A Pocketful of Hanky Upcycles for All Your Op Shop Finds
- Words by Emma Mulholland
The humble handkerchief is well and truly due a comeback: itβs reusable, peak #DadCore and so much prettier than a boring old box of tissues. So! If you find yourself inspired by these nifty makes, we suggest you get thrifting and stitching (or adding these beauties to cart) before the handkerchief revival comes for us allβ¦Β
above LULU FLUX
HANDKERCHIEF CURTAINSΒ
Oregon maker and grower Hannah (@SleepingWillowFarm) might lay claim to the worldβs prettiest bathroom drapery. As for kitchen curtains, weβll call it a draw: weβre rather taken with this floral gem by Floridaβs @JStepura and this all-white wonder, created by English smockmaker (@LuluFlux). If you like what you see, head on over to Janomeβs website for a free handkerchief curtain tutorial.Β
HANDKERCHIEF QUILTSΒ Β
What could be hand-ier than a glove-embellished handkerchief quilt? This clever piece is the work of Californian stitcher Kerri Anderson (@LittlePrairieSparrow). We also love this hand-stitched make by Washington quilter @WyldwoodCreative (if you love it too, head on over to her Instagram Stories for details on the process). For another great hanky blankie tutorial, take a look at Kentucky quilter Melissa Mortensonβs website, Polkadot Chair.
Forget the Dishes! Put Your Tea Towels to Work With These Crafty Upcycles
HANDKERCHIEF TOPS
βHankie tops are my absolute favorite thing to wear right now. The lightweight cotton drapes so beautifully and gathers so nicely,β writes Seattle sewist Katie (@PlaydateVintage), who wears a self-drafted design.Β
Next, we have halter tops by Californian store @3WomenCo, made with hankies from the 1940s and β50s, plus flour bags from the β30s and deadstock shoelaces from the β50s. Weβre also rather taken with the simple style created by Oregon sewist Laura Harper Jaffe (@GeminiDressed), which was crafted with just four hankies β including straps!
HANDKERCHIEF DRESSES
Proving yet again sheβs the queen of make-do, Brisbaneβs Sue-Ching Lascelles wears another of her upcycled frocks, this one created from 90 vintage hankies (to see her incredible tea towel make, head on over here). There is no pattern, Sue says, βit was more of a calculation of squares, adding a few more for each layerβ.Β
In other dreamy confections, we have the Ruthie dress by New Yorkβs @Proche_Studios, which the label customised with a sentimental hanky, plus this summery number by LA label @Caro_Uccellino, featuring pretty straps made with pillow case lace. Thrifty!Β
SIMPLE HANDKERCHIEF UPCYCLESΒ
First up, we have bunting. Thatβs because bunting is ALWAYS a good idea. Not only does it produce instant cheer and merriment, bunting (like the fine example by @Emily.Retro) is simple to sew β especially when you use hankies (hello, ready-made seams!). In other simple makes, weβre getting festive feels from this lovely wreath by @BuyTheSeaDesigns, a purveyor of vintage hankies in Massachusetts, US. Source a frame and some ribbon and youβll be decking those halls in no time.Β
Last but not least, we have the sweetest needle book by Dutch sewist Hannie (@Hartelijks). Granted, the embroidery on this one is no simple sew, but the case itself is a nifty (and portable!) project that will have you busting scraps and boosting your hand-sewing skills.Β
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βCrafting is something that has come naturally since I was small and I just havenβt stopped. When I was smaller, I was interested in the end result. As Iβve gotten older, I realise itβs the process that keeps me coming back to craft. Itβs a meditative state for me and I find the repetitive action of the stitching and felting quite therapeutic.ββ
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While it`s easy β and understandable β to get caught up in the horror of it all and direct anger at certain groups, remember this quote from teacher and author Erin Gruwell: "Don`t let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group."β
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βYou don`t fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity," said Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. And solidarity is exactly what we need right now.β
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If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Remember there is much more kindness in the world than hate. β€οΈβπ©Ήβ
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@LifelineAustralia has created a Bondi Beach Incident: Wellbeing support guide, where youβll find information about common reactions, reassurance that what youβre feeling is valid, and ideas for taking care of your wellbeing.β
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https://lifeline.org.au/bondi-incidentβ
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@BeyondBlueOfficial is also available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/β
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