Sunday, November 17, 2013

A Love Affair With Hankies

I am of an age that I had hankies as a girl, as did my friends, and that is when my love for hankies began.  My grandmothers carried them everywhere and often had one tucked in a pocket.  I always thought they were the prettiest things!  Even Grandpa, both of them, carried handkerchiefs as did my Dad and my husband.  Neatly folded in a back pocket....Their's were manly in plaids or white ~




Some have tiny rolled hems, scalloped edges, fancy laces of all kinds and they were also like little samplers, where those learning their dainty embroidery practiced ~
I display my hankies in different ways around our little bungalow as they are just too pretty to keep hidden away in a box and make pretty little unexpected accents ~ I change them often ~
And, I  take hankies that have a slight blemish and turn them into pretty pillows ~

Or, add a corner to a Christmas Stocking
And, who could imagine that a pretty piece of  cotton and sometimes, silk could hold so many  memories, remind us of  our joy and happiness, love and loss.. each hanky has a story.
I have some that have never been out of their original box ~
Look at the pretty edges ~ To see a larger version of each picture, just click on it ~

My favorites are the ones that are in perfect condition, but used....those are the ones you wonder about ~ wonder who carried it and what the hanky would tell if it could talk ~
There is a wonderful and short history on hankies, if you would like to read it.  Just click on the link ~

http://www.luxemag.org/fashion-history/handkerchief-history.html

I love Lavenders and this is such lovely lace ~
In my Sewing room

In the dining room ~



And, I saved my favorite for last ~ When we moved from Arizona to Michigan, eleven years ago, we briefly lived in Coldwater, MI.  Coldwater was our home base for scouting where we would eventually live ~
The surrounding communities of Coldwater is a mecca of antique stores.  In one that was quite fascinating for it's hap hazard way of displaying things, I found this silk hanky.  The aged  proprietress had this behind the counter.  I do not remember what I paid for it, but it was enough that I hid the purchase from my hubby who was in the basement. (The basement was like a library....full of books on shelves ....it was amazing!)  It is a hanky that will go to one of my granddaughters ~
I believe this is the longest blog I have written to date ~  I usually try to keep them brief as I know, I get a bit impatient reading those that are overly long! :)  I hope you enjoyed it!
♥ Jil

12 comments:

romance-of-roses said...

All the hankies are so lovely. I too remember seeing grandma always with a hankie and grandpa and hubby always had one too. Your collection is just amazing. Hugs...Lu

NickiLee said...

So happy to have found your Blog (I need to update mine too) Love love love all your beautiful hankies! I need to pull out the collection I have had for years and think about making something pretty with them. Thank you for sharing.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jil, Your hankie collection is beautiful. So many unique designs and all precious. I also have a small collection that I cherish. Some very old and some my grandmother crocheted around the edge. I love Coldwater and when my Uncle lived there, it was a fun place to browse the darling little shops. I think I told you I am originally from Dearborn but in Texas now.
Anyway, wonderful post Jil. I really enjoyed it and the memories it gives especially this time of year.
Thanks for stopping by too and your kind comment.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
Celestina Marie

Sharon said...

I so enjoyed reading your post about hankies. I collect them also. I painted a vintage wooden spoon rack and display mine in the little slots on my bedroom wall. I especially like childrens hankies.

jeff said...

I also collect hankies and love seeing yours thank you

Unknown said...

Hi Jil!
I am one of those who don;t do Facebook like I shud. I just can't personalize it like a blog. I know I know I'd probably get more people, but I like the slower pace.
I hope you do post again I missed readin and don't forget I have a party now Rednesday Wednesday at
www.brownginghamcreations.blogspot.
com Hope you visit there too.

Mari said...

Jill
You have a wonderful collection of hankies...
Who knows what stories they hold, but they sure are beautiful and so many different ways to use them, I love the hankie pillow just beautiful...
And how wonderful to have some that are still in the box!!
Thanks for sharing with us your gorgeous collection ;-)

Hugs~
Mari

Sandra said...

I just came across your blog. I love the hankies you have shared. So beautiful to look at. I do remember my grandmother having hankies. So happy to have seen your pictures. And I hope you will have more to share in the near future.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jill, thank you for stopping by and your kind comment. Oh yes, we have AC. It is a must here in Texas. The kitchen turned out great and I finished in 3 days. Just added a few little touches here and there with trim and then I will take pics.
So nice to see you and I loved revisiting your hankie post again too. So pretty!! You are so talented. Hope you are having a great summer.
Blessings and Hugs

Nanalulu said...

Love your hankies, I have quite a collection myself! Anyone looking for vintage or new hankies can stop on over at my website and take a peek. Many many kinds!
http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/

send gifts to philippines said...

I enjoyed reading your post, Your collection of hankies are amazing! and i love seeing those pictures they are all lovely.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Love your blog!