Sunday, April 5, 2009

VINTAGE HANKIES

I don't know what it is about vintage hankies that I love. Yet, I do! I can't pass up display of pretty vintage hankies when I'm at an antique store, flea market or even if it's just one or two I've come across at a thrift store.

I love how you can find them for any season or holiday.

My favorite ones are the lace and floral ones.


Though I have come across some darling children hankies that are to cute for words.


None of these hankies are from my own collection. I found these all on the Internet. I was to lazy to dig out my collection, wash and iron them and take photos.

I do have a collection of them though. I started my collection years ago when I came across a garage sale. There was box full of them and they only cost 10 cents each! Of course I got all of them.

Sure wish I could come across another find like that.


My girlfriend gave me a bunch of blue and white ones so I can make a banner to go across my window in my bedroom. I have not done it yet but still plan on it.


I've often thought about using them. Like they were meant to be used. I recall my mom used to have one in her purse when I was a kid.

I used to think it was super gross to carry a hankie and wipe your nose on it then put it away and use it again. Now I'm not so sure. I think maybe I felt that way because I thought she had used it and then made me use it...which of course was not the case...I hope.

I mean people wipe their nose on a tissue and put it in their pocket or purse so what's the difference? Besides, a hankie is so much prettier and softer on the nose then tissue.

I'm still not sure though. What do you think? Do you use a hankie? If not, why?
What do you do with all the collected vintage hankies you have?
Photobucket

12 comments:

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I love old hankies too, although I don't have that many. I have some that were my grandmother's and I have also picked up some at antique/thrift shops. They are fun to decorate with. I'm like you, I need to carry one in my purse, instead of tissue. My grandmothers always had one in their purse. A lady who used to work at the local cafeteria in our town always wore a corsage made out of hankies to work every day. I still remember that and I was just a child at that time. Love & blessings from NC!

Allidink said...

Ooo I love hankies too! But I don't use them for anything other than decorative purposes LOL. Love those pictures!

All the best,
Allison

Down Comforter said...

Some really pretty hankies - I really love vintage textiles :)

Tara said...

Hankies are such a beautiful alternative to tissues, but as someone who has spring allergies, the tissues are easier. I do have about 20 that were my Great Grandmothers. I would love to share them sometime, but completely understand the need to wash and iron them first, as they are currently stuffed in a drawer. I should get them out and use them, if not for the nose, for decoration!

Unknown said...

What a lovely collection you have! Just beautiful! I love Vintage Hankies! :)

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

I love the old hankies. My mom used to carry one that had her initials embroidered on them and my father (to this day) carries one in his pocket. I've seen him, many times, get his hankie and clean my youngest child's face/nose. I see it as such a "loving" gesture now.
I have a few hankies that I have in my vanity. I've used them for various things from decorating to wiping my brow on a summer day (you know what our summers are like!). I'd like to find a few more and make a banner for my kitchen. I'll need lots of red/white/yellow ones :0)
I hope you enjoyed the lovely weekend weather we had and I wish you a happy week

Glenda said...

My sister has allergies and uses her bandana's to blow hers. It saves the trees.

But they are gross if you come across a used one.

There were a lot of pretties like that at the Flea Market today..........

Ciao

Tracey said...

Joanne, I too have a hankie collection that was my mothers. I'll have to keep an eye out for some unique ones this summer as I lawn sale and go to flea markets for you.. Have a great week!!

Unknown said...

I love them also, and yours are so pretty! I have a couple from my late MIL and I treasure them. You find the neatest things!

Debbie said...

Oh I love those old hankies too! I have sold many on Ebay but have come to love vintage linens so much I will probably keep any more I get from now on. I DO use vintage hankies and linens that are torn or stained in sewing projects. Check out my blog...I just put a folk art pillow I finished with my old auntie's hankie on it in pieces...actually there are two of them on there..they were either stained or ripped. You have a beautiful...beautiful collection. I like the banner idea. I've also see them framed behind clear glass and hung in succession on a wall.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Hi Joanne...
Writing you an email. Hankies..well, I use mine as bookmarkers. I have a couple of them in my organizer (yes, I still use one! :) Your idea of a banner is wonderful. I would love to see that! Especially with summer coming on..it would be so light and airy I would think.
My earliest memory of hankies is always having one in my pocket or little purse. I can still hear my Mom saying before we left the house "do you have your hankie?" :)
Nice memory for me!
Great post today..you than you always have a great one!
Smiles and love,
Mona

Sometimes It's Good said...

I love vintage hankies, too. I had a comforter that had repro. hankies sewn on the quilt blocks. It was my favorite quilt. I still have it and use it for picnics and stuff because it's worn out. I also like them in the kitchen pinned across the top of the curtains.
I hope we can get together soon. We could go to lunch and Debra's cottage or thrifting or both. Let me know when you have a free day.
Hugs, Susan