Bring Back the Hankie and Giveaway!
Historians credit Marie Antoinette with the invention of the pocket handkerchief. She was so broken up at leaving her home in Austria that she cried all the way to France and wiped her eyes with bits of lace torn from her dress and lingerie. Anticipating future tears, she made it a point always to have a piece of lace tucked in a pocket of her dress. This, say the historians, was how handkerchiefs were born (according to 1940 Modern Women magazine).
Handkerchiefs during their existence have been used for many things like greeting someone, cleaning your hands, face, or teeth, wiping your tears and nose, applying perfume, and have even been used to signal to a gentleman that you would like to meet him or given to him as a token of your affection.
We now have Kleenex and facial tissues, and when I mentioned to my daughters that we should bring back the hankie, they said “eeewwww”. But how is washing a hankie any different than washing underwear? And isn’t it more environmentally friendly?
Don’t you agree that pulling out a gorgeous vintage handkerchief to wipe your eyes at a wedding or funeral is so much more sophisticated?
Or if you are on a plane and someone next to you is coughing, what more beautiful way to cover your face than with a lovely hankie?
If you agree, then I have 30 vintage hankies that I would love to share with you. Each one is different and they are super soft.
Some are embroidered or have delicate thread work.
Others have a theme of music or travel.
Some have initials and others are brightly colored.
This one has a scalloped edge and others are tailored. Since they are vintage some may have imperfections, but to me, that contributes to its story.
I would love to send you your very own hankie! All you need to do is send me an email (to [email protected]) with your name and mailing address. If you would like to share your favorite color or you see one in an above photo you are partial to, please let me know. If not, I will just surprise you!
Do you think we can collectively bring back the hankie???
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Mary,
Looks like you have some lovely vintage hankies. I’m always looking at vintage hankies and fabrics when visiting antique shops or flea markets. I even bought a book at Barnes & Noble by a woman who uses vintage hankies in many ways, including dresses and hats for small dolls. Was on Instagram looking at vintage hankies and now it keeps sending me all kinds of vintage hankie crafts, each one cuter and more unique than the next. So I if you have an hour or seven check it out.! have a good day.
Johna, thank you for the information. I will definitely check it out. Yesterday I was at a meeting at City Hall and one of the participants follows my blog. In the middle of the meeting she pulled out her handkerchief and I was so delighted!!!! Let’s continue to spread the word and see more hankies out there.
They are all so lovely, Mary. I only have two, one that my daddy gave me and one that belonged to my grandma. he one with the embroidered tiny violets immediately brought back memories of my grandma, Tita, as they were her favorite flowers.
I have a few from my Grandmother. They are cherished and will be passed on. Yes, bring them back! Hugs
I just find them so elegant and sophisticated. In a world where everything is disposable, it’s nice to have a lovely handkerchief to use. Having them passed down to you from your Grandmother makes them extra special.
I give monogrammed handkerchiefs as a gift to my friends with Board of Visitors Flower Girls with a nite that says “For you tears of joy.” I’m with you, so much nicer than pulling tissues out of a fancy handbag
I love the monogrammed hankie that you gave me Patti! You are right, it is such a special gift and I think of you every time I carry it.
Mary, your hankie collection is lovely and so inspiring. I don’t think I will ever carry paper tissues again!
What a wonderful gift! And Effie thinks of you every time she uses hers! So nice.
I have a collection that I can’t bear to part with. I’m right there with you on this crusade. Let’s bring them back!!
I have dozens as well. They can be an attractive background for a small family photo in a frame. There is something enchanting about them. Tuck them in your fancy purse you take to dinner. Better than paper tissues if needed. Spray with perfume and place in your dresser. Tie on a package to a girlfriend. All clean and fresh. Linda
I knew you would have many of the! Great ideas for alternative uses. I think each and every one of them is so special….Hope all is well with you.