Looking for a unique one-of-a-kind (ooak) gift for the person who has everything? Vintage linens is the way to go! My studio is filled with linens of all sorts. Once word got out that I collected linens, grateful women bestowed upon me their family heirlooms, thankful thatsomeone would be putting them to good use. One of my earliest crushes is also one of the simplest ….
…the Vintage Handkerchief.
Weighing about as much as a feather and generally sized at a petite 10 inches square, the vintage handkerchief is probably the easiest of linens to use and, I might add, one of the most treasured, especially if you’re using one from your grandmother’s collection. If you are lucky enough to have some of your own or have started your own collection, great! If you don’t… you can easily find them. Try your local antique shop or, what I like … grab a large cup of coffee, a couple of girlfriends and haunt your local flea market. For as little as $1 (cheap, right? well…let’s call it thrifty) you can find one that suits your style. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. We can take care of that.
Once you get it home you’ll want to launder it. Pop your new finds into a bucket of very hot water into which you’ve added a dollop of laundry soap (I prefer Myers brand) and a dash of Oxyclean. Let them soak for at least one hour after which you’ll want to hand rinse in running hot water. Squeeze out as much water as possible and then, using a clean white (preferably) towel, lay the hankie on the towel, roll the towel up, and step on it. Yep, step on it. This will gently remove just about all moisture enabling you to air dry your hankie in no time.
When your hankie is dry, or actually better yet, when your hankie is just about dry, iron it. The little moisture that is left will steam out any wrinkles in no time.
TaDa! Your freshly laundered hanky is ready for its new life!
Upcoming blogs will feature items from the following list. Be sure to stay tuned!
- Balsam sachet using Grandma Moses fabric
- Table Runners
- Fabric Tree
- Coasters
- Patchwork blanket
- Inspirational Sachets
- Woolen Wreath
- Pot Holders
- Holiday Banner
- Embroidered Runner
As always…made with love. ~Barb
