  The hankie was doomed – at least for noses.
Over time, I’ve raided my stash for a variety of projects including this quilt I made for a friend:
(a vintage tablecloth is on the backside)
In our guest cottage I framed a few to fill an empty wall:
For my craft fair tent I stitched 50 hankies into a banner:
And I've used vintage hankies as pockets on some of my Retro Revival aprons:
Although my hankie inventory is dwindling (need to pick up more!), I’d like to make some pretty sachets like these:
And look at this great idea:
It’s a clever “save the date” wedding announcement from Benign Objects (http://www.benignobjects.com/).
I've had this one, very special hankie for at least 10 years.  Someone took the vintage hankie and folded it around a lovely paper doll; it's designed so that you can send it as a greeting card (or remove the hankie and do something else with it).
Since I can't bear to tear it from its packaging I've decided to offer it as this month's blog giveaway!  I'd love to gift it to one of you and then hear what you do with it!
Contest rules:
Become a follower of this blog (if you aren't already)
Leave a comment on this blog or any of my July blog entries
That's it -- you'll automatically be entered to win -- yay!
Drawing is July 31
Good luck!

12 comments:

Tracy said...

OMG that is so cool! I remember getting and giving away hankies as Christmas presents back when I was in grade school. Besides 'perfune from Avon' it was the perfect female teacher gift! I love that quilt!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I hope following on Facebook counts! Love your use of vintage hankies - especially the quilt - and that hankie girl is just the most adorable!! Keep up the good work, and keep sharing it! christy (toddlermom2001@yahoo.com)

Dawn said...

Looks like I have found your blog on the right day! I will add myself to your followers list.

ohiostar5 said...

Oh, how I wish I had those hankies that I got rid of some years ago---never even thought they would mean so much to me now. Love your collection. BettyLou

Lara said...

I love vintage hankies, too!

Happy Harris said...

thats soooo funny! you and me must be sisters separated at birth! because I too have that same hanky and have been meaning to make my own for my shop - but just hav'nt gotten around to it yet!...Cindy you have inspired me to do it - thanks hun...and hope you had a lovely time with your friend! I would of joined you in a MEGA chocolate cake breakfast! LOL!

Love Happy xx

Lori said...

Do I love hankies? Do birds tweet?LOL I love all you've created, the table cover is the best! I've made two buntings by folding in half and knotting the corners this way I can reuse easily! I'm going to have to shop for some next week, I think I need more too!! Please enter me, this is a fabulous givie!! Lori

Lori said...

oops, follower too with pleasure! Lori

Anonymous said...

That quilt is just stunning Cindy! Now I'll have to be on the lookout for some vintage hankies...

~Nadine

Engagement Announcement Invitations said...

Those hankies are very cute and lovely to have. That is a nice token to be given to someone.

note cards online printing said...

I remembered my mother made a blanket out of handkerchief. And the result is very nice.

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh...Fiddle Sticks! How did I miss your incredibly wonderful giveaway? I must have been on another planet!
Your blog is such a treasure trove of sweet ideas, projects and vintage treasures!
Maybe, next time....(sniff sniff!)
Smiles,
Carolynn xo