I got my first pretty handkerchief when I was two years old and we were visiting one of my Dad's aunts. Before we left her house that day she brought out a few handkerchiefs and allowed me to choose one. I chose a rather not pretty one. It had wide orange and blue stripes and a picture of a vase with orange and blue flowers. I loved it though, and happily tucked it into my dress pocket when ever we went to church.
My collection of pretty handkerchiefs grew rapidly and decidedly prettier as I got older. One of the traditions in the Amish churches while was growing up was when ever someone came to visit the girls always got to choose a pretty handkerchief as a little memento to take home.
I always loved the pile of handkerchiefs my Mom kept on hand for visiting girls and wished I could get to keep some of them for myself since she had designs that no one else seemed to have, at least not that I ever got to choose from.
As a teen I always matched the handkerchief I took to church with the dress I was wearing. My something borrowed on my wedding day was one of my Mom's prettiest handkerchiefs. It had a bouquet of delicate blue flowers embroidered in one of the corners.
I have a box filled with dozens and dozens of handkerchiefs. I still remember where each one came from, but sadly I no longer use them. I'm debating if I want to use them to make some type of handkerchief quilt, or do I simply keep them as they are. Either way I'll always treasure the memories each of them holds.
I also have some handkerchiefs that belonged to my Mom. I treasure them, but also don't use them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Something I haven't seen in years. I remember starting school with a freshly ironed handkerchief in my dress pocket and everyday until 4 th grade. These gave way to Kleenex. At church ladies were known for their hats, gloves and their pretty handkerchiefs.
ReplyDeleteMy mom kept many hankies too. Sadly they were tossed when my brothers were the ones to decide what was important or not. I have a few that belonged to my mother-in-law. In the long run though I am glad we now have Kleenex!
ReplyDeleteI like to carry a linen handkerchief, and I do use them. When my grandmother died, my mother and sister and I took turns picking a scarf or a hanky from the pile. It's funny - they all belonged to the same person, and yet there were some that I loved and others I would have in my house.
ReplyDeleteOne Sunday our rector had a sneezing fit in the middle of the service, and I reached into my pocket. The cough changed to a laugh, when she showed the entire congregation. "Anybody else would hand me a tissue. Anne has to give me a cloth handkerchief!"
I have over 100 handkerchiefs (many rescued from thrift shops), and I use them daily. It is relaxing to press them straight from the dryer.
ReplyDeleteI've seen glorious hankerchiefs hanging for a window valance. how amazing to put to use a family heirloom.
ReplyDeleteNo hanky tradition here. I was delighted when Kleenex came on the scene. So much healthier and cleaner. Were these pretty hankies really meant to be used anyway?
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a clean hanky with a spot of perfume on it tucked into her pocket or pocket book daily. I would occasionally see her take it out and politely dab at her nose... She confided in me one day, when I was older, that her perfumed hanky came in handy quite often if she were in close proximity to something that did not smell good... LOL!! Her nose didn't run as much as she pretended!!! Now, if she had a cold, she would resort to kleenex, but I loved her pretty and pretty smelling hankies! I have a couple of them in my possession.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have seen beautiful handkerchiefs hung as a window valance.......so pretty!! Whatever you decide to do with them, I know it will be lovely. On a side note.....maybe a picture of each handkerchief could be taken and put into a scrap book with a note of where it came from and the memory behind it. This way, you can pass those memories along to your children! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Randi, this is a great idea. I would love to see a post like this. I love old handerchiefs.
DeleteWith everyone moving towards a greener lifestyle, I wouldn't be surprised if these were popular again.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who collected vintage hankies. She used them to make pendant banners. They are beautiful and very feminine.
ReplyDeleteFamily hankies evoke so many wonderful memories. It was nice to read all of your comments here.
ReplyDeleteHere is a page with lots of hankie ideas on my website, enjoy! http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/Articles.asp?ID=257
ReplyDeleteHere is a page with lots of hankie ideas on my website, enjoy! http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/Articles.asp?ID=257
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