Hankies
A Photo Essay
by Patricia L. Cummings
At one time, no one would go anywhere without a hankie tucked into a suit jacket, a pocket, or a purse. They were indispensable in the age before the ready availability of store-bought tissues. After having been gifted with a large selection of vintage hankies, I got the bug to acquire a few more, realizing that some of them are truly miniature works of art that employ needlework skills, painting, and words. In this article, I will show you a few hankies from my collection, and in time, I may add additional ones, for your enjoyment.
This is a corner of a handkerchief that is very delicately, hand embroidered with the towns of New Jersey from Cape May to Paterson.
This cheerful man-size, hanky celebrates the constant sunshine of California, the state seal, and many locations and attributes.
This beautiful hanky features the birds of Australia
This beribboned example with scalloped borders is exquisite and has (printed) writing to wish someone a Happy Birthday. This is one of a number of Greeting type hankies in my collection.
From the "Lewis Collection" comes these three pastel-colored hankies from circa 1940s, the same design in three different colorways.
Corner of a hanky that has pulled thread work and tiny embroidered flowers.
Two more pastel color hankies with interesting embroidered motifs.
Crab Soup? hanky - No!
On January 10, 2009, Kelly Gibbons, a reader from Canada, wrote to say that the Chinese symbol (in red) is a "fu,” which represents happiness. Bats, the red objects in the scene, have been symbols of happiness since the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Bats are called "Bianfu,” and a design that features them calls for “limitless happiness.” These details are a far stretch from the description that the seller of this hanky provided which mentions that the children were about to eat “crab soup.” One never knows. I am so glad I asked members of my (former) outline stitch embroidery list for help in identifying the elements of the design. Thanks, Kelly!
Two Handkerchief Holders
Handkerchief holder, monogrammed, and made of muslin, initials in Bluework, and trimmed with buttonhole stitch in blue embroidery floss. Lewis Collection
Linen handkerchief holder with a closely-worked buttonhole stitch edging to form scallops. Lime green, light blue and pink are the colors used for the floral embellishments. Lewis Collection
Hanky Quilt
Designed and made by Patricia Cummings; inspired by the work of Cindy Brick
Crazy Hanky Quilt
One day, quite a while ago now, I caught a part of a segment on HGTV's "Simply Quilts" in which Cindy Brick was the guest. She was showing how she makes small crazy quilts out of handkerchiefs. I was so inspired, I went up to my studio and made the quilt you see above.
The flowers in the corners are from one handkerchief. The butterflies appear on another hanky. The crocheted sunbonnet girl is the corner of yet another vintage hanky. The colors throughout are mainly a repeat of the color violet and the color yellow. Embellishments include buttons, embroidery, metal findings, beads, lace and ribbons. I had a lot of fun making this quilt.
See the ad for Cindy's book, Hanky Panky Crazy Quilts, in the right side bar.
As I said, I have many more photos of hankies, and may just set up an additional file. Stay tuned.
* * * * *
In May 2009, our article "Vintage Hankies: Miniature Works of Art" was published in The Quilter magazine.
Copyright 2009. Quilter's Muse Publications. Text by Patricia Cummings; Photos by James Cummings, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved.