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!
Over time, I’ve raided my stash for a variety of projects including this quilt I made for a friend:
In our guest cottage I framed a few to fill an empty wall:
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).
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!
