Handkerchief Dolls
We made batches of these for our Church Bazaar and
they were quite cute. Start with a handkerchief,
unfolded. (we used some vintage handkerchiefs and
new men's handkerchiefs) Fold in half diagonally
and stuff some cotton batting as a head. Tie the
neck off with a ribbon bow. Knot each of the two
top corners close to the ends. This makes it look
like a pair of puffed sleeves and hands. Sew lace
around the bottom of the "gown" and across the top
of the head to look like a bonnet. We added small
silk flower bouquets to her arms and joined them
with another ribbon bow
Guest Books
I saw these in a magazine and they would be so
sweet as guest books for the new bride or for a
new baby. Start by folding a handkerchief in half
lengthwise wrong sides together. Insert 2 pieces
or cardboard wrapped with batting (for my
handkerchief they were 5 1/2 X 5 1/4 inch squares)
on either side with a space in the middle for the
spine area. Stitch the handkerchief on three sides
with the cardboard inside using either a machine or
hand stitch with a needle and thread catching the
ends of 2 8 inch pieces of ribbon to tie the book
closed. Fold in half widthwise. Fold paper 11 inch
by 5 1/4 inch in half widthwise and sew down the
center spine.
Bed Pillow
Using 2 handkerchiefs of the same size and color
sandwich a pillow form in between and stitch on
the outside all 4 sides.
Ring Bearer Pillow
After following the above directions for making a bed pillow
sew a 24 inch length of ribbon to the center by stitching it in the middle and pulling it through to the opposite side making a dimple - you may want to embellish the center with some seed pearls.
Continue to go back and forth through the pillow several times. The rings are now ready to be tied on.
Hankie Invitation
Inside a pretty hankie lay your invitation face up.
Fold the opposite corners over the invitation until all four corners have
created an envelope. Tie a pretty ribbon around the invitation and finish off with a pretty charm.
Decorating Ideas
- Sew together a pleasing assortment for use as: curtains,
table topper, or a quilt top. If you don't sew you can clip them to a
cafe curtain rod for use as a valance.
- I have a china hutch with glass doors and have draped
vintage white lace edged handkerchiefs on a diagonal
so that the corner triangles are hanging over the edges
three across. It looks lovely and adds a softness
to all those hard edges.
- Use a vintage handkerchief tucked in a beaded bag for
an elegant addition to your dresser.
- Frame them in a collection for a dramatic effect.
- Use them as Basket liners.
- Use them as a sachet with a ribbon tied to close the hankie.
